Rear rail repair

[hanksemenec]

I have cleaned off the repair area on the rear right rail. It was sectioned in front for the trunk cross member. Not the most beautiful job. The end of the rail is 1/2" too low.

Option 1 cut and re-weld and box?

Option 2 get the whole rail out?

What do you think?

[70 Challenger Lover]

I'm wondering why someone did that. Doesn't look like a rust repair. Accident repair?

When you say the rail is 1/2" low, does that mean the floor on that side is also low? And the floor connects to the tail panel so is there evidence of a problem there? I see a slippery slope in your future.

[hanksemenec]

This was a collision repair. The rail is in correct horizontal position, but the elevation is wrong. Tail panel and trunk floor are 1/2" low.
I did the frame measurements last Saturday.

I am concerned that someone sectioned the rail in front of the trunk cross bar.

[Cuda Cody]

It would depend on the budget and desired results.  If it was my car, I would replace the frame rail and then put it on a frame rack to make sure everything is dead nuts perfect.... then start building the car from a solid foundation that I know is straight.

[70 Challenger Lover]

I agree. It's not just the rail anymore.

[JS29]

I think you are better off replacing the entire rail!!! 

[hanksemenec]

The goal is to just make a driver, not a show car. Kinda like this https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Hb9F2DT8iEQ 

[70 Challenger Lover]

Others may want to chime in but when it comes to things like rails, I would think proper alignment is pretty critical since all four wheels track off the rail placement. In this case, would one spring load up differently since the springs aren't in equal positions? This is an area I know little about though so I'm sure others could advise better.

[JS29]

Well first of all, god forbid the car gets rear-ended again it could fracture on ether side of the weld. No insurance company authorized that type of repair!   

[hanksemenec]

I'll take a chance and grab a Dynacorn rail. Anyone used their Challenger rail on Cuda?

[70 Challenger Lover]

That's what I'm using if I remember right. It fits okay. Certainly not perfect but since I'm doing the entire rear section, it was not that big a deal.