Broken frame at rear leaf spring/Flatbed build

Looking great. I had the frame replaced in 2009. Just went to have some work done on the exhaust and found a big hole in the "new" frame. I think I will be on the phone in the morning.

 

Removed cross members and gas tank shroud are off to be sandblasted and will be painted with POR 15.

 

T caps showed up the other day. I ordered one with the hanger and another without. I removed the material from the passenger side section to fit over the hanger on the frame. Test fitted and outlined.

 

Got a lot done in the last few days. The cross members and gas tank shroud were sandblasted and frame cleaned, degreased, metal etched and sprayed with Por 15.

Based on researched a wasn't messing around with this stuff especially since I was spraying it. Used a full respirator, long sleeves and gloves.

I did 2 coats and hit the gas tank shroud as well as the T-caps taping of about 1/4 inch exposed for the edges to be welded.

Once those are welded on I'll hit the beads with Por 15 as well as hit any of the spots appear to be light.

 

Wow. That frame doesn't even look too bad compared to what I've seen around here that is still on the road. Good luck. I have no advice to give that's worth anything.

 

I'm sure I could have gotten away with doing a lot less but I'm not very good doing things half way. Plus I plan on keeping this truck as long as possible.

 

Jesus man, that's quite the welder for a first timer!

Is that a stick or wire feed?

 

At almost 800lbs she's definitely a beast. It has plug ins for stick, mig, and tig. I picked up a miller 211 mig that I'll use the Trailblazer's 220 outlet to power. Also got a hypertherm 30xp plasma cutter so I'm ready to rock.

 

Great progress! Those are some awesome repair sections.

Your frame looked better than one of mine and my Dad's before you even started.

 

Do you have an estimate on how much POR-15 you used? I'm looking to do this this summer

 

Nice work Aray! I just finished fixing my 98 tacoma using the kit with the forward spring hanger. I also didnt remove the bed and wished I had.. I treated the rest of the frame with a product called Total Solutions. Another type of a rust converter.
What I noticed is that there is a low spot in the frame at the forward leaf spring hanger and no drain holes in the bottom of the frame. The repair kit has drain holes..

 

Sub’d. Great work @Aray02 bringing it back.

 

Alright guys, I know it's been about a year since I've posted on this thread but rest assured the work continues.

I used some angle iron to set the rails and bolted them in.

 

I then tacked some 1"x3" square tubing for the ribs. And 2 pieces of 2.25"x8" channel for the front and rear and a piece of 4"x3" to cap it off.

 

A buddy was able to score some tongue and groove wood slats from work and I stained them with some deck stain. Used some 4"x4" angle to run the sides.

 

Everything seems to fit and the wood is a tight fit. Tacked up 2 pieces of 1.5"x1.5" angle to run screws from the underside to lock in the wood. Measuring out the holes to make sure I don't bungle it up.

 

+99 for being stubborn and adapting. I’m hoping my story follows a similar arc.

 

Thanks bud. I'm really lucky to have a buddy that's a welder and a cool landlord to let me do this work in the driveway of my rental.

 

Here's what the sleeve repair looks like. My buddy was able to stick weld the sleeves.

 

This thread makes me happy. I applaud your effort for keeping this truck on the road.

1st gens are becoming more and more rare everyday. Thanks for helping to preserve the species.