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reapairing frame rust

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Old 02-13-10, 02:59 PM
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reapairing frame rust

Im going to start on the rust repair on my Rx2 finally. And im starting where it bothers me most. The HEAVY rusting on the frame up front.

My question is, do i need to brace the front end of the car while i cut the metal out? and if i do need to brace it. where should i do so?


heres a few shots of where im going to put new metal in:







Old 02-13-10, 03:01 PM
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I already removed the subframe, steering, and front suspension. And did some light sanding to see where the rust ends. It actually is a little worse than it look in the picture... I dont have the choice of not fixing it. Rx2's are REALLY hard to come by in this area...
Old 02-13-10, 04:10 PM
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wow thats a crazy project. i think you are better of parting the car. i mean thats fixable but the fab work is a lot to get it to original shape and strenght, unless you find a junker an splice the rails. you should sandblast from the a-pillars forward.
Old 02-13-10, 04:23 PM
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as to hold the rails, you should deff make a fixture thats holds both the back and front of the raisl. this is so they will not move, then weld it to the crossmember because thats not a moving part. i mean you don't have to go crazy but remember that if the rails or the front moves it can mess with the suspension and steering. good luck post more pic as you go along.
Old 02-13-10, 04:43 PM
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Here are some good threads that could be used for reference



http://japanesenostalgiccar.com/foru...pic.php?t=7113

http://japanesenostalgiccar.com/foru...pic.php?t=4426
Old 02-13-10, 07:51 PM
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man, thats some nice work to those cars. But the porblem for me is, finding a decent front clip...

i think im going to weld a piece of square tubing from one side of the frame to the other. I just have to find good metal somewhere up front to do that...
Old 02-13-10, 07:58 PM
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My best advice is to visit allmetalshaping.com

That project is doable, just a big a$$ project to cut your teeth on, if you are inexperienced in this sort of repair
Old 02-13-10, 10:04 PM
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im not that experienced in rust repair. But i have done a little here and there. I am also a certified welder. So the cost will only be for sheet metal, wich really isnt all that much. and theres not much shape in the frames. mainly flat metal. shouldnt be to bad...

we'll see how it goes. ill update with pics as it comes. i tried taking a few more today. but the camera was acting all wierd and would shut off as i tried to snap a picture.
Old 02-13-10, 10:21 PM
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are you planning on stripping the car and doing all the body work at once?
Old 02-14-10, 10:20 AM
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not all at once. Im going to do the engine bay first. and then work my way back...
Old 02-14-10, 02:35 PM
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that is a lot of rust, makes myne look like nothing compared to what you got. good luck with it and cant wait for more pics.
Old 02-19-10, 09:50 PM
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you are an experience welder I think you can fix it, once you start cutting remember it gets deeper and deeper just do it right and with patiences and will turn out good,
Old 02-20-10, 06:01 PM
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As long as you get to some good metal and brace it properly you should be okay. Just make sure you get good penetration on your welds and just cross stitch your weld to avoid overheating any one area. Goodluck




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