I bought my Silverado new in 2010. Its a 2011 model with the full box frame. It was Fluid filmed within the first month of ownership and reapplied every year. Inside the rockers are shiny and frame is still solid. Factory put some weird wax like coating on it and possibly no paint under that. Fluid film keeps it all soft and together. Best money for prevention I can recommend .
Thank god I live in bone-dry Las Vegas NV. Have never seen rust like that before. On the other hand, look at the weight savings! All that nasty heavy steel turned to dust. You did good with what you had to work with. I did thumbs up you.
You millwrights!!!! Pipefitter here. upstate NY. All rust zone. Doing the same stuff to my truck. Except making my own caps. Thinking now I might buy the caps next time and make it a little easier on myself. Probably not. These frames suck. My 3/4 ton made in 95 still holding up. My 2011 not so much. Did the repair between the gas tank and inside frame. 6x2 rolled channel, cut one side of channel leg off and mitre up for the bend of wheel well frame. Welded up mitre. Moving on to the same spot of frame you are doing. What thickness was the cap metal? 3/16",. Great job though and very well done. Mishaps are going to happen no matter what. If we're not making mistakes we're not working. We just try to do the best we can. What else is there. Again great video millwright.
@@joecuyler752 hey, Pipefitter! I think the thickness was just under 3/16”. I have made many of my own repair sections but now only do so if that section isn’t readily available, for time saving purposes. Crazy how well the older trucks hold up in this rust belt!
I am doing a similar repair to my 2009 gmc and I thought was in over my head till I seen you repair this truck. You did very nice work hope I can get mine as nice as you did🙏🏻👍
They make those caps for Jeeps as well. Did not know they made them for trucks also. Any update on the Liberty? Just curious, haven't seen it in a while.
I think they make them for a few applications. The Liberty…… that’s another story. Tons of footage on the build but it’ll probably be a while before I release a video. It’s still a work in progress
@@jackalkillz2 I’m hoping to get back on it soon! I’ve had a lot of other projects and things that are slightly more important that I’ve had to take care of first.
Sure fire way to prevent rust is to leave the northeast. I moved to Florida 19 months ago and I see early 2000s trucks all the time without any rust. A lot of times the undercarriage still has the original black coating from the factory. The only issue is clear coat usually baked off from the hot sun you just don’t see rusty cars/trucks down here truly amazing!!
It's the combination of mud & salt that kills frames. Yeah in the cold climate states the municipalities dump salt everywhere and that's one element. But it's really the mud combined with the salt that kills, because the mud locks in the salt and then rapidly degrades steel. The trick is to keep all that underbelly clean. Especially if you offroad in the beautiful Midwest.
I did the same from michigan , moved to our farm in arcadia fl ..15 years ago , cause i knew the truck prices were gonna get crazy , couldn't afford a new truck as soon as its paid off , its junk , start over ..i needed some grace time between trucks ..
Great video! I’m up in Canada with a 98 c1500 in about the same condition. I’ve been sourcing TH-cam content for frame repair (I have time because of our long winters) and yours is by far the most compelling. Thankyou for posting, I can’t wait for spring! Hopefully I can get safeTcap products sent up here.
Interesting to watch, from the cab on back on my '08 it had a lot of frame surface rust there wasn't much of the factory wax coating left, and I'm glad I took the time and needle descaled some of the flakey places and phosphoric acid cleaned almost any place of the frame I could see down to grey clean steel, then coated it with kbs rust seal and sprayed the inside of the frame with fluid film so I won't have to worry about it getting this bad. That was in 2020 and I had not done that it would be on the way to the same real bad condition. Thanks for making this video.
Excellent work , you made a truck heading to the junk yard driveable again ..... Great job , I have a 2005 Chevy silverado I am just getting started on . Use your video as a reference
Hey neighbor, I live downaround your neck of the woods, maybe a countyover. Thought I recognized that unique "Ulster" ancestral heritage in the speech.. Nice job! I didn't realize, there's not much to a frame, what if I want to beef it up, since I'm working on it anyway? I would have broke out the Mig and maybe patched part of it, and glassed part of it. I'm getting ready to find out. lol I inherited my brothers 99' Silverado 1500. It's the last thing he was working on. This frame I got looks like the "separated twin" of the one you got. lol It's time to yank the bed off and get started. I do have a cut rear frame to make it easier. Glad I ran into your channel. It's the very info I was after. Thanks
Ain’t it crazy you can get someone’s general location from the way they talk? If you want to beef it up, right now is the perfect time! Glad you ran into my channel as well! Tickled to death that I was able to provide you the information you needed!!!
