The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area Paint and Body Shop A frame in the pits

I have a 41 Chevy 3/4T flatbed. The bedwood was in pretty sad shape when I got the truck and it had sat outside for like 30 years. Just behind the cab water/moisture had collected under the 4 x 6 wood bed rails and on top of the frame. This has caused the top of the frame rail to be pitted by rust. It is not anywhere near rusted through, but I was just wondering about the best way to fill this area so moisture doesn't do more damage to this area in the future.

Option 1 - Sandblast the area, fill the pits with a welder and grind smooth and paint?
Option 2 - Sandblast the area, fill the pits with something else that wouldn't heat the frame rail, and paint?
Option 3 - Something else?

Any suggestions are appreciated, thanks.
Kevin

After sandblasting my frame I intend to hit it with a high build primer and sand smooth. Just my thoughts of what I will be doing. Not sure if it is the correct or best way to do it or not but it is what I have planned.
P.s.: Welcome aboard - lurking for over 2 years without a post??

I don't know what you would gain from welding the pits, you might do as much damage or more by the heat. It would be a tough call with out being there and getting to see it up close. Have you thought about some of the "Por" products. They are a rust encapsulator type paint with a lot of solids in it. If you plan to really use this truck for heavy loads, reinforcements from the inside might be the way to go. Sandblasting will be the first step no matter which way you go. Get it clean for a good look. Joe

Yes, lurking for a long time...reading and learning.

I have had the truck for more years than I care to admit. When I first got it I had the time but not the money. Now I have the money but not the time. My 11 year-old son is getting involved now and it is a great project to work on together.

I will try to get a couple of pictures hosted and put in the link.

I was also thinking about sandblasting the area and then filling it in / smoothing it over with a product called JB-Weld. Any experiece with that product?
Thanks,
Kevin

I just brought my frame home today from the powder coater. Ohhhhhhh, is that pretty!

They suggested clear coating it for more protection. Any thoughts from those who have been there before?

At this point, I'm sold on the product. They did my running boards too, I can't say how exciting that was to see.

Jake53,

Are you accepting visitors? School starts in three weeks and my days will be free again...

I would like to see your ride and the progress you've been making.

John

46IP,

I'm working some days on an accounting project, but given the response rate of the client, we could work something out. Frame is tied to the wall for safety, fenders & hood are all over the garage in fresh epoxy primer. Dents to pound out, rust holes to weld shut, lots to show you.

By the end of the month, time should be fairly free. Drop me a note as to when you'd like to drop in.

Jake

Okay, I have pictures of the pitting I was talking about on my frame. Check out the following link:

http://photos.yahoo.com/kryoung7

Look at 41ChevyFrame1 and 41ChevyFrame2.

Let me know what you think?
Thanks,
Kevin

JB Weld is an interesting idea, but I don't know if it would take paint. POR has a filler that would do about the same and still be paintable.

Other opinions????

If your concern is just the appearance, sand blast and fill with Metal to Metal or All Metal filler.
If that were my frame rail I would sand blast and use a gas welder and welding rod to fill.