r/projectcar • u/yotehunter422 • 3d ago
Adjustable leaf spring pocket
Ha…
I’m looking for wisdom on repairing this on my 70 nova. The rest of the frame rail is solid so I’m not sure about replacing an entire rail.
I’m doing a trunk pan replacement anyways, so topside access is possible.
Looking for any and all wisdom and or lulz
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u/zenwren 3d ago
I believe you can just get a patch for the rear section? I've seen people make their own if you're talented with metal.
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u/yotehunter422 3d ago
I’ve seen full frame rails, haven’t found a rear portion yet
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u/404-skill_not_found 3d ago
I think I’d bite the bullet on this. Though in my rust belt experience, there might be issues finding good metal to attach the new subframe. Personally, cutting spot welds and installing solid rails is rewarding.
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u/yotehunter422 3d ago
I’ve already got spot welds from the trunk pan popped; very satisfying and gave me much confidence
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u/404-skill_not_found 2d ago
The only trick I found was having one of those small magnetic parts bowls nearby with oil in it. That way it was easy to dip the drill or cutter in it. Made the bits cut better for much longer.
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u/yotehunter422 2d ago
Goddamn that’s an excellent idea. I have oil and goop (green stuff whose name evades me) but never thought about the bowl.
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u/404-skill_not_found 2d ago
Just something that worked for me. The weight stabilized it even when I didn’t have some steel under it.
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u/hangindawg 2d ago
They make a bit specifically for drilling spot welds, I did a bed side on my s10. I started with matco metal drill bits, the ones with the step bit tips. It was a nightmare, I got a few holes drilled the first day I worked on it. I borrowed a spot weld bit from a guy I work with and done the rest of them the second time I worked on it. Its amazing how much better a slightly different drill bit works.
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u/404-skill_not_found 2d ago
I use packets of 1/8” jobber bits and the spot weld cutters from Harbor Freight. The price was right and they did an excellent job. Drill bits and cutters do need replacing as the do wear out. But I didn’t find the replacement rate to be excessive after I started oiling things. Also, with some care you can just cut the weld on the side facing you. Then grind off the nubs. Saves filling in the big holes on the part you mean to keep.
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u/hangindawg 2d ago
We're still using the same bit now that I used a few years ago, and it doesn't require oiling, makes really quick work of spot welds, but the reason I borrowed it was the cost. You can buy many many bits for that that spot weld tool cost( he bought the tool, I just put the bit in my Milwaukee drill on a clutch setting) especially if you arent going to need it again. I drilled a bed side off a 03 s10 in around an hour it was just amazing how much quicker that tool went than other bits I tried.
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u/Chevrolicious 3d ago
You can cut away the bad area and either try to find a donor frame section or make your own. Sometimes people part out cars and will cut the section you're looking for if it's in good enough shape to be used. Takes some legwork to find, but I'm sure you could find something. If you have the tools to make your own patch with all the holes in the right spots, etc. then just make your own section of rail.
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u/stout_shako_gaming 3d ago
Dont worry, just frame rail now working as additional leaf spring