Frame rail re-enforcements

[Uncletruck]

It is very common for the rear sections of the A/G body frames to develop rust and rot from what I understand. Where the rear frame on my LeMans is in excellent shape and the car is not driven in the winter, I noticed there is some flaking on the rear frame rails on my Malibu from having been driven during past winters by the previous owner. It's not too bad though, (still strong, not rotted) and I thought of doing something to keep it decent.

I was thinking of lightly grinding the rear sections of the frame down to bare metal, then welding on a strip of 1/8" steel about 3 inches wide underneath that I can get at TSC from the rear bumper all the way forward to the area where the frame curves over the rear axle. I would then drill some appropriate drain holes (where the existing openings are) for water inside the frame to drain out.

Questions:

Is this a good idea?
Has anyone done anything different or can suggest a better idea to preserve the frame?

Thanks 😀

-Mark-

 

[joe_padavano]

Questions:

Is this a good idea?
Has anyone done anything different or can suggest a better idea to preserve the frame?

Unfortunately, unless you can hermetically seal that weld all the way around, all you've done is create a pocket (between the original frame and the new piece of metal) that will collect moisture and accelerate the rust. More importantly, the G-body frame rails rust from the inside.

 

[pontiacgp]

you might want to take a look at a product POR 15....it is used by alot of restoration shops


http://www.stoprust.net/

 

[joe_padavano]

you might want to take a look at a product POR 15....it is used by alot of restoration shops


http://www.stoprust.net/

There are several similar brands. The problem is that you need to find a way to completely coat the inside of the rear frame rails. This is a closed box section, so some sort of spray through the existing holes in the frame will be required.

 

[Uncletruck]

frame

Thanks for the advice! I guess I'm better to let it be than to do my welding idea. I really wish there were an easy way to spray something inside the back of the rails, but other than the one approx 2" hole, there is nothing other than some very small openings.

If I keep the car out of the salt, I'm sure the frame will last my lifetime and more. I'll pick up a $500 Neon for the winter :lol:

-Mark-

 

[joe_padavano]

Re: frame

Thanks for the advice! I guess I'm better to let it be than to do my welding idea. I really wish there were an easy way to spray something inside the back of the rails, but other than the one approx 2" hole, there is nothing other than some very small openings.

If you remove the bumper and bumper shocks, you can insert a long spray nozzle in from the end of the frame rail.

 

[gman]

Check the phone book under rustproofing. In Canada we have a product called Rustcheck. Should be available in the US. Basically it is an oil based product sprayed on under fairly high pressure. Gets everywhere. Makes a hell of a mess but it works. A car is usually rustchecked every year. The idea behind rustproofing is to keep moisture away from bare metal and anything that will do that works. Waxoil is a similar product.

 

[Uncletruck]

Thanks everyone for the ideas. I am going to pull the rear bumper this summer and get inside the frame and clean everything up as best I can. I can look in through the holes and there seems to be a lot of old dirt and debris in there that I wouldn't want to spray anything on top of. I will check with my body shop guy afterwards, and see what is available to spray inside of the frame. I've seen a lot of A/G cars with this section of the frame literally rotted right off, so I want to do something other than letting it get to that point. 😀 The '78 Lemans I have had a Ziebart treatment when new, and what a difference. They sprayed that stuff through drilled holes in to almost everything, and there is absolutely no rust on that car anywhere.
-Mark-

 

[joe_padavano]

Conrad Lozier in Canada sells repro frame rails:

http://www3.sympatico.ca/conradlozier/

He had a swap space at Spring Carlisle and I got a chance to speak with him for a few minutes. Very nice guy.

 

[Uncletruck]

Now those look nifty! I might just contact him and order a set for the wagon, even if I don't install them until really necessary. Looks like a nice weekend cutting/welding project. Never seen anyone make anything like that for the G's.

-Mark-