Front Frame Rail Question.

[GTX 440]

I need to replace the front frame rails on my 71 B body. I would be doing them one at a time. But my question is, Can I do it with the engine and transmission still in the car?
(Just support and unbolt the K Frame, when I get all the spot welds drilled out). I can remove in in chunks. But wondering if there is enough room to get the frame rail in place.

 

[SGTPaul]

Maybe, but it would not be fun. Drilling all those welds out especially at the bottom of the inner fender, welding, and grinding it all down.... I would want to remove the engine and trans to have enough room to work. Don't want to find that out after you started. JMO.

 

[eldubb440]

I replaced a front rail in a cuda with the K frame in place, the K frame actually helps locate the Rail; I don't see how the engine could be in the way? I think most of the work can be done from the wheel side........ replacing the inner fender and shock tower with it is probably much easier....... are you using donor parts?

 

[RJ Squirrel]

Have to ask, what is wrong with the rails in there now?

 

[GTX 440]

Looks like both sides rusted out just behind the K frame (where the rail bends downward). Someone tried to weld patches over them (and did a very poor job I might add).

Yes, I do have some clean donor parts to replace them with. I have never replaced a front rail before so I figured I would ask the ones who have been there before.

 

[eldubb440]

Looks like both sides rusted out just behind the K frame (where the rail bends downward). Someone tried to weld patches over them (and did a very poor job I might add).

Yes, I do have some clean donor parts to replace them with. I have never replaced a front rail before so I figured I would ask the ones who have been there before.

if your parts are a complete front clip, you can suspend or remove the engine and do it all in one piece......

sounds like a pain in the ***, but eliminates a lot of drilling and welding

Lookie what $5000 buys you....