Ed, The rust was so tight in a few places that it popped when I got it loose enough. The side plate had pressure on it.The rust is another reason shortening my frame makes things easier. I'll be removing about 25 inches of bad material. If I can't deal with the rust to my satisfaction, and the frames integrity is still in question, I will be replicating the side plates. I'm also stripping the frame of everything else to make handling easier.
So I still have a long way to go. The only thing I know for sure, is that plans are subject to change.
Stan
