Fixing a frame

[KidVermicious]

I'm thinking about picking up another '85. It was involved in a low speed front end collision and the front frame rail is bent.



In my head, I'm thinking I could pull the front clip, cut that crossmember out, stick my hilift between the rails and spread them out, and weld in a new crossmember. How realistic is that?

It's probably not worth putting on a rack, but if I can get the frame straightish it'll be worth a lot more than the $1000 my buddy wants for it.

 

[GonOvr]

very realistic, heck get some square tubing and make your own stronger cross member. The damage looks to be minimal, I would fix it, unless you have 85's just jumping at you that are cheap.

 

[mikebontoft]

so the frame is kind of caved in as well?

I'd check axle setback to see if there's more trouble than it's worth. (simple to do, just measure distance between one side in-between the tires and compare it to the other)

If it's fairly straight, go for it if you have the time. the frame rails will be a bit weaker having been bent one way and then back again, but that's on you.

 

[Footofgod]

I'm thinking about picking up another '85. It was involved in a low speed front end collision and the front frame rail is bent.

View attachment 85870

In my head, I'm thinking I could pull the front clip, cut that crossmember out, stick my hilift between the rails and spread them out, and weld in a new crossmember. How realistic is that?

It's probably not worth putting on a rack, but if I can get the frame straightish it'll be worth a lot more than the $1000 my buddy wants for it.

Buy it for parts and sell me the front axle.

 

[SV_Dude]

If it runs, I would buy it for a grand and part it out. Double your money in a couple weeks and scrap the rest.

 

[KidVermicious]

Buy it for parts and sell me the front axle.

Are you having trouble finding one? They pop up here all the time.

 

[KidVermicious]

If it runs, I would buy it for a grand and part it out. Double your money in a couple weeks and scrap the rest.

It's supposedly got a freshly rebuilt motor and good tires. If it drives relatively straight, I want to use it for a daily driver so I can take the Grey Bastard down and get everything fixed at once. Then I wanna fix up the frame and sell it for more than I paid. :driving:

 

[Footofgod]

Are you having trouble finding one? They pop up here all the time.

Yup, I haven't seen one since January. If you see one, let me know. Then we'll just have tp make a Utah wheeling run to pick it up.

 

[KidVermicious]

Yup, I haven't seen one since January. If you see one, let me know. Then we'll just have tp make a Utah wheeling run to pick it up.

You mean I'd have to meet you in Moab? That sucks. I hate Moab.

 

[Footofgod]

You mean I'd have to meet you in Moab? That sucks. I hate Moab.

Are you sure you could make it? Wouldn't want to stress you engine.

 

[KidVermicious]

Yeah, you're right. You better drive all the way to Salt Lake. :flipoff:

 

[SV_Dude]

It's supposedly got a freshly rebuilt motor and good tires. If it drives relatively straight, I want to use it for a daily driver so I can take the Grey Bastard down and get everything fixed at once. Then I wanna fix up the frame and sell it for more than I paid. :driving:

How is the rest of the front end?

 

[KidVermicious]

The bumper and fascia are caved in, but it looks like the radiator and core support survived? Dunno. The pictures suck, I'm going to go have a look at it later today.

 

[GonOvr]

Wow, these 12 hours days are taking their toll on me. I thought it was your 4runner that was used as a battering ram. Im with the other guys, pick it for parts and sell what you dont need making your money back. Easy choice in my book.

 

[KidVermicious]

Game on! I'll start a new thread when I actually get around to doing something with it.

 

[BoatRacer]

Nice score, looks to be an easy fix! It would be more work in the end, but you could look for a complete frame and do a swap too. There are two of them local to me on craigslist for $175.

 

[KidVermicious]

I would if the frame was off at all, but it's still straight. I think it'll be far easier to just replace the crossmember.

 

[BoatRacer]

I have a decent front bumper with the plastic corners if you need one.

 

[KidVermicious]

I have a decent front bumper with the plastic corners if you need one.

I would love it, actually. I'll PM you.

 

[BoatRacer]

I didn't forget about you, just been busy. PM me your address and I'll get them down to the UPS store before the weekend.