Frame repair on a 68

[buster17]

I have a 68 that I plan on driving from coast to coast with frame rot were the side rail meet the rear end.
I have heard horror stories of replacements gone a stray, wrong gauge metal, not aligned properly etc...
Is it better to replace the rotted piece, or buy a new frame?

Please advise thanks in advance.

 

[zwede]

This is one of those decisons that can be very hard. First you need to closely inspect the entire frame. If the rear kickup is rusted out chances are other sections are getting bad too. Especially check the front part where the lower control arms mount. Old frames have a tendency to crack and separate in this spot.

Now if you inspect all of the frame and it's great execpt for the kick-up, it would make sense to repair. A proper repair performed by a competent welder will be just as strong as new.

 

[Yamafan]

There are many photos on this site of rot but if you wish I can send some hi res photos of my frame. I took the body off my 74 that I bought as having been restored and much to my surprise I found the car was basically broken in half. Let me know and I will email some.

 

[76L82]

Yamafan - I'm curious where your frame was rusted. Looking on my 76, I see that the cross member is quite a bit lower than the other frame components and this piece is probably a magnet for rust if not taking care of properly...I was pretty glad to see the old "Rusty Jones" sticker on the back window of my car....