The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area Paint and Body Shop Frame Wear

I have just removed the front driver side body bracket as the rivets had worked loose over time and the bracket needs some repairs. Upon removal, I noticed that the top of the bracket had worn an indent in the top of the frame over the years of rattling around. What is the best way to repair this indent? Fill with weld beads and grind smooth? Devcon?
Indent is 1/32" to maybe 1/16" deep. Not terrible, but enough to through the alignment off between the right and left body bracket heights.
Any help would be appreciated.

What year truck you got there Hoss?

Its a 1954 GMC 1 ton with a 9ft box. The thing is a beast.

Can you make up a shim to even out for the wear?

Mark

If the integrity of the frame isn't compromised, you can use shims under the cab on the worn side to even up the cab side-to-side. This procedure needs to be done this way on a new truck to keep things lined up.
Carl

Not sure of the shape of the indent, or size, but at that depth, I would weld if enough meat left on bracket and you can weld reasonably well.

Thanks for the posts. Both the frame and the bracket are worn about the same. I did not think about shims or that welding on the frame was ok....until I read about frame repair right in the GMC servic manual.
Should have attached a picture with the first post.
http://s1380.photobucket.com/user/T...3749_zps9vmkmstc.jpg.html?sort=3&o=1

Are you sure that is a wear indent? That is the most perfect wear I've ever seen. Looks factory? The other pic is two blurry to see anything. I don't think it is a wear. But if it is, it's too much to fill in with welding. Too much heat.
I think it's a factory nest for the bracket or shims. It looks forged into the frame rail.

Agreed that its a pretty perfect marking. Attached is a bit clearer image of the bracket. It is showing uneven wear so I am assuming that it and the frame have worn together after 40 odd years of being loose with the weight of the cab on top.
Wonder if Devcon is strong enough to build up he frame area. I will likey have to rebuild or find the frame braket as one side (not shown) that bolts to the side of the frame is rusted through where they tried welding it to the frame.

http://i1380.photobucket.com/albums/ah168/TcolemanC/Mobile%20Uploads/20150802_202327_zpswpxamtmm.jpg

I don't have AD trucks and Carl does. He has not said it is a factory indent. I would wait on that frame indent. I thought you had a groove and I suggested welding. I do not suggest welding that whole indent. The bracket can be welded.
Devcon epoxy is a viable solution if the company data says so. It is well known by machinists and others. Can you see any other "indents" under other brackets? The bracket does look more like a rubbed indent. I just do not see how it is possible that the frame indent has perfect radii all around a perfect trapezoid.

Can you set the mount on the frame and take a picture. I have a 1952 9430 as well and can compare for you. I'm just not sure which one you are referring to.

Mark

Attached are pictures of the mount clamped in place with the best fit as I can see. Its the drivers side cab bracket. One side of the bracket is in tough shape from the years of use while loose under the cab and will need to be rebuilt for sure. Unless I can locate a donor one somewhere. It is definitely worn and not factory like that. Its amazing how metal on metal added with vibration can peen so well. I guess thats why hammer forging rifle barrels works!


http://i1380.photobucket.com/albums/ah168/TcolemanC/Mobile%20Uploads/20150803_184808_zps8ei0yhk3.jpg

http://i1380.photobucket.com/albums/ah168/TcolemanC/Mobile%20Uploads/20150803_184818_zps5rcqohgv.jpg

Your bracket and frame appear to be sound even with the 40-50 years of "hammer fitting" due to looseness.
If it were mine and I was building it for the son which I care about, I would bolt the bracket back in place (rivets aren't necessary for this application).
The only affect that the moved-around-metal may impact would be the cab height adjustment on that corner, which can be completely addressed with a shim at the front cab bolt between the cab and the frame. You need to check that anyway.
Carl

Ahh. Was so focused on trying to figure out the frame repair to get the bracket back in line that I never even thought about having to use shims above the bracket anyhow to level the cab. Will focus on getting the bracket sound and secured and worry about the height when the cab goes on.
Thanks a bunch for all the suggestions.