Truck crossmember removal or not?

FarmBoy

FarmBoy

Newbie
I am helping my friend Riley with the 1979 K10 restoration. We are within a week or two of sand blasting the frame ourselves. Should we cut off the Crossmember rivets and other riveted pieces to blast and epoxy paint individually the grade 8 back together. My bolt supplier said no available “Frame” type bolts available in that size 13/32” hole. There is some frame pitting I can see so I’m very concerned of what I can’t see, blast or spray. It is “show truck” that will see a good bit of driving
All advice is appreciated.
Dave
 
That’s what my fastener supplier said also. Thanks for the confirmation. Just not sure what I’m getting into disassembling the entire frame. Seems like the way to go for best long term results. Only want to do this project once!
Thanks
Dave
 
Unless you have a frame table or similar to reassemble that frame on I would never remove structural crossmembers on a frame and replace the rivets with bolts. A simple tolerance stack up analysis would show the amount of variation you will see in the reassembled frame.

I have to say I’ve never seen anyone take apart a frame like that. The rivets are far stronger with a tighter fit than bolts inserted into drilled holes.

Just my two cents….

Don
 
I was assuming you needed to take one cross member out due to rust. I should have paid more attention. I agree with Don. Bolts are only ok in limited amounts. Like replacing a spring perch, or a transmission crossmember. Unless you have a jig of some sort doing what you are describing probably isn't a very good idea. Replacing all the rivets in a frame with bolts sound a little scary.

You can get frame rivets, relatively easy to install them. Heat them, have a bucking bar of the appropriate size and use a aircraft rivet gun (probably size 4X) with the correct set for the rivet you are using. I've done a few on several big trucks and it was relatively easy provided you heat the rivet.
 
So So glad I asked. Any rust behind and in between the crossmembers and so forth will just have to be. Thanks for saving me from the Deep End of the pool guys.
I will just pay special attention to get in the tight frame areas the best we can and Epoxy thoroughly.
Dave
 
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