1988 Core support - Relacement

[scoob8000]

I plowed into a deer last night, so I have my work cut out for me.

I haven't really had time to look, but does the rad core support just bolt in, or are they welded in?

I found a few posts where folks were talking about spot welds, but I think they were newer trucks..

 

[lil red]

its all spot welds....

drill them out with 1/4 inch drill bit and add 1/4inch bolts as needed, or weld it if you can

i drilled all of mine than bought a welder so idk which way its going back together

 

[scoob8000]

I'm having a hard time picturing it.. What's it spot welded to?

I still have not had a chance to take a close look at it. Gonna tear into it tonight..

 

[ForOffRoadDriving]

the core support is spot welded to the inner fenders at the top and down the sides

hope this gives you a better idea of what youre up against

 

[scoob8000]

Wow, they really didn't want you to remove replace that core support!

I guess it's safe to assume both outter fenders need to come off..

 

[metalmacguyver]

Yeah. I am about to weld in my core support. The last page of my build thread (link in signature) shows my core support about to be welded in.



38 spot welds.

I recommend this drill bit. http://www.amazon.com/IRWIN-10232CB-Cobalt-16-inch-Increments/dp/B00126H1XU/ref=sr_1_7?ie=UTF8&s=hi&qid=1236285757&sr=8-7

It is a Cobalt bit which is needed when drilling harder metals like spot welds. Make sure to use oil when drilling them too.

I found I needed to drill most of the welds out to 3/8". some I had to go to 7/16 and just a couple needed to go to 1/2". The best part is that it is so easy to drill it out a little larger with that bit.

 

[ForOffRoadDriving]

this is the tool i used. blair spot weld cutter #13224 it only cuts a hole in one side of the panel, that way if you are going to weld the new one in you have a solid surface to weld to.
http://www.blairequipment.com/Spotweld_Cutters/Spotweld_Cutters.html

 

[v-8power]

this is the tool i used. blair spot weld cutter #13224 it only cuts a hole in one side of the panel, that way if you are going to weld the new one in you have a solid surface to weld to.
http://www.blairequipment.com/Spotweld_Cutters/Spotweld_Cutters.html

Thats the same one i used. Worked great.

 

[scoob8000]

Cool Thanks for the input!

I never even knew there was a specific bit for cutting out spot welds.

Anyone use an aftermarket support? Any fitment issues?


[edit]
Should I even TRY to bend it back?

 

[baddis]

i would try to straighten it if you could. it is a lot less time consuming than drilling the spotwelds out.

 

[v-8power]

Thats pretty burgered up.

I had my spotwelds drilled out in 20 min.

BUT, i already had the fenders off.

 

[martin]

Some carefully placed wood blocks and a high lift jack will straighten that right out. Take the fenders off first though.

 

[lil_Blue_Ford]

I've straightened them before... but if you want the grill an everything to fit right when you're done, you're much better off replacing the core support.

That's the point where I'm at with my Ranger right now. I picked up a Blair spotweld cutter, a lil pricey, but it's pretty slick, drilled out the spotwelds in no time flat. I used air tools to pull the fenders an hood so that didn't take long either.



But the important question is.... did you bring the deer home to eat it?

 

[v-8power]

But the important question is.... did you bring the deer home to eat it?

I thought it, but did'nt ask it.LOL

 

[fordxranger]

that's pretty pushed in, just replace it. looks like most of the front sheetmetal is gone too, while your replacing it put a core in from an 89-92. I'm pretty sure it will slide in and you can update your front end to composite lights and all that neat stuff. unless you like the gen 1 look or if it doesn't fit and i'm wrong.