I recently bought a 56 3100 to restore. I removed the entire bed of the truck and discovered the rear msot crossmember of the frame was badly bent. Honestly, I have no clue how it could've happened. It almost looks pinched. The bed was all original and in fine shape.
Anyhow, does anybody know where I could source a new crossmember? It appears it's as simple as drilling out the rivets and bolting on a new one.
That damage was caused by towing another vehicle with a chain wrapped around the crossmember. There's no need to replace it- - - - -a good body/frame man can straighten it in about 10 minutes with a rosebud tip on an acetyline torch and a big crescent wrench to use as a bending tool. These old frames are mild steel- - - -heating and straightening them doesn't compromise the strength of the metal like would happen with a newer frame. Jerry
"It is better to be silent and be thought a fool than to speak and eliminate all doubt!" - Abraham Lincoln Cringe and wail in fear, Eloi- - - - -we Morlocks are on the hunt! There is nothing noble in being superior to your fellow man; true nobility is being superior to your former self. - Ernest Hemingway Love your enemies and drive 'em nuts!
We do them as Jerry described but found it helps to set a Port-O-Power between the rails and GENTLY apply pressure while heating with the rosebud. The guys are really good with heat and metal and sometimes use two rosebuds and "walk" the bent piece back into shape. Have someone on the Port-o-Power valve at all times because the metal doesn't know when to STOP moving.
