Body repair material

[mudbuggy]

I have an 89 burb, which has some rot. Specifically the ds rear wheel well, three rearward body cross members and minor other areas throught the truck. My problem is specifically about the body cross members, I can't (don't want to try) to carry any significant weight in the rear until its repaired. I have the metal for the ds skin, but I'm thinking it might be a great time to do the cross members when the ds skin is off. My problem is I am not having any luck finding the cross members, heard about using metal studs (residential construction) for replacements or just getting some material that would fit, trouble being I don't know for sure where (height wise) the floor should be. I.e. Did gm use spacers between the floor and cross members? What is everyone else using?

 

[Pookster]

I don't know if LMC carries it. You can do it a number of ways: 1 measure the amount of height that it needs to be supporting. You can then get a box section (much stronger than stock) of steel and lay that down. Drill and spot weld it in place.Make sure to use weld through primer on it though. (on the side your welding).

You can also get sheet metal bent in the same OEM shape.

 

[mudbuggy]

That sheet metal that is bent to oem standards, where are you getting it from?

 

[ryoken]

you don't... the part isn't available.. doubtful you could find U-channel like that with a flange on each side, iirc... you need to size it, then replace it with appropriate sized box or angle iron... which is stronger, better and pimp anyway...

drill the spotwelds out, then when you put the new piece in, you can just plugweld thru your drilled holes in the floor, grind pretty...

 

[mudbuggy]

Dude there's nothing left! nothing! I am worried if spacers were used or anthing like that. I would prefer to use a channel type material for replacement. maybe even galvanize it!

 

[mudbuggy]

Got enough specs (hopefully) from what was left. Going to consult my fabricator's bible in the morning

 

[diesel4me]

I mentioned using "Uni-Strut" u-channel galvanized steel in another thread,I have got it from Lowes or Home Depot,electrical supply stores carry it too--ots a u-channel with rolled edges on the open end ,its very strong and has oval holes punched in it every inch or so...wont hold mud and cause rust like a closed chanel will..

Another thing I used on a truck with a rotted bed for crossembers is some square tubing or a u channel made for mounting street signs,these posts are heavily galvanized and very sturdy,and have holes punched in them about every inch also..

One word of caution if you go welding to galvanized though--I'd do it outside,avoid breathing the white smoke that comes off it,it'll give you the "zinc chills" and diarrea !..and might take a few days to recover from,if you get a good dose...I put a fan nearby to blow the fumes away from me while welding...you could bolt either of these things I mentioned in instead too,seeing they already have holes in them...

 

[Pookster]

That sheet metal that is bent to oem standards, where are you getting it from?

I meant bend it yourself with a sheet metal bender.. Would be easier if you had a shop bend it for ya. Lucky the sectional width is tiny, you can get by by bending it on a harbor freight bend, and welding it together.