I need to replace the rear frame rails on my 77 Mav. It is the section on either side of the gas tank. I want to replace about thirty inches on both side. My first question is would a sawzall work? Second do I use jackstands on the frame in front of the axle for support? And third I am using two inch square tubing that is straight and the part I am replaceing is two inch type tubing but it is not completely straight is this going to be a problem? Any help would be greatly appreciated Jerome
Best thing to do is cut the sections out of another car. Thats the only way I'd go. I would support the car on the rear torque boxes. Drop the gas tank. Unbolt the rear shackles and let the rear tires rest on the ground. A cut off wheel on a 4" grinder would give you more control. The rails are not boxed, They are U shaped with a flange at the top, where it is spot welded to the trunk floor. I would cut off the U shaped section first, leaving the welded flange attached to the floor. Then you can grind off the spot welds one at a time and peal the flange off. Then weld in your new sections.
Not trying to step on any toes.....but...... If you have to replace THAT much of the rear frame....I would probably look for another car. What is the rest of the car like rust wise? I know of another boad member on here who had it done....but that was really the ONLY rust on his car....so it was a worthwhile undertaking.
If I were going to that much trouble, I'd just go ahead and "back half" the car. Then you could run whatever tire and wheel combo you wanted, as well as whatever narrowed rear. More costly to do, but will be stronger than stock....
Believe it or not other than some surface rust that is worst part of the car. Where can I find some replacement sections? I live in Ohio and other than my Mav I have only seen two other ones. And what do you mean by backhalf?
There are usually cars being parted out on here all the time. Perhaps someone can cut out the sections you need. Put a post in the parts wanted section. If you would have posted this 3 weeks ago, I could have helped you out.
