Can this frame be saved?

Hello all.
I know you guys love pics, so here are a few of the frame underneath my new '80 CJ-5. My question is this: Can I do ANYTHING to save this frame without lifting off the tub? This is my daily driver (my ONLY driver), so anything has to be done in a weekend or less. All I can get for a welder is a 110 wire feed, but I think it can handle the welding if I'm patient.
Do I even dare take it on a trail? It's completely stock (and I'm a wimp), so there would be nothing impressive going on if I did. But at this point, I worry about speed bumps!
Thanks for any advice in advance.
John

 

I was afraid you would say that. The frame is fine until you get back beyond where oil leaks kept it rust free Starts at the front shackle of the rear springs. The question is: What can i do about it?

 

This is the rear of the frame? I think you have to do something, if only to stop the progression of rust.

IIRC the boxed rear frame horns on 76-on CJs are notorious for rust-out. Somebody sells (or did sell) a patch kit for these... I looked, but could not find it. Maybe if you spend a little more time than I did, you can find the kit.

If you attempt to save it, I think you need to stop the progression of rust however you can. I'd knock out as much of the old rusty steel as I could, and paint everywhere I could with POR-15 or something similar. Treatment of the interior of the frame with Waxoyl or such might help to stop the rust.

 

do you still live in augusta if so bring it by i live in evans i'll see what i can do for you pm me if you are interested in me looking at it i build jeeps from time to time currently working on a 74 cj-5

 

The rear frame horns were c-channel on a 76 but as Tim mentioned, on up were notorious for rust out.

 

This could help you- couple of hours west of you. Not sure if you have 5 or a 7, but a donor frame might be the way to go.

this guys parting out a '86 jeep.

http://atlanta.craigslist.org/pts/669334772.html

This guy has a Cj5 frame; http://atlanta.craigslist.org/pts/664702740.html

 

here's a cheaper frame ready to cut off what you need to fix yours located just short of Alabama off I-20. http://atlanta.craigslist.org/pts/626803790.html

 

Thanks for the search help. I know at some point I will have to replace the frame, but for now, I'm hoping to get by with repairs I can do without removing the tub. It has to run come Monday, ya know?

 

What I see gone is the inner thin boxing, not the heavy C channel. Cut it out and replace. Some frames aren't even boxed like that from factory, I don't think it's going to break in half, but like Tim said do something soon.

 

Hey all, thanks for the advice. I know the pics could have been better, but closeups under a Jeep are tough! I've decided to just remove / clean / paint as much as I can until I have the option of replacing the frame. If I come up with a wire feed, I might beef up some of the critical parts, but I really don't think it's worth a ton of effort. I'll pour my money into the drive train for now. My next step will be to outfit it for trail use and find some mild ones near Augusta.

 

My 79 CJ was doing the same thing, except at the rear, between the frame rails where the gas tank sits. I boxed the frame with L channel using a wire feed welder, it has been fine See my photobucket account for pics:

 

Same place as mine. The drivers side is worse because the PO drove it with no muffler for years. The major pain is gonna be digging out all the dirt. The frame is literally solid inside with dirt, rust, and other unmentionables. Lots of hours with the angle grinder!
Tonight, I'm getting my high lift jack and stands, so at least I'll have a little more room to work.

 

Well, just to give an update: No, this frame can NOT be saved. I used a wire brush on my angle grinder to clean off the outside of the frame, and found a bunch of holes under the rust, so both sides are weak. For now, I'm just gonna weld some plate on the bottom and outside to keep it from breaking. That should hold it until I have a second car around and can do a frame replacement.
I did learn that I never want boxed frames. They may be strong, but obviously, you simply can't get all the mud out from the inside.