Thread: Will this plate work to strengthen my frame rail?

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I am going to add a plate to the frame rail to help strengthen it. My question is is this fine or should I round off the ends a lot more? There are no sharp corners on it now.Thanks 65 chevy truck

Are you welding that to the existing rail upright, are are you going to use it to box the frame section??? It looks like you have it slid all the way in against the existing rail. A boxed section would be stronger....

Its 3/16" thick Denny, what do you mean upper and lower piece? Like a long strap against the top and bottom? It is pushed all the way in. There is a angle in the stock frame rail so the middle of the plate its about 1/2- 3/4" out. Only the ends are touching.

I did some cutting on the frame and thats why I want to stiffen this area. I removed the the oringinal shock mount and the original e-brake pass through.i wanted a smooth look.

I'm kinda seeing what Dave sees, the plate is pushed tight against the existing outside rail. All that you are going to gain there is a thicker frame outside wall. If you bring it out like a fourth wall, or inset it just slightly, it will really "box" the rail and make it much stronger.

Don

Thanks that clears up what you were talking about about. By seeing your examples I would figure a third way that would be a combo of both. A strap top and bottom and move the plate mid half way out. What you think?

Now that you guy have pointed this out I think it would be better to move the plate out. Or do you think I can keep it against the channel wall if I go bigger ,like 1/4" plate?

What exactly are you trying to accomplish with this? I know the answer seems obvious, but maybe you are seeking something different out of it. I guess what I am asking is if you are going to do this the entire length of the frame or just in one area to strengthen that.

Don

A boxed rail is the strongest way to do it. I would put it out on the edge of the existing flange, then cap the ends in a angled fashion from the outside to the inside.... to lessen the tendency of the non-reinforced section to crack under stress... No Idea how to draw it, hopefull you understand, Denny

Originally Posted by Itoldyouso

What exactly are you trying to accomplish with this? I know the answer seems obvious, but maybe you are seeking something different out of it. I guess what I am asking is if you are going to do this the entire length of the frame or just in one area to strengthen that.

Don

Well I kinda figure this is a area that sees a lot of stress and I want make sure that I dont have any problems with the areas I cut out and rewelded. I am only going to reinforce this area not the entire length.

Originally Posted by Dave Severson

A boxed rail is the strongest way to do it. I would put it out on the edge of the existing flange, then cap the ends in a angled fashion from the outside to the inside.... to lessen the tendency of the non-reinforced section to crack under stress... No Idea how to draw it, hopefull you understand, Denny

No , I got it Thanks for your input

Originally Posted by DennyW

You mean to gussit the ends ? That would spread the load out.

Yup, gusseted with the ends of the box being closed in by an angle piece rather then a plain cap at a 90 degree angle.....

Originally Posted by Dave Severson

Yup, gusseted with the ends of the box being closed in by an angle piece rather then a plain cap at a 90 degree angle.....

The engineer agrees . . .

Denny were you ever a Gymnast? your designs and explanations deserve a 10.0. Nice job of "sticking" the landing. BTD, go with the layout Denny shows. Metal has memory and relies on it every day to do it's job to keep your "lines" in shape. All the rest of you guys, GREAT JOB!. This oughta get the project on track.