I would take care of it! Thank you!! Getting another one finished as we speak but the customer didn’t want it filmed! 🤣 I told him he didn’t have to be in the video, just his truck!
@@edwarddobson9937 search online for their website: Safe-T-Cap. I had to get a custom designed repair kit from Taboo Customs out of Iowa - he mailed me a Chevy repair kit for a Colorado but it's the same frame as a TrailBlazer. hahahaha.
Looking to do just that plus outer, inner and inner structure rockers along with cab corners , Your video gave me some direction to head in . Thanks for posting
Great work. Weighing whether this is worth doing to mine or not. Mine is pretty beat behind the cab, as all of these trucks are. I don't have much experience welding and all of these Florida welders are terrified of rust.
Thank you! I would ask what is the truck worth to you? Same as I did this customer. He had less than $2500 in this job total and that includes hiring me to do it. I’d say a guy could get a “good” cheaper welder, learn to weld with it, and have less than $1500 in the total job doing it yourself.
@@millwright15 Thanks for the reply! If I could find someone to do it for $2500, I'd do it without question today. I had even considered driving to Rhode Island and just having the safetcap guys do it at their auto rust shop. The bed is pretty shot too but I could always delay replacing that to spread the overall cost out over time. I've definitely considered grabbing a welder and learning how to do it as I've learned how to fix most mechanical and body issues on my vehicles, but with two kids 2 and under, my biggest barrier has been time more than overall cost. Are there any welding machines you'd recommend as a "good" cheap unit that would be fine to do these jobs?
@@rakohus you’re welcome! I understand the kid situation, mine are a little older but still take up a lot of time! As for a welder, the Titanium line at harbor freight seem to be pretty good. I’ve always had Miller or Hobart, but I’ve been seeing the titanium welders from harbor freight perform well. Get a mig welder and some scrap metal to practice on. TH-cam can definitely help you on what to look for on your welds when you are beginning. (Heat setting, speed, wire feed, metal prep) I’ve had guys far away drive to me for rust repair but this was the first one I got permission to video! If you can teach yourself how to do all those other things, you can definitely teach yourself how to weld!
Excellent video..my 2009 Silverado is going to the body shop for same repair. Gives me a better idea on what’s all involved especially the cross members. Great video thank you..
love the video. you make it look so easy. I could use some part numbers for the safety caps please. And where to get them. I think im going to need em.
Great video and you did a bang up job. Great skills at work. But I’m still thinking to myself was it really worth it financially to weld it all up vs buying another used truck from down south?
Thank you! Also, I’m on the fence about another truck as well. I guess it depends on your attachment to a vehicle. He had less than $2,000 in this repair, labor and material. I’m not sure what he gave for the truck or what one with low mileage can be bought for down south, either. All I know is, the customer is always right!
Ive got a 12. Ive been extremely lucky and don't drive it much daily. Nice to know those frame braces are available for when it does need it. Above spare was a little concerning.
Thankfully, the frame on my 2006 Silverado 1500 has been sprayed with fluid film for the last number of years inside and outside the frame pipes, and the frame rails so it is very solid without issues. But, if my frame started getting this bad, I think I would probably just find a southern cleaner frame and epoxy coat it and replace it. You did do a nice job though on this frame!
Man that looks like allot of fun😂watching this gives me places to look for when i shoot mine with oil in the fall,its a 2012 with 100 000 mi with a solid frame!!
I owned a beautiful 2006 Silverado 1500. Frame rot got it last year. That was my Last Chevy I'll probably ever own. My last 3 Chevy's all hit the junkyard in the last 6 years. Great drivetrains, but bad bones. They all ran great going to the junkyard.
GM definitely needs to figure out something with their frames. Better coating or metal. I’ve saved a lot from the junk yard here lately. It’s been quite a while since I’ve owned a GM truck because they rot quicker than the others around here.
@@donsurlylyte thank you! I surely do appreciate that!!! Started trying to weld at about 12 years old. Taught myself a lot and had a lot of classes in welding!
Where did the replacement pieces come from.....That very last rear panel is one I would need. I have a 2500 and know where to get the complete spare tire carrier cross piece. I'm gonna fix mine because it is a Duramax and runs like new with 109,000 miles on it....
If it could reasonably be obtained, I would have replaced the whole rear frame section with one from a donor vehicle. Man, there was too much rust anywhere and everywhere even where it could not be seen inside the frame. Measure and mark where to cut and weld. Two cuts and two welds seems to be a lot easier and less time consuming..
