Frame Reinforcing
FRAME REINFORCING1. After a bent frame member has been straightened, inspect the frame member closely for cracks. If any cracks are located, the damage must be welded and, if necessary, reinforced.
2. The following procedure details the recommended frame crack repair procedure:
- Stop drill the crack(s) at the end.
- V-grind the crack(s) in preparation for welding.
- Weld the crack(s).
- Grind off the weld excess.
- Add a reinforcing plate if necessary. The reinforcing plate must be made from flat or angle stock of the same material and thickness as the frame member being reinforced, and must extend to either side of the crack.
Ideally, the reinforcement will be cut from the corresponding area of a similar frame.
- Weld the reinforcing plate entirely, using the skip weld method to reduce potential heat buildup from concentrating in any one particular area during repair.