Regardless of how new and sophisticated a truck is, its frame will always be susceptible to rusting after a certain point. If the right tools and processes are used, corrosion can be fixed. Thegoneapp.com states that pickup trucks like the Chevy Colorados, certain Nissan Frontiers and the Mitsubishi L200s are at high risk of rusting due to a variety of reasons. If you have any of these vehicles, be cautious.
Steps To Repair A Rusted Truck Frame
It can often be extremely difficult to fix rust alone, so it’s imperative to seek professional assistance. Here are eight important steps to follow when repairing a truck frame that is rusty.
Evaluate The Rust Damage
Before you begin any actual repair work, it’s important to assess the amount or severity of the rust damage on your truck. This will help you estimate the cost of your repairs (e.g. You can estimate the cost of your repair job in terms of $75 vs. several hundred dollars.
Remove Pieces Welded To The Frame
Rusting can often lead to extraneous pieces becoming attached to a truck’s frame, so be sure to remove these. A grinder, cutting torch, or cut-off wheel can be used to accomplish this task. Use these tools to make cracks and other similar problems more obvious.
Remove The Rusted or Broken Face Of The Frame
The grinder, as well as a hacksaw, can help you complete this step. The process of removing damaged metal pieces will allow you to perform work on the frame’s inner surface, which is typically more challenging to clean and repair.
Re-Align The Frame & Weld In Repair Pieces Inside Of The Frame
If you work on the inside of your truck’s frame, repairs will be hidden from view when completed. You can also add gussets (brackets), to strengthen the angle, and a nuts to match any cap screws that you might be using in your repair project.
Weld Repair Piece On Bottom Rail
Construct a repair piece for the frame’s bottom rail and weld it. Verify that the frame’s horn is in the right position before moving on to the next step.
Template & Cut Patch
An X-Acto knife is essential to this step. You can cut the cardboard template until it is perfect to replace the cut-out area. You may need to check the fit multiple times.
Weld In The Patch
Attach the patch using a MIG (metal inert gas) welder to add an extra layer of reinforcement. This is a process that uses electricity to melt and fuse metal parts. MIG welding involves the use of potentially dangerous tools and it is best to wear gloves and a helmet.
Cosmetic Work & Finish Paint
The last step in this process involves making minor, last-minute repairs, and adjustments. These final touches can be made with tools like sand or filler. All you need to do is finish the job and give your truck a fresh coat.
Ultimately, it’s important to regularly inspect your truck for rust, especially during seasons of extreme temperatures (i.e. Both in the winter and during summer. Corrosion can occur due to both humidity and salt from icy roads. Rainwater can also lead to metal oxidization, so make sure your car is kept dry during rainy seasons.
Speak To An Experienced Custom Auto Body Shop
Reach out to the experts at Robs Customs & Restorations in Manassas, Virginia for more information about the process of repairing a rusted truck frame. We have extensive experience with all types of trucks including vintage, antique, or classic trucks. Frame straightening and alignment can be done as well as rust repairs. We use a wire brush as well as a grinder wheel.
Robs’ team also performs full restorations, which include interior work (seats, dashboard, glove box, etc.). We will ensure that your truck is comfortable no matter where it is driven.
We can also offer custom paint services and four engine swaps: LS (fuel-injected), Hemi (hemi), and Coyote. We can also provide an estimate to ensure that you do not spend more than you budget. Call Robs Customs & Restorations today at (703)-552-5001 or contact us online to learn more about our services.