I agree, that would’ve been far easier and less time consuming! The customer looked for a week for a good frame. I was going to do a complete frame swap. The closest one was $5,000 and was in a wreck. It wasn’t even guaranteed to be straight but it was absolutely rust free. He’s still on the lookout for another frame. He bought this truck with 2k miles on it so he’s fairly attached to it. He understands there’s probably more we can’t see. He’s just wanting to get by for a few more years.
I have a 2003 in the same shape but non body that can help me like you welded on that truck, i live in canada and yes in arust belt also they do not make bodies like they make motors any more, you did a great job welding
Gave me a good idea what I am up against with my GMC 97 suburban. Only the whole frame is roached from the schackles back on the rear. Front half looks new!! Strange how back rusted & front didnt. I do have a good body man to do the work I want done.
Thank you! And my welding setup just depends on how thick I’m welding. My welder is an older Hobart Handler 187. Poor thing has been through the wringer but it has paid for itself many times over now.
Is there any way to do rust prevention on the sending unit? Could I spray some Sta-Bil Rust Stopper up there or is that asking for an explosion? hahaha. All these gas tank sending units just rust away.
I would try fluid film. This customer said he was going to undercoat this one. I’ve been using a good paint and fluid film on the others I have done. I really like how it holds up!
@@millwright15 Just sprayed Fluid Film yesterday for my first time - smells like paraffin wax and the MSDS does say paraffin wax. Not sure how they claim it's wool sheep oil. hahahaha. Yeah I got the Black Fluid Film - I liked it also! Should creep better than RP-342 - for the inside of the box chassis. Thanks for the feedback.
My 2008 is in about the same shape. Ordering the SafeTCaps for it and will be doing the same job. I recently did cross members on my son in laws 2000 GMC and surprisingly his frame wasn't nearly as bad as my 08. Probably due to the box style frame holding all the salt on the 08 compared to the C channel style frame on 99-06 models allowing water to maybe wash away the salt is all I can figure. Also, I ordered the center section from Taboo Customs as their price was much less.
my 2010 silverado frame round cross member just snapped last week...I had no idea how bad the rust under my truck bed was! Your video gave me enough info to know my truck is going up for sale. No way i want to go thru this heavy of a repair!! BTW, how much did you charge for that work? just wondering....no intention of bringing my rust bucket to your place.
@@millwright15 I have an 05 with 127k I'm buying right now and going to due the same thing. It's abit better condition than the one you repaired though. I subscribed to your channel and thanks ! 👍
Imagine this coming down the road towards you with a full load on it before these repairs. I guess the manufacturers have a way for sure to make sure you have to get a new truck sooner or later.
This is something I think about every time I see a rust belt truck hauling anything serious. I try not to think much about it or I wouldn’t drive around here!
I actually just bought a truck where crispy crème is located lol and I totally agree about the donuts . I’m going through this process now of putting in crossmembers. I’ve cut off the crossmembers but now I just gotta get the tube part out of the frame. Curious will a jigsaw with a metal cutting blade cut these out ? My only thought is getting them out with a grinder at the moment. Also is there a way I can contact you if I happen to need some work done ? Thanks for the informative video and you do great work !
@@chadmichael7794 You can’t be too far away, then! A jigsaw with a metal blade would probably work just fine. Grinder with a cutoff wheel would work as well. I’ve been seeing the same plasma cutter I have on sale for $199 from time to time. If you need to get ahold of me, email chiefsoffroadperformance@gmail.com and I will help you any way I can!
the first usefull video without blasting music. with the info i learned im gonna try frame repair on my impala. do you have a link to that plasma cutter millwright15?
What year truck is that? I have a 2005 Chevy Silverado 4×4 and it has a decent amount of rust under it.Came from Virginia to California lot of rain, snow and salt. What's the best thing to use to help with the scraping the rust off and sealing it so no more rust or at least stop the decay?
Get a needle scaler or a wire brush. After you get all of the loose rust off the frame, use a good rust converter and then a good rust preventer like fluid film. That should keep everything from spreading!
Wish I could find a place to do this for me I just bought a 99 Silverado and didn’t look in that area on the frame and my fuel tank and shock holder cross member had rotted into and I really needed this truck
Your welding is tops, but while at it, I would have gotten rid of all the visible rust. You left alot, so while down there get it all, like the rest of the frame and around the gas tank an on top of it, and then top it of with a rust converter. All of that is easy enough to do and makes you look a whole lot better.
