Maintenance
Rivet RemovalCAUTION: Do not drill outside the rivet into the frame as that will weaken the frame.
NOTE: Rivets that are removed will be replaced with the next larger size bolts.
1. Drill a 3.17 mm (1/8-inch) pilot hole through the rivet.
2. Drill a 8.73 mm (11/32-inch) hole through the rivet.
3. Remove the rivet head.
4. Drive out the rivet with a punch.
5. Remove the support.
Rivet Replacement
NOTE: Rivets that are removed will be replaced with the next larger size bolts.
CAUTION: Drill only where a rivet was removed.
1. Drill a bolt hole in the support and the frame. Line drill a hole the size of the bolt through the old rivet hole. For example, for use a 1/2-inch drill for 7/16 diameter rivets.
2. Position the support.
3. Insert the bolts, nuts and washers (Property Class 9.8 metric [Grade 8]) in the drilled holes.
4. Tighten the bolts.
Drilling Precautions
1. If a hole must be drilled in the frame, make sure the hole meets the following requirements:
- The hole is at least the specified distance from the edge of the nearest hole.
- The edge of the drilled hole is at least the specified distance from the edge of the flange.
- The hole is at least the specified distance above the frame centerline.
- The drilled hole is at least the specified distance from any other existing bracket or component of the frame.
Welding Precautions
1. If welding must be done on a frame, make sure the following requirements are met:
- If the frame is attached to the vehicle, the negative battery cable must be disconnected before using any electrical welding equipment.
- Do not use gas welding equipment; arc welding is the only approved method.
- Use a temperature-indicating crayon to ensure that the temperature does not exceed 750° C (1400° F).
- Replace spot-welded components by spot welding where possible. If spot welding is not possible, use puddle welding.
Frame Straightening
WARNING: Straightening of front frame rail convolute is prohibited.
1. When straightening the frame, make sure the following requirements are met:
- If heat is needed to straighten a frame member, keep the temperature below 650° C (1200° F) (a dull red glow).
- Heat should be kept to a minimum area so that the hardness of the metal will not be affected.
- Straightening should only be attempted on frames that fail to meet specifications of the diagonal checking method or where damage is apparent. Refer to BODY MISALIGNMENT INSPECTION and UNDERBODY MISALIGNMENT INSPECTION.
- Straightening should be limited to parts which are not severely bent.
Frame Reinforcing
1. After a bent frame member has been straightened, inspect the frame member closely for cracks. If any cracks show, the frame member should be reinforced or replaced.
2. Reinforcements should be made from angle or flat stock of the same material and thickness as the frame member being reinforced, and should extend to either side of the crack.
3. Ideally, the reinforcement should be cut from the corresponding area of a similar frame.