The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area General Truck Talk Frame repair options?

My truck is a 1952 Chevrolet 1 ton Dually, It has been sitting outside for the past 25 years, however i have noticed white residue that i believe to be road salts that have built up under the front fenders, and underneath the frame behind the rear tires. Thankfully there was enough tar buildup under the front fenders to prevent almost any corrosion, however the frame behind the rear tires did not fair as well. There are a few holes, ranging between pin-hole size, to about 2 square inches on the underside of the frames C-channel.
Passenger side rust hole
Driver side rust holes

So my question is, what can be done to repair the frame? I understand that welding on the frame will weaken it, but i'm not sure about putting a sleeve on it, seeing as only the bottom part of the C-channel is affected.
Also, Only the rear portion of the frame (behind the rear tires) is affected, everywhere else on the frame is as good as can be (it doesn't even have the typical frame pitting underneath the rear of the cab)
I plan to use the truck as a work-horse and want the frame to handle the stress of a trailer without any added doubt.
This may be subject to opinion, but i hope to get helpful feedback from anyone who is experienced with this type of stuff, Thanks in advance!

From what I understand, these frames can be welded without compromising the integrity of the surrounding metal. Since you are planning on using it for towing, you might want to consider to also box in the frame in the area of the repair.
Carl

The frames are mild steel, but welds don't flex. I would consider having a glove bent fit to fit inside the frame and bolt it on. You can still weld a patch over the outside to conceal the rustout., but I would leave it open at the bottom to let water out. Using a glove is how we stretch or repair semi frames.

Im with Carl.
I've build truck bodies (not the cabins) and flatbeds on small and big trucks on my former job. Also repaired a couple of frames. sandblasted and welded in new C beams and ofcourse smeared the whole frame with tar again. You just have to figure out how much of the old C beam you should cut away and replace (from crossmember to crossmember) because just as crenwelge said, Welds don't flex.

I hope you understand what a mean because it's quite hard to explain in english when i've learned everything in Swedish!

Raoul,
I would be very proud of your English! It is excellent.