frame rail rust - is it fatal?

[Guest Anonymous]

what is the prognosis once rust in the frame rails is discovered? can a 100% cure be expected or should hospice be called?

any experiences appreciated!

bob

[Guest Anonymous]

Check the body FAQ. You can make a patch and MIG it over the frame rail. I patched mine about 10 years ago, and it's doing fine.

[Guest Anonymous]

You can fix just about anything with enough time and effort. If you are keeping the car, then go for it. Sure, patching the car will de-value it but not any more than big gaping rust holes... :-)

BTW, I am planning on getting some frame rail caps built up if anyone is interested. I kept the rails from my 73 when I cut it up and kept them for templates. My 74 has a "crushed" rail from jacking so it will basically be a cosmetic fix for me but they would work well for rust repair too.

[Guest Anonymous]

URL: http://www.bmw2002faq.com/body_and_interior/frame_rail.html

check out link above!

[Guest Anonymous]

repairable; if it's the rail that runs from the firewall forward, that's a whole 'nother story. Hard to fix right without removing the engine and very structural, since it supports the front subframe. Aligning the new piece is important too, as it will affect subframe (and thus engine and front suspension) location in relationship to the rest of the car.

Cheers

Mike

[Guest Anonymous]

The range of what can be done is why there is a range of 1,500. to 25,000 and up to restore a car. It has to do with how much money you have to spend and how much the car is worth investing in. I’ve seen lots of patch welding last fine for years. I think it has to do with how weak the frame rail is. Holes are one thing complete rot is another and hard to get the structure back in with a patch. IMHO

[Guest Anonymous]

(nt)

[Guest Anonymous]

I think the new frame rails are still available but at about (gulp) $250 each.