help with frame repair

[ckahl2]

So i found a 1988 jeep comanche that one of my friend's dad's has and i m tempted to buy it, but i figured id see if it was worth buying. Its in Awesome condition other than one spot on the frame. Just under the front of the bed by the cab it is rusted through so badly that it is extremely unsafe to go over any bumps in the truck. I was hoping to get some insight as to what it would cost to have the frame repaired, and what it would cost if i could repair the frame myself. I have access to a welder, and i was hoping someone might have attempted this before, or someone knew of a kit i could get to make this go easier than having to fab everything myself. Other than that the truck is in good shape, under 100k on the 4.0 straight six, its the long bed 1 ton truck with a tow package. He wants between $1200 and $1700 for it, and it comes with a cap, ladder racks, and a fully operational plow setup. any help would be much appreciated, and ill try to get some pics up soon! I'm just really worried about screwing up the welding cause i don't have a ton of experience, especially after seeing the thread about that other kid on here who attempted a frame repair. Ill have the jeep by next week hopefully, and i want the frame to done before the snow falls here in new england, cause after that the truck is entirely inspection ready, and i want 4x4 for the winter.

[jimoshel]

Rusty frame repair is no place to learn welding. That said check the DIY section. There are several postings there on frame repair. The price seems a little high for what your getting but as prices varies from one part of the country to another, it may be fair for NE. If you could locate a local CC member maybe he could offer more help.

[Automan2164]

That truck might be best as a donor, sorry to say. A rotten frame is a tough repair for the beginner welder, and not only that, but being a "boxed" uniframe, its probably pretty thin in more than that one spot. If if were myself, I'd find a good truck with a bad drivetrain, and see how much the guy is willing to go down on his with the rotten frame. Assuming that "1 ton" you are referring to is Metric ton, with plow and tow package, I would go $1000 tops, and that is really pushing it. For $1000 it had better have good wheels and tires, clean interior, GREAT running engine, and a solid drivetrain.

 

I've bought a running driving Metric ton that needed brake lines with tow and plow package for $650, after he removed the plow. Ran like a top. They are out there, just don't bite off more than you can chew.

Rob L.

[Comanche County]

If it has a quality commercial plow in good condition and not a smaller residential one, it might be a good deal for what he's asking.

[ckahl2]

yeah, it used to be a plow truck for one of the malls near me, so its a commercial plow, and its in great condition. I understand what your saying about finding a truck that only needed brakes for $650, but the value is really in the plow setup. The guy even told me that he only really value's the truck at no more than $500, but the plow setup is awesome, thats why the price is so high. I know a guy who owns a fence company, and he has an awesome metal shop in the back, so i was hoping he would help me out with the frame, just didnt know if you had any ideas, or any info you could offer. Ill probably go for it cause comanche's are few and far between where i live, and to find one that has working 4x4 and a solid engine to power it is unheard of. If i could get the frame repaired, the only other thing the truck might eventually need would be paint. Other than that EVERYTHING works (including the original interior lights!).

[beaterheep]

i patched a fist sized spot on my frame right above the pass side spring hanger. used 3/16" steel and went 4" past the rotted area. havent had any problems