Radiator Support Rust. Fix or replace?

WrongBedDave · Post by **WrongBedDave** » October 6, 2012, 4:46 pm

Tore into the front clip today to see how the rust was on the rad support and replace the mounting bolts. Was not happy with the rust. I could fix it but im seeing three separate pieces in the construction and 2 mounting holes in the section that needs replaced. Any ideas on if i should fix it or just scrap it and fork over an arm and a leg to replace it?

Rusty 63 · Post by **Rusty 63** » October 6, 2012, 4:48 pm

Looks way better than mine....

64low-n-slow · Post by **64low-n-slow** » October 6, 2012, 5:07 pm

Hey WrongBed - That support is very repairable. Most important is to make sure it's sandblasted thoroughly and cut out far enough away to get back to good steel. 18ga steel makes good strong repair panels for areas like that. Good luck!

Bill W · Post by **Bill W** » October 6, 2012, 5:45 pm

I agree, that one can be repaired.

DV65CustomCab · Post by **DV65CustomCab** » October 6, 2012, 5:48 pm

Buy a new one if you like, but give that one to someone who can fix it. I'd repair that one myself all day long, and I have pathetic welding skills. You should see how horrible the one on my truck is, yet the front end hasn't fallen off yet.

ICEMAN6166 · Post by **ICEMAN6166** » October 6, 2012, 7:25 pm

definitely fix that

pretty minor rust compared to some i have seen

Post by **foodstick** » October 6, 2012, 7:31 pm

Heck that thing is cherry by Iowa standards

WrongBedDave · Post by **WrongBedDave** » October 7, 2012, 1:24 pm

Its pretty funny how another forum was saying replace while this forum said fix. Im gonna go with fixing it. Gotta wait till december when I'm in the same place as my welder for a good amount of time. I just cant justify buying a new support when this one is salvageable.

Max · Post by **Max** » October 7, 2012, 5:16 pm

I concur, fixable! Besides, the more welding you can do, the better you get.

WrongBedDave · Post by **WrongBedDave** » October 7, 2012, 5:50 pm

I agree! Plus I just enjoy welding, started in 8th grade and haven't looked back (I'm a junior in college now). Started with stick, then moved to oxy and then to mig. Migs all I do anymore tho because I only have a mig welder

Max · Post by **Max** » October 7, 2012, 5:58 pm

Better stay away from a TIG then. It will swallow you up and you'll love every minute of it!

Post by **foodstick** » October 7, 2012, 6:37 pm

The great thing is, the areas that go on our radiator cores BARELY can be seen at any angle once fixed...

save yourself a 1/3 of a grand ! fix that thing...

Post by **Greg D** » October 7, 2012, 8:11 pm

Check my build thread (link in signature),
I repaired mine, pics I took might give you some ideas.

Radiator Support Rust. Fix or replace?

Radiator Support Rust. Fix or replace?

Re: Radiator Support Rust. Fix or replace?

Re: Radiator Support Rust. Fix or replace?

Re: Radiator Support Rust. Fix or replace?

Re: Radiator Support Rust. Fix or replace?

Re: Radiator Support Rust. Fix or replace?

Re: Radiator Support Rust. Fix or replace?

Re: Radiator Support Rust. Fix or replace?

Re: Radiator Support Rust. Fix or replace?

Re: Radiator Support Rust. Fix or replace?

Re: Radiator Support Rust. Fix or replace?

Re: Radiator Support Rust. Fix or replace?

Re: Radiator Support Rust. Fix or replace?