I got the box off , exhuast loose , cut off the front gas tank cross member and its rusted under the mounting brackets , went to scrape yard , cut off a used clean on and got that one fitted correctly , but i cleaned a wheel barrow of dirt myd and rocks out of the inside of the frame , then noticed a few more rust spots on though the bottom , dime size or smaller , about 4 different spots ...hell im going to find me a new frame , this one is got holes here and there and every where , even where the front 4x4 axle bolts on , that bracket is rusty also , and i need those brackets , all i can find are 2wd frames , was hoping to make them 4x4 with them brackets , hhhmmm straight axle dana ??? With a 4 link in the front ? Hhhmmm Probably would never drive 85 mph again on the highway if i did that though , with 35's @@millwright15
Or GM take care of their customers like Toyota did and replace the rotted out frames. You’re right, we need to find a better way to treat the roads! Here in Ohio I wish they would use something other than the calcium chloride in winter.
@@millwright15 Toyota took care of some of the customers. I knew some who's vehicle was a year too old or too new, or they didn't get their vehicle inspected soon enough. A lot of people got stiffed. Granted, this truck is 15 years old. the Toyotas that got recalled were newer. So at 15 years the company probably doesn't owe the customer anything, but at the same time it would be nice if they were built better.
Possibly get a better frame section from a salvage yard. A complete replacement frame rust free was not cheap, though. I don’t know if anyone is doing anything about frame repair sections besides what I used in this video.
What did you charge for this job? My truck needs this done and my buddy is a welder and has the tools. He just don't know what to charge me and I have no idea what offer I should throw at him
@@shawng7902 I get it! 🤣 PPE is second nature to me, though! With my job and all the close calls I’ve had, I’m not gonna risk losing my eyes for a quick job. Had a full face shield on for this job if I remember correctly.
Nice job, it can be a real pain in the ass to fix these rusty pieces of shit under the cab area, I’m about to try and unbolt the rear cab mounts on a Tacoma so I can lift it a few inches without having to take the whole cab off to get some room for welding the top of the frame in the mid rear etc
undercoating is the wrong material to use because it can encourage rusting when it cracks and hold the salt. The answer is an oil based material that can't crack and protects the metal form corrosion. Otherwise, great video...
Got a harbor freight close by? Get a cheap welder and I’ll send a link to the plasma cannon I’ve been using for years. It’s cheap and hasn’t let me down yet!
![Repairing a Rusty Frame on a GMT800 Truck [Cheap Duramax Part 2]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/YK8Mq6HWOwI/mqdefault.jpg)
![Repairing a Rusty Frame on a GMT800 Truck [Cheap Duramax Part 2]](/img/tr.png)
I thought that frame was too far gone but you really worked some magic on it.
Thank you! I have fixed worse, this was the first one I’ve obtained permission to film! The SafeTCaps® made this job go pretty well!
I bought my Silverado new in 2010. Its a 2011 model with the full box frame. It was Fluid filmed within the first month of ownership and reapplied every year. Inside the rockers are shiny and frame is still solid. Factory put some weird wax like coating on it and possibly no paint under that. Fluid film keeps it all soft and together. Best money for prevention I can recommend .
IF and I mean IF I ever buy a new truck, that’s the treatment I will give it. Have used fluid film on the last 2 trucks I’ve done and I’m impressed
Nothing “hob cobbled” a very nice frame repair. Thanks for the cool video.
Thank you! Also, you’re welcome! I appreciate it!
Wow that frame was complete toast but you worked some serious magic with your welds. Proof that no job is too big!
Thank you! I would say this is the worst one I’ve done but this is the first one that a customer has let me video!
Best silverado Gen2 body frame video out here.
Thank you!! I appreciate it!
It’s a Gen V. Gen IV was 1987-1996. Gen II was 1967-1978
Thank god I live in bone-dry Las Vegas NV.
Have never seen rust like that before.
On the other hand, look at the weight savings! All that nasty heavy steel turned to dust.
You did good with what you had to work with. I did thumbs up you.
Thank you! I appreciate that! I’ve been thinking about moving out west or down south!
Its a gmt800, they rust the frames in Texas.
I see you're still using the right tools! 👍
Absolutely! I’ve had the M18 impact since it was first released! Been a fan since then! I have more Milwaukee tools than you can shake a stick at!
@@millwright15 awesome! That's all I own to!
