Working on the back half of a '71 Barracuda and the Rear Left Frame Rail has got some rust. Repair of replace?
I replaced that end section (not the whole frame rail) on my car and it wasn't as bad as yours.
I would just do the end section if the rest of the rail is truly rust free. Any question on the rest of it though and I would replace it complete.
Followed the rear left frame rail and forwards the front and theres a section that either needs to be fixed or the whole rail needs to be replaced.
It's quite a bit more work now but I would replace the complete rail.
no way ,, they sell the 2 foot section. cut what you need.
Quote from: RUNCHARGER on February 15, 2020, 10:45:15 AM
It's quite a bit more work now but I would replace the complete rail.
:iagree: both ends need replaced - not going to be a whole lot left in the middle - do it all in one piece :alan2cents:
If you fix the front and you fix the rear it will be more work than just changing the whole rail at once. You'll also have twice the chance of screwing it up.
For me, I'd replace. Do it once, do it right, then drive with confidence. I always wondered too, how much torque is applied to those since the leaf springs attach to it.
I vote to replace it. You will have a stronger rail and it will take less time. You are going through a lot of work on this car, take the extra step and do it right the first time. You will be glad you did.
Quote from: BFM_Cuda on February 15, 2020, 08:47:22 PM
I vote to replace it. You will have a stronger rail and it will take less time. You are going through a lot of work on this car, take the extra step and do it right the first time. You will be glad you did.
:iagree: couldn't agree more..
Another vote to replace. :alan2cents:
On the Left Rear Frame Rail, what is this bolt hole used for?
Later years like mine mounted the rear seat belt buckle there instead of a bracket on the wheelhouse.
How about this?
https://www.classicindustries.com/product/1970/plymouth/barracuda/parts/mm8128.html
Ok. I purchased the full frame rail from AMD and looking at the shipment Packing List, it mentions 70-74. So guessing after '71 that they added the bolt hole?
:popcorn:
From all of the earlier year pics I've seen, yes. I believe 1972 was the year that the seat belt bolting point changed.
The earlier ones also do not have the large hole in the rear seat back floor for the seat belt bolt to pass through either... You could always grind the nut welds off and plug weld the hole, or leave it alone entirely. I think that flange for that nut was there on all years. I'm not certain though, but you obviously have the old rail to compare it to!
Since mine doesn't have the bolt hole, thinking about cutting and plug welding shut. I'm guessing this is what other '70 and '71 owners that have had this issue before have done.
Not sure what this piece is used for? I noticed it didn't come with the new AMD rear frame rail.
:wave: Emergency brake cable mount?
Thanks. I went ahead and removed the bracket from the bad left side and welded it to the new amd frame rail.
Here's yet another vote to replace the rail, and ask yourself, if the spots I can see are this rotted, how can the rest of it not be far behind? And then put a new one in and have done along with peace of mind, that next year, the part you didn't replace will start showing perforation. :cheers: