New to forums, problem with left front frame rail, 67' 289 Coupe

[BladeLWS]

Hi guys. I have a question. We are restomoding a 67' 289 Coupe and we took the left front tire off to put in a new tourqe box when we discovered the left front frame rail is entirely rusted. Also the left front impact bar is broken from the rail, I think this is what allowed water to sit inside. We attempted to put a jack stand on the rail then heard a crunch. We're wondering if there is anyway to replace the rail in that section? Would we have to pull the engine to do this? Or someone that knows how to do it? Any help would be greatly appreciated.

Heres some pictures of the damage.

http://www.tlukdesign.co.uk/erik/DCP04014.JPG

http://www.tlukdesign.co.uk/erik/DCP04015.JPG

http://www.tlukdesign.co.uk/erik/DCP04016.JPG

http://www.tlukdesign.co.uk/erik/DCP04012.JPG

http://www.tlukdesign.co.uk/erik/DCP04013.JPG

 

[LMan]

you wont want to hear this, but IMO for a regular V8 coupe, that level of rot is all but terminal. Yes, you can replace the frame rail, at significant expense, but if that's what you see on the outside, you have to suspect the cowl, floors, rear rails....etc. The frame rails are the basic structure (such as it is) for these cars and that one there is toast. If it snapped in alf like that from jacking it up, then I would call the car structurally unsound.

Unless you are emotionally wedded to this car, I would immediately seek another coupe candidate for your project. JMO.

 

[BladeLWS]

you wont want to hear this, but IMO for a regular V8 coupe, that level of rot is all but terminal. Yes, you can replace the frame rail, at significant expense, but if that's what you see on the outside, you have to suspect the cowl, floors, rear rails....etc. The frame rails are the basic structure (such as it is) for these cars and that one there is toast. If it snapped in alf like that from jacking it up, then I would call the car structurally unsound.

Unless you are emotionally wedded to this car, I would immediately seek another coupe candidate for your project. JMO.

Well we already have checked everything else. The floor panels have been replaced, the rear bars are fine. The major prob is that section, and it was caused by a bad repair job from the guy we bought it from. The impact bar bracket was bent outwards and allowed water to sit there forever and basically rotted it out. We found the replacement part for that rail for a couple hundred and we have already removed the fender and bumper to access it. Also we are replacing the suspension system with a new one.

 

[Rent-A-Racer]

that is ALOT of rot. But you can fix anything for the right amount of $$. To repair that area correctly, you would have to remove the engine, radiator to to a QUALITY job. I would double check everything else on the car, i.e. frame rails, drop offs ect. Before I commited to fix it. From my years of dealing with old cars, there's is one rule of thumb about rust. If you find some, you'll always find more. Good luck.

 

[crushnut]

From my years of dealing with old cars, there's is one rule of thumb about rust. If you find some, you'll always find more.

That is so true, especially with our cars