'74 Charger SE Front Frame Rail, Fixable, or Replace?

[mrlizard]

I'm working on a 1974 Charger and the front driver side frame rail is rusted through in a few spots in one section. I was wondering if it would better to replace it or if patching it would work and be safe. I would just replace it but finding a frame rail has been quite difficult. So before I sink a bunch of time into trying to find the part, I wanted to see if a patch would be possible in the hands of an expert. The rest of the frame components seem ok, although the floor pan is pretty much destroyed, but thats replaceable.

So to bottom line this, can this be repaired, or does it need to be replaced, and with this damage is it worth continuing or is this project dead in the water?

 

[70chall440]

I am sure you are going to get differing opinions on this but... yes it can be repaired BUT are you willing to spend the time, energy and money to do so?

You need to cut out the rot and replace it with good metal, do one spot/section at a time until you get them all done.

It is not real thick metal, I think around 14 or 12 gauge sheet metal. You would want to support the repair spot on both sides so that it isn't a hinge point meaning it would move once you cut out the bad metal.

This is a great time to put in some sub frame connectors and torque boxes first, this will help support the car once you start cutting.

 

[Dodge33]

I am sure you are going to get differing opinions on this but... yes it can be repaired BUT are you willing to spend the time, energy and money to do so?

You need to cut out the rot and replace it with good metal, do one spot/section at a time until you get them all done.

It is not real thick metal, I think around 14 or 12 gauge sheet metal. You would want to support the repair spot on both sides so that it isn't a hinge point meaning it would move once you cut out the bad metal.

This is a great time to put in some sub frame connectors and torque boxes first, this will help support the car once you start cutting.

I do appreciate what 70chall440 has told you,
as he is very correct on the proper way to go about fixing your front frame rail! Another option here........ we have a pair of 73 Charger front frame rails that have been all drilled off properly, and have been hanging in our frame rack for 20 years. They are from way out west
and are in clean condition. We will take a very good look at them, as soon as we get the chance if interested.

 

[70chall440]

I do appreciate what 70chall440 has told you,
as he is very correct on the proper way to go about fixing your front frame rail! Another option here........ we have a pair of 73 Charger front frame rails that have been all drilled off properly, and have been hanging in our frame rack for 20 years. They are from way out west
and are in clean condition. We will take a very good look at them, as soon as we get the chance if interested.

This is definitely a great option.

 

[#41]

First poke around and see how extensive the rust is. It's always more widespread underneath than is visible. That will tell you if you can get a way with patching things with sheetmetal or should find some replacement rails.

 

[WileE]

And remember my proverb : "Where there's rust... there's more."

 

[Takoctopus]

I would be surprised if the k frame mounting area is solid still seeing the rust right behind it. Be real gentle if you decide to remove that k frame bolt right near the rust. Might just completely rip out. Also under those rubber mounts rust is usually hiding on the K frame itself. Your K frame might need repaired also. My 74 roadrunner required frame rails and k frame.