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Author
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Topic: Question about replacing rear frame rails
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Amherst
Gearhead Posts: 255
From: Amherst, WI, USA
Registered: Aug 2000
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posted 04-19-2001 08:31 PM
   
I am currently shopping around for someone to replace the rear frame rails on my I-6 66' coupe. I saw an ad in the local paper for a shop that specializes in old car restoration. I called the guy and asked him if he does this kind of work. He said that he would replace the rear frame rails and then send the car to a frame shop for "alignment." Does this sound right? I would think that once the new rails are in place, that's it, and they better be aligned right off the bat. Any advice? I asked him if he had worked on unibody Mustangs before and he said that he had. I'm going to stop by tomorrow and have him look at it. Thanks in advance!
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The Buckmaster
Gearhead Posts: 158
From: Summerfield Oh USA
Registered: Nov 99
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posted 04-20-2001 09:09 AM
You are correct.The frame rails would be placed measured and checked by the reference points.If it was properly done there would be no need to do any pull work.To be honest if the rails are welded incorrectly you can pull and still will not have true measurements.Proper alignment is necessary for proper tracking,but installing the frame rails is not that tough.I would avoid this guy.
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66351stang
Gearhead Posts: 645
From: sayville,newyork
Registered: Jul 2000
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posted 04-21-2001 09:34 PM
me and a friend of mine replaced both rear frame rails in my 66,has nothing to do with the front end alignment, but make sure all your measurments are correct, do to the alignment of the trunk so it closes properly, i didn't realize the tight measurements , but my friend works in a body shop,screw up the frame rails and trunk will not align properly, take your time, and you realy need 2 people to do it properly.
good luck..------------------
ponycar66,have you flown in a ford latley???????
66-COUPE W/351SVO
glad i had a v-8 !!!!!!
84.5 gt350-61 falcon 302
have a great day!!!!!!!!
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Amherst
Gearhead Posts: 255
From: Amherst, WI, USA
Registered: Aug 2000
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posted 04-22-2001 01:55 PM
As for measurements, can I get those from the 66 shop manual, or is there a publication that I can refer to? Also, do you know of any books or manuals that walks you through the whole process, kind of like the mustang mags do when they do a project?
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The Buckmaster
Gearhead Posts: 158
From: Summerfield Oh USA
Registered: Nov 99
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posted 04-22-2001 09:47 PM
You can take the measurement from your old rails before you remove them.Simply measure to the edge or a hole.Just use the same reference than to install them.It is not hard to do.I believe mustang monthly did an article on the replacement.
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John Mitzel
Gearhead Posts: 173
From: Chester,NH USA
Registered: Jul 2000
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posted 04-23-2001 10:03 AM
My 66 coupe rails were replaced by the prior owner - a 70-year old man who did the job solo in his garage with his MIG. The dimensions are available in the shop manual and can obviously be achieved. He replaced every piece of metal behind the rear window and it all fits and functions.
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Amherst
Gearhead Posts: 255
From: Amherst, WI, USA
Registered: Aug 2000
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posted 04-23-2001 11:59 AM
I would assume that you would take one off at a time so that you have something to hold the car up with. Can you do partial ones or just the bottom piece of metal? On the drivers side the bottoms of the rail are starting to rust through, and the front spring mount hole is pretty much toast. It has also affected the seam where is meets the floor board, but not too bad. On the passenger side, the rails on only part of the bottom are rusted, and the front spring mount hole is solid. The trunk is solid except for some tiny holes that have started. Nothing major. My problem is finding someone to do it. I cannot weld!!
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