M38A1 Frame Swap

Deadguy · Post by **Deadguy** » Fri Sep 23, 2011 9:18 am

Well, here's the thing. I don't have a lift, and I live in a duplex, so I can't just have a unusable Jeep sitting in my carport while I spend months pulling it apart and piecing it out. I'm moving, too, at the end of November, so that is also an issue. The vehicle is at the shop that pulled the engine, and it is way easier to swap the frame while I am waiting for the engine to be rebuilt, than it is to pull the engine again and swap the frame.
What issues are you seeing with the frame other than the rear two crossmembers Wes?

53a1 · Post by **53a1** » Fri Sep 23, 2011 9:27 am

Why would you rig together a frame when you could have bought a whole Jeep and sold off the extra parts?

The frame is the foundation of your jeep and once it is all assembled do you really want to risk cracks?

53a1 · Post by **53a1** » Fri Sep 23, 2011 9:41 am

O.K. I see your situation. Good luck.

Deadguy · Post by **Deadguy** » Fri Sep 23, 2011 9:44 am

It's the two rear cross members, basically where the bumper would be, and If they are welded on properly, there shouldn't be a problem.
Like I said, there are alot of problems with just buying a vehicle that doesn't run and I need to pull apart. Unfortunately, I don't live in a big house out in the country, I live in a duplex right outside of downtown Austin.

Post by **wesk** » Fri Sep 23, 2011 10:16 am

If the two frames in your photo are the frames you bought then as you can see the right rear modifications must be undone. I fail to see how one of those frames can be used to repair the other since they both have the same modification that needs to be undone. You will need to do a frame alignment inspection and then the repairs and then a frame alignment inspection again. If you don't you will have a real PITA time installing the body on the frame. I cannot see the rest of the frames in that photo so I can't appraise their condition. Sounds like you are hiring out the resto work in which case the points made on using a good frame to start with and the work involved are mute and how much you spend is entirely your choice.

Deadguy · Post by **Deadguy** » Fri Sep 23, 2011 11:21 am

I am trying to do whatever I can in my carport, but the heavy stuff I just don't have the space to do, otherwise I would rent the left and try it myself. When I restored my CJ7, and then heavily modified an FJ, I lived in another state on a large chunk of property. Now, I have to rely on my local Jeep 4x4 shop. They are good guys, I do artwork for them and we have a good relationship, but the more I can have my hands in the till, the better the outcome, and the less I have to spend.

RICKG · Post by **RICKG** » Fri Sep 23, 2011 11:56 am

Let's take another look at the photos of the rt rear frame rails.
Is that truly a modibubbafication or are we being fooled by
the camera angle? Have you got a straight-on shot of the frame?

Post by **wesk** » Fri Sep 23, 2011 12:15 pm

Good point Rick!

Balvar24 · Post by **Balvar24** » Fri Sep 23, 2011 12:17 pm

Spilled milk guys. Spilled milk. Let's all go take a smoke break.

Deadguy · Post by **Deadguy** » Fri Sep 23, 2011 9:52 pm

Ha! Someday...I will have a running jeep...someday