dumas972 Posted April 8, 2015 Share Posted April 8, 2015 Just purchased my second Comanche, 91 Eliminator shortbed 4x4 4.0 I6 HO, Ax15, and the metric ton package (dana 44!). Bought it for $1000 runs great only 168k on it and all stock. Problem is floorboards and rockers are gone. (Literally holes you can stick your leg through) I have replacements for both those but came across a rotten frame. Leaf spring and shackles are fine just drivers side is rotted up to the brake lines and a pretty decent size hole. Has anyone repaired a unibody? I know you can strengthen them with unibody supports but anyone do something different? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
HOrnbrod Posted April 8, 2015 Share Posted April 8, 2015 Did you crawl under it before you bought it? Native FL truck? Pics would help.................. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tommy Posted April 8, 2015 Share Posted April 8, 2015 I've seen build threads with people cutting out all the rusted areas and welding in fresh metal. I've also seen people cut off the uniframe entirely and build an ladder frame to mount everything to. It's definitely doable, just depends on your skills and budget. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
HOrnbrod Posted April 8, 2015 Share Posted April 8, 2015 Again, let's see what you have. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Eagle Posted April 8, 2015 Share Posted April 8, 2015 I know you can strengthen them with unibody supports but anyone do something different? CJLongshot has a section in his build discussion on plating rust in the frame. That's the right way to do it -- unless there's not enough left to plate to. Photos -- we need photos. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Incommando Posted April 8, 2015 Share Posted April 8, 2015 Square tubing from a steel yard. Weld that in. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dumas972 Posted April 8, 2015 Author Share Posted April 8, 2015 https://www.dropbox.com/sc/ywkwexkm8s77e3o/AACdpdP23h2QIttyvw8g3lEUa Yea, I crawled under when I bought it and knew it was rusted. I'll take some better pictures of the unibody later. The truck still has a Pennsylvania emission sticker and the dealership sticker on the tailgate. Barnes Chrysler Plymouth, but it has been around Florida for at least the past five years. Seems to have spent some winters up north. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Megadan Posted April 8, 2015 Share Posted April 8, 2015 What they have said. Generally you can plate in (patch with sheet metal) sections of the rusted areas. Definitely be prepared to patch a larger area than the hole that you see, and potentially have to replace things that you can't see until the section is cut away. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
xjrev10 Posted April 9, 2015 Share Posted April 9, 2015 Be aware they usually rust from the inside out.. It might be too far already. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dumas972 Posted April 11, 2015 Author Share Posted April 11, 2015 Be aware they usually rust from the inside out.. It might be too far already. that's what it looks like. If so I may swap the dana 44 and transfer case on my 86. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dumas972 Posted April 11, 2015 Author Share Posted April 11, 2015 I'll have some photos up soon. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dumas972 Posted April 11, 2015 Author Share Posted April 11, 2015 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dumas972 Posted April 11, 2015 Author Share Posted April 11, 2015 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Eagle Posted April 11, 2015 Share Posted April 11, 2015 Be aware they usually rust from the inside out.. It might be too far already. BURN THE HERETIC! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jeep Driver Posted April 11, 2015 Share Posted April 11, 2015 Well, you got an engine, trans, D44, and bucket seats.........for $1000. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
glundblad Posted April 11, 2015 Share Posted April 11, 2015 I don't get what could have happened to it. I am from Indiana and the body on mine was much worse than his but my frame & floors were solid. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Incommando Posted April 11, 2015 Share Posted April 11, 2015 Repairing that depends on your fab skills. You could cut the floor out including the uniframe and then run rectangular tubing or square tubing from behind the front lca mount to the rear frame. You could then build your floor off of that either from scratch or using pre-made pans as a starting point That is just one option. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Incommando Posted April 11, 2015 Share Posted April 11, 2015 I don't get what could have happened to it. I am from Indiana and the body on mine was much worse than his but my frame & floors were solid.I am mext door in Ohio and my uniframe and frame are also solid but the floor is getting suspect while the bed in particular jad major rust. Perhaps damage to the rails allowed stuff to form inside? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tommy Posted April 11, 2015 Share Posted April 11, 2015 I don't get what could have happened to it. I am from Indiana and the body on mine was much worse than his but my frame & floors were solid.I am mext door in Ohio and my uniframe and frame are also solid but the floor is getting suspect while the bed in particular jad major rust. Perhaps damage to the rails allowed stuff to form inside?That could be. I'm in Chicagoland and while my body was pretty rough my frame is pretty solid Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dumas972 Posted April 20, 2015 Author Share Posted April 20, 2015 I ended up taking some interior parts and lights and sold her for $1500 the next week lol. Made $500 and got some hard to find parts. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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