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Frame Rail Replacement

70383ChargerSE

Well-Known Member
Local time
9:34 PM
Joined
Sep 2, 2018
Messages
67
Reaction score
66
Location
SF Bay Area
I hope I am posting in the right section. I am looking for peoples experiences with replacing the rear frame rails on their 68-70 B-Bodies. I do not own a car yet but am interested in peoples experiences replacing the rear frame rails on a 68-70 Charger. It seems like every cheap project charger has rotted out rear frame rails. What does something like this generally cost at a shop? What would be some things to avoid? Are frame rail caps worth it? Thanks
 
Caps no. As for what it cost, there's to many variables to get an answer for that. If the rails are bad enough to need replacing, what is the condition of the metal they are attached to ? Put it this way, it's a major project to replace rails the right way and not going to be cheap. If you're looking to go cheap on a car the best advice is spend the extra money upfront and buy one not needing rails.
The biggest thing I see in the Mopar hobby, and other makes, is so many people want these cars but they don't realize an old car is expensive to restore, especially paint and body. Paint materials are thru the roof and quality repair men aren't cheap. There are hobbiest who can do their own body work and it makes it more affordable to buy an average car needing frame rails. To them it's a challenge and fun. But to the most of the hobbiest not being able to do metal work you rely on the restoration shops. So unless this is a rare, Hemi, or some other "great to have" car you just have to have, I'd say spend a little extra for a solid car, they're out there.
 
Yep these toys are not cheap,save more money is the way to go. I dont have alot of money so I saved and worked my way up. Dont settle for any car save and get what you really want. My best friend would tell me to take a loan out but I dont like owing money to anyone. owing and buying parts ,thats crazy.
 
Look into buying a west coast car. Will save you thousands on the restore. Costs a little more to ship. Why dont you guys get this?
 
Thanks for your replies, that's kinda what I figured. I have an A body and it was my first car that I restored with my dad about 15 years ago. I got another a-body about 4 years ago and the price of everything has shot through the roof. I see plenty of b-bodies for sale but the cheaper ones all seem like they require frame rails and it just doesnt seem worth it. What about torsion bar support replacement?
 
You're right back to pretty serious requirements with the torsion bar support. I notice you're in the SF Bay area, why are you looking at rot boxes ? Sounds like you're digging up cars from my Ohio area lol.
 
Yeah. I am in the bay area so the cars here generally are better but they command ridiculous prices. If I could find one under 15k that isn't a hunk of crap I would be happy. But that is hard to find. My A bodies had virtually no rust when I got them which was nice. There have been a few B-Bodies that I have looked at that are not as solid as you would think, especially for a west coast car. Some of the sellers of these cars are even asking almost 10k for a car that requires a trunk, quarters at a minimum. I figure if I am looking at a project I should just save for one that is solid or at least has had the back half of the car replaced.
 
Yeah. I am in the bay area so the cars here generally are better but they command ridiculous prices. If I could find one under 15k that isn't a hunk of crap I would be happy. But that is hard to find. My A bodies had virtually no rust when I got them which was nice. There have been a few B-Bodies that I have looked at that are not as solid as you would think, especially for a west coast car. Some of the sellers of these cars are even asking almost 10k for a car that requires a trunk, quarters at a minimum. I figure if I am looking at a project I should just save for one that is solid or at least has had the back half of the car replaced.
 
That’s the way perhaps. But, the price tags are going to be much higher. I’ve been a restoration guy all of my life. When people don’t necessarily have the money we settle for projects that take a ton of time, ton money to complete. Most of the time those projects never get done. I’ve learned it’s best to save up for less work when it comes to something I want myself. Especially as we get older. When it comes to cars. People always know this stuff, but they try to justify it by saying, “ I ll know what I have into it” , lol ! My suggestion is save for the right conditioned car. Save yourself time and effort. Buy one that someone else has put their proper time into.
 
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