Frame Rails Bent, Bad???
Thread Starter
Pro
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 567
Likes: 0
From: Oswego Illinois
Frame Rails Bent, Bad???
So not too long ago I noticed that the pass. side frame rail right past the door where it starts to turn inward is bent. The metal is bent in like if the lowar edge were hit with a hammer. The total bent portion is 3-4 inches. Is this bad??? Also what is the best way to clean up the frame rails mine are all rusted.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Aug 2001
Posts: 1,238
Likes: 0
From: walled lake MI
if you haven't noticed it till now it can't be that bad... yet.
if its just a dent and the whole member is not bent it shouldn't affect anything much. however, i would periodically check that area very carefully for cracks. if a crack forms near the dent better get it fixed, as the crack will propagate over time, just like a crack in your windshield.
as for rust treatment, i'm also trying to decide on which product. if you do a google/yahoo search on "rust converter" you'll find a plethora of products you can apply to rust and it will chemically convert the rust to something more stable that can be painted over. here's a reference regarding what they do:
http://www.corrosion-doctors.org/Met...-converter.htm
i did some searches in the C2 and C3 forums since they have a lot more rust issues. i saw a lot of references to "naval jelly" (probably designed for use on boats) which removes rust rather than converting it. anyway, check our sister forums to see if you can get any ideas.
if its just a dent and the whole member is not bent it shouldn't affect anything much. however, i would periodically check that area very carefully for cracks. if a crack forms near the dent better get it fixed, as the crack will propagate over time, just like a crack in your windshield.
as for rust treatment, i'm also trying to decide on which product. if you do a google/yahoo search on "rust converter" you'll find a plethora of products you can apply to rust and it will chemically convert the rust to something more stable that can be painted over. here's a reference regarding what they do:
http://www.corrosion-doctors.org/Met...-converter.htm
i did some searches in the C2 and C3 forums since they have a lot more rust issues. i saw a lot of references to "naval jelly" (probably designed for use on boats) which removes rust rather than converting it. anyway, check our sister forums to see if you can get any ideas.
Instructor
Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 188
Likes: 0
From: Oxnard CA
St. Jude Donor '05
Originally Posted by tempest
i saw a lot of references to "naval jelly" (probably designed for use on boats) which removes rust rather than converting it. anyway, check our sister forums to see if you can get any ideas.
I don't remember how the name came about but I have used "Naval Jelly" in the past. It does take a little elbow grease to work. I applied it and let it sit for the recommended time then used a wire brush to remove the compound and rust.
This stuff works like a champ and is available in most hardware stores. After the rust is removed you apply paint to the previously rusted portions. The only downside was that it takes a little effort to remove the rust.
Bob
Pro
Joined: Aug 2001
Posts: 626
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From: Lake Lure NC
I use this stuff from Eastwood Company. It is like POR only better.
http://eastwood.com/jump.jsp?itemID=...88&iSubCat=852
http://eastwood.com/jump.jsp?itemID=...88&iSubCat=852