You millwrights!!!! Pipefitter here. upstate NY. All rust zone. Doing the same stuff to my truck. Except making my own caps. Thinking now I might buy the caps next time and make it a little easier on myself. Probably not. These frames suck. My 3/4 ton made in 95 still holding up. My 2011 not so much. Did the repair between the gas tank and inside frame. 6x2 rolled channel, cut one side of channel leg off and mitre up for the bend of wheel well frame. Welded up mitre. Moving on to the same spot of frame you are doing. What thickness was the cap metal? 3/16",. Great job though and very well done. Mishaps are going to happen no matter what. If we're not making mistakes we're not working. We just try to do the best we can. What else is there. Again great video millwright.
@@joecuyler752 hey, Pipefitter! I think the thickness was just under 3/16”. I have made many of my own repair sections but now only do so if that section isn’t readily available, for time saving purposes. Crazy how well the older trucks hold up in this rust belt!
I am doing a similar repair to my 2009 gmc and I thought was in over my head till I seen you repair this truck. You did very nice work hope I can get mine as nice as you did🙏🏻👍
Thank you!
They make those caps for Jeeps as well. Did not know they made them for trucks also.
Any update on the Liberty? Just curious, haven't seen it in a while.
I think they make them for a few applications. The Liberty…… that’s another story. Tons of footage on the build but it’ll probably be a while before I release a video. It’s still a work in progress
@@millwright15 Looking forward to it! just went for the basic 2.5 lift for now but will be excited to see what the strait axle swap looks like!
@@jackalkillz2 I’m hoping to get back on it soon! I’ve had a lot of other projects and things that are slightly more important that I’ve had to take care of first.
Sure fire way to prevent rust is to leave the northeast. I moved to Florida 19 months ago and I see early 2000s trucks all the time without any rust. A lot of times the undercarriage still has the original black coating from the factory. The only issue is clear coat usually baked off from the hot sun you just don’t see rusty cars/trucks down here truly amazing!!
I’ve had plenty of job opportunities and offers from Tennessee to Florida. We’ve kicked around moving a few times, still not ruling that option out!
It's the combination of mud & salt that kills frames. Yeah in the cold climate states the municipalities dump salt everywhere and that's one element. But it's really the mud combined with the salt that kills, because the mud locks in the salt and then rapidly degrades steel. The trick is to keep all that underbelly clean. Especially if you offroad in the beautiful Midwest.
I did the same from michigan , moved to our farm in arcadia fl ..15 years ago , cause i knew the truck prices were gonna get crazy , couldn't afford a new truck as soon as its paid off , its junk , start over ..i needed some grace time between trucks ..
yeah, but then you are in florida.
With climate change Florida trucks increasingly get drowned in salt water during hurricanes.
Great video! I’m up in Canada with a 98 c1500 in about the same condition. I’ve been sourcing TH-cam content for frame repair (I have time because of our long winters) and yours is by far the most compelling. Thankyou for posting, I can’t wait for spring! Hopefully I can get safeTcap products sent up here.
Thank you so much! I hope you don’t have any problems getting them as they make frame repairs pretty simple!
Interesting to watch, from the cab on back on my '08 it had a lot of frame surface rust there wasn't much of the factory wax coating left, and I'm glad I took the time and needle descaled some of the flakey places and phosphoric acid cleaned almost any place of the frame I could see down to grey clean steel, then coated it with kbs rust seal and sprayed the inside of the frame with fluid film so I won't have to worry about it getting this bad. That was in 2020 and I had not done that it would be on the way to the same real bad condition. Thanks for making this video.
@@justinbailey2806 thank you for watching! I appreciate it!!
Dang, ya really done some magic with that frame! I thought it was too far gone at first.
@@molly18239 thank you! This isn’t the worst I’ve fixed! Just the first one the customer let me video!
Wow-That’s fantastic work! Glad to see you were able to salvage that vehicle.
Thank you! I appreciate it!
You made this job look easy. How long did it actually take from start to finish?
I would say this was a 10-12 hour job. Took me a few day to complete it as my work schedule is pretty rough!
Thanks for the video buddy! Doing the crossmembers on a new to me 08 crew as I type this out.
No problem! Thank you for watching! I’ll be getting another truck in to do soon! Good luck and stay safe!
Excellent work , you made a truck heading to the junk yard driveable again ..... Great job , I have a 2005 Chevy silverado I am just getting started on . Use your video as a reference
Thank you! I appreciate it!
Hey neighbor, I live downaround your neck of the woods, maybe a countyover.
Thought I recognized that unique "Ulster" ancestral heritage in the speech..
