4x4 frame question

[57taskforce]

I've been searching for a k frame, preferably a k/20 for a while now. I've possibly got a chance to get this 71 k/20 frame for free. Look close at the pic right behind the cross member for the catch.


As long as the other side isn't bent bad, I'm debating on fixing it. I can weld just fine, have 2 years of vocational schooling for it. Here's my thought and please tell me I'm an idiot if I deserve it, I probably won't deny it! I was thinking Id bevel the edges of the break, weld it up, grind it smooth then plate it on both sides with at least 1/4" probably 4-5 inches on both sides of the break. Debating on drilling a few holes and bolting it all together with big grade 8s.(still pondering the latter) am I crazy for even considering this repair? I figure if nothing else I could cut the hangers off for possible future use and still be ahead if I didn't end up using he frame.

[Twisted78SS]

I've seen some do a nice job of fixing similar breaks, to get some ideas of what not to do, head over to weldingweb.com And do a search for "trailer fail" I think is the thread.
It will enlighten many on some of the things not to do when welding.. Considering the price, you certainly have little to
Lose if you get through the repair and are not comfortable with the results

[57taskforce]

That's about what I was thinking on the deal. The price is right if I can get it. I'm second I. Line but the other guy hasnt picked it up and it's been a few weeks it sounds like. Where I'm at 4x4 trucks are so rare it's crazy. So when you see stuff like this you gotta work with what you can for sure.

[67-4x4]

Fix it that's an easy fix

[72 tigger]

I would fix it. Probably just put a plate on the inside for strength- that way it doesn't look repaired

[57taskforce]

Glad I'm not too crazy. It really didn't look bad to me. I know I can fix it.

[fp1967]

On the truck in my avatar, I spliced two different frames together in 1987. I had a 69 K10 shortbed frame and the front part of the frame was a mess from the previous owners abuse with a snowplow. I spliced on the front section of a 69 K10 suburban frame. I spliced it where the transfer case crossmember is. I learned that the Suburban frames and K20 frames are thicker than the K10 pickup frames. By 1995, here in the salt belt, the back of the frame was getting pretty thin from rust. I spliced it again using the back portion of a 68 K20 frame, cutting it at the right spots to make it into a shortbed frame. This time I spliced it about a foot behind the first splice. It is fishplated on the inside only, the fish plates are cut down section of frame rail making an "angle iron" that runs on the side and bottom flange of the frame.

If you can get that frame, that looks like an easy fix.

[Twisted78SS]

The more I thought about it, I say fix it. Just think how many long beds have been shortened over the past few years.. Nothing new here, just do as they do, no 90 degree corners and plate it with a fish plate..

Best of luck, and of course we want to see the end result

[swamp rat]

The only thing different here than shortening a frame is the break is between the spring mounts instead of in front of them plus its vertical instead of a step cut. there may be a little more stresses involved especially if you do any hauling but if done correcty i think it will be ok. Guess if you try it and after a couple years it starts to give you can look for another frame.