Frame rot and then some

[johntlr1000]

So I just picked up a 78 and I bought it knowing that the frame had some problems. But upon closer inspection it is horrible both sides are like a magic trick they are just missing rotted thru both sides from the floor pans to the cross member. To the point that if you push on the drivers side wheel you can watch the whole frame move. I think it is past the point of putting bad dog rails in it. So asking for advice. Should I buy the front half of a can and get it welded in. Or do you think the frame rails would take care of it.

[kjohnson2444]

I've seen the replacement frame rails and floorboards advertised by Zed Findings,but I've never used them. Anyone out there have any experience with them?

[Jeff G 78]

Sounds like a parts car to me. I've been through enough Z cars to know when they can't be saved. It sounds like that one is to that point.

[esmit208]

I agree a parts hog is how it should end its life. The usable body panels are worth that much.

[cozye]

Is this the car that you just got for $500 and had issues with the seller on ?

[johntlr1000]

cozye: no its not that same car its another car that I found that guy totally flaked out so...

I was affraid that was the answer, but I can't do that. the rest of the car is in way to good of condition to let die like that. I'll post some pictures later today so everyone can take a closer look at the carnage. This may just be a good chance to have a tubular front subframe made for it. I also have some z friends seeing if they can find me a whole front end. I'll keep you posted.

[cozye]

Pics would help. Take good ones from all angles. I've done a bunch of cutting and welding on this same car so I might be able to help you figure out if it's fixable or not.

[johntlr1000]

here are pictures of the drivers side

[johntlr1000]

here are the pictures of the passenger side

[Darrel]

parts car.

[John Coffey]

Parts car or you can pay me thousands and thousands of dollars to fix it!

[Jeff G 78]

Yep, parts car. Post pics of the rest of the car. With that much rust at the TC mount, there is bound to be bad rust everywhere else too.

Could you rebuild it and put it back on the road? SURE, but why? Chances are very good that you would spend a ton of time and money before giving up on the project. I'd rather see the parts live on than an unsafe car on the road, or an unfinished project that never emerges from your garage.