Nice job! I didn't realize, there's not much to a frame,
what if I want to beef it up, since I'm working on it anyway?
I would have broke out the Mig and maybe patched part of it, and glassed part of it.
I'm getting ready to find out. lol
I inherited my brothers 99' Silverado 1500.
It's the last thing he was working on.
This frame I got looks like the "separated twin" of the one you got. lol
It's time to yank the bed off and get started.
I do have a cut rear frame to make it easier.
Glad I ran into your channel.
It's the very info I was after.
Thanks
Ain’t it crazy you can get someone’s general location from the way they talk?
If you want to beef it up, right now is the perfect time! Glad you ran into my channel as well! Tickled to death that I was able to provide you the information you needed!!!
the only thing I would have done differently is let you do it!! 🤣 Great Job
I would take care of it! Thank you!! Getting another one finished as we speak but the customer didn’t want it filmed! 🤣 I told him he didn’t have to be in the video, just his truck!
Pretty lucky that Safe-T-Cap is designed for this frame. Very impressive work. thanks
Yes, I’ve used them a lot! Very good product! Thank you!
Whereabouts do you find the safe t cap at?
@@edwarddobson9937 search online for their website: Safe-T-Cap. I had to get a custom designed repair kit from Taboo Customs out of Iowa - he mailed me a Chevy repair kit for a Colorado but it's the same frame as a TrailBlazer. hahahaha.
@@edwarddobson9937 www.autorust.com/safe-t-cap-kits/
Very impressive, you saved that frame - for now. You done a great job!
@@michaelvandenhoy1021 thank you!!
Un desastre era este camión. ¡Qué corrosión! ¡Milagro has obrado! 👍
¡Fue un desastre! ¡Ha costado bastante trabajo volver a ponerlo en forma!
Anytime someone ask me for a southern accent I’m showing them this fella right here
I don’t even hear it until listen to my videos! I know it’s horrible 🤦♂️
Looking to do just that plus outer, inner and inner structure rockers along with cab corners , Your video gave me some direction to head in . Thanks for posting
@@carlsimpkins999 next time I do rockers and such, I will make a video on that! Thank you!
Great work. Weighing whether this is worth doing to mine or not. Mine is pretty beat behind the cab, as all of these trucks are. I don't have much experience welding and all of these Florida welders are terrified of rust.
Thank you! I would ask what is the truck worth to you? Same as I did this customer. He had less than $2500 in this job total and that includes hiring me to do it. I’d say a guy could get a “good” cheaper welder, learn to weld with it, and have less than $1500 in the total job doing it yourself.
@@millwright15 Thanks for the reply! If I could find someone to do it for $2500, I'd do it without question today. I had even considered driving to Rhode Island and just having the safetcap guys do it at their auto rust shop. The bed is pretty shot too but I could always delay replacing that to spread the overall cost out over time. I've definitely considered grabbing a welder and learning how to do it as I've learned how to fix most mechanical and body issues on my vehicles, but with two kids 2 and under, my biggest barrier has been time more than overall cost. Are there any welding machines you'd recommend as a "good" cheap unit that would be fine to do these jobs?
@@rakohus you’re welcome! I understand the kid situation, mine are a little older but still take up a lot of time! As for a welder, the Titanium line at harbor freight seem to be pretty good. I’ve always had Miller or Hobart, but I’ve been seeing the titanium welders from harbor freight perform well. Get a mig welder and some scrap metal to practice on. TH-cam can definitely help you on what to look for on your welds when you are beginning. (Heat setting, speed, wire feed, metal prep) I’ve had guys far away drive to me for rust repair but this was the first one I got permission to video! If you can teach yourself how to do all those other things, you can definitely teach yourself how to weld!
Did you ever get it done ? Im doing mine now in arcadia , with a hoist i feel spoiled ..@@rakohus
@@MikeSmith-nu9wt No, haven't had time to look around. You're doing it yourself down there or having someone do it?
Great video I have to do the same job on my truck. What plasma cutter did you get on amazon. Thanks
Thank you! I got the Lotos LT5000D. It will clean cut half inch! Pretty impressed with it!
www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B004VFJL14?psc=1&ref=ppx_pop_mob_b_asin_title
Thanks man
@@Adam-fl5wm I just noticed they’re on sale and cheap than I got mine!
Excellent video..my 2009 Silverado is going to the body shop for same repair. Gives me a better idea on what’s all involved especially the cross members. Great video thank you..
Gives me hope for my 2011 GMC Seirra 1500 SLE 4X4 extended cab.
