frame reinforcement plating

So I am plating a 97 regular cab frame. Mostly because it has some dents near the front cab mount. I have the front and back are finished but was wondering if I should do the middle section between the front and back cab mounts. Is there any advantage to doing it? Other then it looking consistent. I circled in red the section i'm talking about.

 

might as well. only disadvantage, really, is your time.

The obvious advantage is strength.

 

I still have another month before I go back to work so luckily times not an issue rite now. I need to come up with a cool design.

 

I would do it

 

The biggest reason I ask is trail gear and CBI I noticed don't make them and I can't seem to find any online anywhere

 

@Tour991

If you ever think you would need any brackets (sliders, side steps, lighting, ???) in that area which would be best welded on/over the top of the frame for strength, rather than the side, now would be the perfect chance. There is no space to weld up there with cab on. I've tried.

That frame is going to be rock solid. Wish I had your motivation to improve my truck!

 

I think I'm going to do sliders to while I'm at it. This is the last frame swap I want to do so this one needs to be bullet proof.

 

Frame caps to repair rusted frames might work.

 

My thoughts it is as easy as it will ever be!!

Make some pieces and weld them in.

 

Plating is good, but tubing is better. If you can make a tubular chassis out of some better material then you are better off.

 

Sure that is a given Does the OP want to go that route .

The added extra cost and time

 

why not box the inside rear sections instead of plating outside? Obviously more work but since the body is off...

 

Shouldn't be hard to make pieces for those rails with a grinder, even . You could also have a local Fab shop cut some exact pieces with a plasma/waterjet

 

Maybe some reinforcement in this general area....

Lol

 

imagine standing in a repair shop and watching this happen to your truck..lol..

 

To this day this is the only picture of a completely broken frame I have ever seen

Even trying my best to cause one to fail

 

Wow that sux, fortunately being in California and Nevada we don't have salt issues. Even being up in Tahoe, Caltrans and NDot can not use salt in the Tahoe bason water shed.

 

The first few images on Google.

 

Yeah I was gonna say I've seen alot more than just that one. I was starting to see flex on mine in that area before I sold it. I could see it in the side mirror down the bodyline when I hit a good bump.

 

Cut out some center frame plates I will weld them on tomorrow.