A question for those who've done the FAQ frame rail repair.

[andrewro]

For those of you who've done Steve Kupper's frame repair, is it possible to do this on jackstands? It looks like the side of the rail closer to the motor would be really difficult to weld safely without a lift - tight quarters and lots of opportunities for starting a fire - but I thought I'd ask for other people's experiences and input.

Thanks!

[Guest Anonymous]

I welded up the rear tranny supports for a 5 speed conversion while the car was on jackstands. I'd say it was ~2' off the ground measured at the rocker panel. I was wearing long sleeve insulated coveralls, welding hood, and welding gloves and my arms still got all burned up.

It's doable but it won't be the most fun you've ever had...

[canadapierre]

Ah the memories. Kind of like being in the middle of a 4th of July fireworks 12" from your face....

[Jack]

Ya never weld on a car without a good fire extinguiser and a water bottle. Extinguiser for car fires and water for when you are on fire. Overhead welding is best accomplished with leathers. Either the full jacket or sleeves. Do not neglect to cover your ears. You get a sparkler down in your ears and it melts the ear wax and all you can do is sit and let it cool. Simply splendid. I did most of the welding on mine with the car up on concrete (not cinder) blocks on the wheels.

[DukeRimmer]

I'd like to help when you have more specific questions. Bodies flex when not supported by subframes, and when frame components are removed. Welding a new frame member to a flexed car will cause it to be bent when placed back on the ground. I haven't read the material you reference, but technique is important when replacing structural members.

[andrewro]

I'll shoot you an email before I tackle this one. I need to get my welding basics down first, and I really really want to find a way to get the car up off the ground. I have a local guy who's a pro fabricator who may be able to help me out. The article is the "Frame Rail Repair" in the FAQ section. My repairs have gone much more smoothly since the "guibo from hell" incident...

Thanks!