Definitely is hope! Don’t send it to the junkyard yet!
love the video. you make it look so easy. I could use some part numbers for the safety caps please. And where to get them. I think im going to need em.
@@stoker261 this is the website I ordered them from - www.autorust.com/safe-t-cap-kits/
@@stoker261 also, thank you! Been doing stuff like this since I was a kid!
Thanks for the video.Now I know how to handle my S10 pick up.Were rusty frame thanks so much
No problem! Surprisingly, that’s one truck I haven’t done any frame work on.
Great video and you did a bang up job. Great skills at work. But I’m still thinking to myself was it really worth it financially to weld it all up vs buying another used truck from down south?
Thank you! Also, I’m on the fence about another truck as well. I guess it depends on your attachment to a vehicle. He had less than $2,000 in this repair, labor and material. I’m not sure what he gave for the truck or what one with low mileage can be bought for down south, either. All I know is, the customer is always right!
Ive got a 12. Ive been extremely lucky and don't drive it much daily. Nice to know those frame braces are available for when it does need it. Above spare was a little concerning.
Thankfully, the frame on my 2006 Silverado 1500 has been sprayed with fluid film for the last number of years inside and outside the frame pipes, and the frame rails so it is very solid without issues. But, if my frame started getting this bad, I think I would probably just find a southern cleaner frame and epoxy coat it and replace it. You did do a nice job though on this frame!
@@LoriTobin-z8d we tried to find another frame for a reasonable price. The ones we were able to find were out of the customers budget on this one!
That is some rust, on a 17 year old truck?! wow, very interesting to see someone even attempt to breath life back into this old frame. Amazing
This one was bad but not the worst I’ve fixed! Thank you!!!
Man that looks like allot of fun😂watching this gives me places to look for when i shoot mine with oil in the fall,its a 2012 with 100 000 mi with a solid frame!!
Definitely give it an oil bath if it’s solid!
I owned a beautiful 2006 Silverado 1500. Frame rot got it last year. That was my Last Chevy I'll probably ever own. My last 3 Chevy's all hit the junkyard in the last 6 years. Great drivetrains, but bad bones. They all ran great going to the junkyard.
GM definitely needs to figure out something with their frames. Better coating or metal. I’ve saved a lot from the junk yard here lately. It’s been quite a while since I’ve owned a GM truck because they rot quicker than the others around here.
Nice job!
Thank you!
A lot of work you did a great job man good hustle
@@andrewgibson1991 thank you, I truly appreciate that!
Nice work! I wish I could send my 03 to you to work on
@@Moses-r2t thank you! Once I get my new shop built, I’ll update my channel description with contact information just in case!
good looking welds. and i dont say that about very many frame repair videos
@@donsurlylyte thank you! I surely do appreciate that!!! Started trying to weld at about 12 years old. Taught myself a lot and had a lot of classes in welding!
Hang in there man I thank you done a good job and a very helpful video
@@garyowens3687 thank you! I appreciate it! I’m hangin in there! Been way too busy to get out any new videos, unfortunately!
Where did the replacement pieces come from.....That very last rear panel is one I would need. I have a 2500 and know where to get the complete spare tire carrier cross piece. I'm gonna fix mine because it is a Duramax and runs like new with 109,000 miles on it....
www.autorust.com/safe-t-cap-kits/
As far as I know they should have everything you need!
@@millwright15 I’ll have to call them. They don’t show that last panel at the very rear of the frame. Thanks
That video was so easy to follow no BS
@@brianpemberton9669 thank you! I really appreciate that!
If it could reasonably be obtained, I would have replaced the whole rear frame section with one from a donor vehicle. Man, there was too much rust anywhere and everywhere even where it could not be seen inside the frame. Measure and mark where to cut and weld. Two cuts and two welds seems to be a lot easier and less time consuming..
I agree, that would’ve been far easier and less time consuming! The customer looked for a week for a good frame. I was going to do a complete frame swap. The closest one was $5,000 and was in a wreck. It wasn’t even guaranteed to be straight but it was absolutely rust free. He’s still on the lookout for another frame. He bought this truck with 2k miles on it so he’s fairly attached to it. He understands there’s probably more we can’t see. He’s just wanting to get by for a few more years.
Going through this now , I’m concur there is no frames to swap with . Awful
I have a 2003 in the same shape but non body that can help me like you welded on that truck, i live in canada and yes in arust belt also they do not make bodies like they make motors any more, you did a great job welding
Thank you!!! I appreciate that! Also, they definitely don’t build them like they used to!
