I searched all over in the search area on information on 35-40 Ford frames. I did not find anything. I am wondering if most of these frames are rusted at the rear X where it meets the frame? I have 2 frames and both are rusted in this area. Prev. person welded thick plates to the outside on both frames. Can this type of rot/damage be repaired. If so can anyone point me in the right direction on information on how to correct this issue. Thanks. Dean
You can see how i fixed my 33-34 frame. http://www.jalopyjournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=213126 Its similar to the 35-40 frame at leat in the back area.
they came from the factory already rusted . actually , it's common...that's why a good frame can cost big $$$$ the good news , it can be fixed with the proper methods
Haven't seen one yet that didn't have at least some rust. Road debris gets impacted and of course it's wet and stays that way. It generally is in the side of the rail the worst. You can cut out the rusted portion and weld in a new piece most of the time. I was able to weld a fish plate to the inside by inserting the welder through the holes in the x frame. Can screw up the holes for the e brake cables if you are using the stock rear end. A word of caution. Brace the heck out of the frame if you are trying to do this with any load on the frame. You are weakening the frame significantly while the piece is removed. Old age and treachery will win over youth and exuberance.
My '35 frame was not rusty but someone took a cutting wheel to the X member so they could run a larger exhaust pipe thru it. I was lucky enough to find a guy who was cutting up a good frame so I bought the original pieces from him. I still ahve a section of it that I'm not using. I also have a repro. section from a guy in Maine or M***. who makes them for C&G Parts. Let me know if you're interested in them. Shoot me a pic of the area you need to fix, vwfern@hughes.net. Brendan
most are rusted.. I have had 3 that were fine.. and 3 others that were rusted BADLY. Precision Coachworks 19 Winsor Rd Billerica, MA 01821 has repair parts for the commonly rusted areas of a 35 - 40 ford frame (ie the kickups)
It's hard to tell (I can't blow up the pictures), but it looks useable to me-can you give us thumbnails?
ck with ch***is eng. fort branch iowa they have replacement x member parts if the rails are good save it! we just boxed my brothers frame and put in a tubular x member worked out very well.
There was a guy on eBay selling replacement rail sections & crossmembers for the 35-40 frames...they were a little pricey to me (I'd rather fab), but if you don't have access to the tools/materials, might be a good way to go.
basically nothing. well my understanding is that the convertible and woodie wagon frames were of a thicker gauge material.. and I have seen ch***is made of thicker and thinner materials..additionally I think they both had an additional cowl support.. obviously the radiator supports for each year were abit different (i think) otherwise i think they are identical.. someone please correct me if I am wrong..
Another difference is that the p***enger cars have a body mount on the outside of the frame just in front of the rear wheels that the pickups don't have.
as someone else mentioned precision coachworks makes patches http://www.precisioncoachworks.com/ for the ch***is. its hard to tell from the pics you put on if the frame is OK, the pics are kinda small.
was just wondering i just found a real good one off of a 4dr laying on its side in the woods seems to be in real good shape all the pedals are there too
Both that I have are rotten where the x member meets the frame at the rear. Otherwise both frames seem solid. I am going to repost the pictures at noon time, hopefully will be more clear.
http://i297.photobucket.com/albums/mm238/deanfbart/1938FordFrameDriversSideOutboard.jpg http://i297.photobucket.com/albums/mm238/deanfbart/1938FordFrameDriverSideInboard.jpg http://i297.photobucket.com/albums/mm238/deanfbart/1938FordFrameP***engerSideInboard.jpg http://i297.photobucket.com/albums/mm238/deanfbart/1938FordFrameP***engerSideOutboard.jpg These Photos should be better.....Dean
http://i297.photobucket.com/albums/mm238/deanfbart/Frame10.jpg http://i297.photobucket.com/albums/mm238/deanfbart/Frame11.jpg http://i297.photobucket.com/albums/mm238/deanfbart/Frame13.jpg http://i297.photobucket.com/albums/mm238/deanfbart/Frame12.jpg Having trouble with the PC try these.?.?.?.? Dean
yeah the frame looks pretty bad but instead of trying to fix it you could always get it blasted and the box the back rails which would put the strength back into them.
weemark, Does that mean remove some or all of the x member, and box and not need the x member? Could you explain further? ........Dean
Sawzall: I think the previous owner did a half repair. Outer solid frame seems complete. It looks like the were nervous about the x member rot, and added plates to shore up frame. The x member rot would cause twisting force problems right? The added plates would prevent buckling, but the outer solid part of frame looks good with no rust. So not sure that what the did really helped anything. Unsure what I am going to find when I remove those plates. Looks good from the inside of the frame. How will I need to brace the frame before removing those plates? Any help would be great.........Dean