Frame Stretch

[Pintaro]

Ok guys,I need to stretch my Bronco frame 3 inches.What is the best way to make it look nice.The frame will be in full veiw.It will have a 68 mustang fastback body sitting on it.Also where will be the best place to cut the frame and what can I cap it with?
thanks Pintaro

 

[woodyedmiston]

Tried Enzite?

The steel in many truck frames is of a grade that the manufacturers do not recommend welding. Some recommend cutting the frame, adding an extended pieces well beyond the cut and splice and bolting it all back together.

That being said, I've helped cut and lengthen many truck frames on pulp wood hauling trucks by welding. I've also stretched some formula fords and a few baja buggies - but tube frames are not that applicable here.

You should be able to use your own imagination to figure out what part of the frame gets the least twist and bending; that's where you want to cut it. Use mild steel of the same thickness and overlap at least 2.5 times the three inch stretch each direction. Saw cut the frame and the edges will be straight and easy to weld. You should bevel the welded edges on the extension pieces and the frame with a grinder. Big gaps you have to fill put too much heat in the area. Weld a flat piece vertically in the opening. Then use a torch and hammer to bend the piece to the shape of the frame. (If you don't have a pre-shaped piece) then you can make the horizontal welds on the top and bottom. Ideally your gusset should fit just inside the frame and you can use rosette welds if you pre drill the holes. You can grind the welds on the outside and no one will be able to tell it has been cut. Add a longitudinal stiffener on top or inside of the frame and then box the frame if you like. Do not use one solid bead of welding on the inside gussets. Space them .5 to 1.0 inch apart. Adding an extra leg from the roll cage (assuming you have one) on either side of the repair will just make it stronger.

If you can find out exactly what the metal content of the frame is - IDK - your local welding shop can set you up with a good rod to use.

Send pics of the finished project.

 

[Pintaro]

Come on guys,out of all the members on this site I can only get one opinion on the subject.
Pintaro

 

[alaskan155]

i would probally go to the junk yard and get the length of frame you needed (or C-channel big enough to overlap it and tuck inside and bolt/weld it on)and weld that in, and then go back and box it in and reinforce that area, but im not a welder so i don't know

 

[pillen140]

please dont ruin another mustang.

 

[dude772]

splice in a piece the same size, and put a diamond shaped piece overtop of the seam both sides

 

[woodyedmiston]

One of the reasons I suggested he use mild steel for the connecting piece is that late model frames - supposedly - have a makeup similar to that of spring steel. Spring steel does not weld very well and mixing two frame pieces might be brittle.

At the same time, I'm sort of the same mind about the Mustang . . . why do that? Sell the Mustang and get a glass "41 Willy's coupe body or something like that.

 

[Tony Raine]

do you just need a 3" longer wheelbase? shifting the axle back 3" is a lot easier than stretching the frame

 

[kemicalburns]

a 68 fastback body is a sweet stang, tell me you are not going to proceed.

either start with a custom frame build or dont do it.

 

[wvcat]

please dont ruin another mustang.

 

[Pintaro]

Dont worry it will be nice.I am saving a mustang that would otherwise be good for nothing but parts.I bought it from a tweeker that had too much time on his hands so he started cutting on it with a torch.
Pintaro

 

[Pintaro]

Would you guys feel better if I put it on a ranger frame.lol

 

[woodyedmiston]

RIP Mustang

Sacrilege.

 

[Pintaro]

Ok how do I post pics on this thread?