In preparation for pulling my trailer, I had my engine frame rails plated/repaired. This was a job I just was not equipped to do. The top rails, verticals and diagonals are mild steel, but the bottom is stainless. I paid a little over 1200 dollars to have the job done and I am very happy with what I could see tonight. I have not crawled under (after blocking) to see the rest and take more pictures. There were several diagonal and horizontal supports damaged on the passenger side as well as damage from some idiot trying to jack up the bus on that point. You can see that repair done here:
(https://busconversionmagazine.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi613.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Ftt216%2Ftenor007%2FP1000851-1.jpg&hash=ffbe39ce828dd30f29ea5165cd4b45e2a6d9f512)
Here is the same side from the passenger side engine door:
(https://busconversionmagazine.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi613.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Ftt216%2Ftenor007%2FP1000850-1.jpg&hash=47066e102b438b072495b143098dbd12567c6352)
More to come!
Glenn
The driver's side only had a little rust on one vertical piece at the bottm. Here is the plated result:
(https://busconversionmagazine.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi613.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Ftt216%2Ftenor007%2FP1000849-1.jpg&hash=e9708acfab90332279aacdd164620bd416e0902b)
Here is the passenger side:
(https://busconversionmagazine.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi613.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Ftt216%2Ftenor007%2FP1000848-1.jpg&hash=9b593a5b153abad2a2920e1839923cfd26d0c62d)
Glenn
Looks Good Glenn. Did they repair or straighten the cradle before it was plated? I can relate to idiots using it as a jacking point. Mine looks like a roller coaster.
Just a curious question(s).........
If the u-bolt that holds you engine should break or need to be replaced
How are you going to do that?
Will the u-bolt drop down far enough to not be in the way if yo need to remove the engine? (heavan forbid)
Thanks
Skip
I noticed that too Poppi. I do think they should basically spin out of the way (can't see enough in the pics to tell for sure) if need be but replacing them may be tough. How many times would they ever need to be replaced? Probably not worth worrying about in the long run. I'm going to look at my 7 as I'll be pulling a trailer also. I'm glad I own my own shop!!! $1200 will put a big dent into some other projects I have in mind. Later
Yep, the u-bolts will swing forward or backward to clear out of the way. My engine is almost new, so I'm not too worried about needing to pull it. More likely I'll put an automatic in first. Even that might not be for 10 years.
Glenn
Most welders are pretty smart about altering stuff and thinking about down the road (just cuz I am one :D). Now if an engineer had designed the repair................ >:( Looks good and you have some piece of mind now. Fixing first is always better and cheaper than fixing after, price wise and sleep wise!!! Now you're good to go and I'll be checking out my 7. Thanks for the post Glenn. Us 7 owners have to stick together!! Later
Glenn, Another idea? I was told they put a cross piece between the rails for Greyhounds. Bolted in tieing the bottoms together. I have one if intrested in a pic? Tom Y
You're right Tom, they did put that crossmember in. My bus does have it already. Thank you for the offer! After I do a little testing with my trailer hitch, I may tie into those brackets for extra reinforcement. Now that I'm plated, I could mount anything I want as long as it won't interfere with engine removal.
Glenn