I am in the process got both cross members ordered rear crossmember and the shock mount crossmember
Gave me a good idea what I am up against with my GMC 97 suburban. Only the whole frame is roached from the schackles back on the rear. Front half looks new!! Strange how back rusted & front didnt. I do have a good body man to do the work I want done.
I need to know where those parts were purchased at? About to do my 99 Silverado and didn’t want to do the fab work
www.autorust.com/safe-t-cap-kits/
These are what I used!
Very informative. You mind sharing what your welding setup is for this thicker metal?
Thank you! And my welding setup just depends on how thick I’m welding. My welder is an older Hobart Handler 187. Poor thing has been through the wringer but it has paid for itself many times over now.
Is there any way to do rust prevention on the sending unit? Could I spray some Sta-Bil Rust Stopper up there or is that asking for an explosion? hahaha. All these gas tank sending units just rust away.
I would try fluid film. This customer said he was going to undercoat this one. I’ve been using a good paint and fluid film on the others I have done. I really like how it holds up!
@@millwright15 Just sprayed Fluid Film yesterday for my first time - smells like paraffin wax and the MSDS does say paraffin wax. Not sure how they claim it's wool sheep oil. hahahaha. Yeah I got the Black Fluid Film - I liked it also! Should creep better than RP-342 - for the inside of the box chassis. Thanks for the feedback.
@@voidisyinyangvoidisyinyang885 you’re welcome! Always trying to help anyone I can!
My 2008 is in about the same shape. Ordering the SafeTCaps for it and will be doing the same job. I recently did cross members on my son in laws 2000 GMC and surprisingly his frame wasn't nearly as bad as my 08. Probably due to the box style frame holding all the salt on the 08 compared to the C channel style frame on 99-06 models allowing water to maybe wash away the salt is all I can figure. Also, I ordered the center section from Taboo Customs as their price was much less.
I’ll check out taboo customs! I couldn’t tell you how many of these trucks 07-13 I’ve fixed. Definitely enough to warrant a recall from GM
my 2010 silverado frame round cross member just snapped last week...I had no idea how bad the rust under my truck bed was! Your video gave me enough info to know my truck is going up for sale. No way i want to go thru this heavy of a repair!! BTW, how much did you charge for that work? just wondering....no intention of bringing my rust bucket to your place.
I can’t remember what I charged but I believe the customer had less than $2,000 in it.
Excellent fix
@@sammyrothrock6981 thank you!
@@millwright15 I have an 05 with 127k I'm buying right now and going to due the same thing. It's abit better condition than the one you repaired though. I subscribed to your channel and thanks ! 👍
You do good work
Thank you!
Top rust repair on the truck chassis
Imagine this coming down the road towards you with a full load on it before these repairs. I guess the manufacturers have a way for sure to make sure you have to get a new truck sooner or later.
This is something I think about every time I see a rust belt truck hauling anything serious. I try not to think much about it or I wouldn’t drive around here!
I actually just bought a truck where crispy crème is located lol and I totally agree about the donuts . I’m going through this process now of putting in crossmembers. I’ve cut off the crossmembers but now I just gotta get the tube part out of the frame. Curious will a jigsaw with a metal cutting blade cut these out ? My only thought is getting them out with a grinder at the moment. Also is there a way I can contact you if I happen to need some work done ? Thanks for the informative video and you do great work !
@@chadmichael7794 You can’t be too far away, then! A jigsaw with a metal blade would probably work just fine. Grinder with a cutoff wheel would work as well. I’ve been seeing the same plasma cutter I have on sale for $199 from time to time. If you need to get ahold of me, email chiefsoffroadperformance@gmail.com and I will help you any way I can!
Great job! Where did you get the frame caps? I’ve got an 2007 extended cap Silverado that I need to do this same thing with. Thanks for the video.
@@bobcarpenter6326 thank you! I appreciate it! Here’s the link! www.autorust.com/safe-t-cap-kits/
the first usefull video without blasting music. with the info i learned im gonna try frame repair on my impala. do you have a link to that plasma cutter millwright15?
Thank you! I appreciate that! Yes, I’ll post a link. They’re on sale right now as well!
www.amazon.com/Lotos-LT5000D-Plasma-Voltage-Compact/dp/B004VFJL14/ref=mp_s_a_1_1_sspa?crid=7V6TCCYPI4XP&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.FB_gxDIFJA0O_gDVWeW6uFj_-LaHyWVzlh2DJwF6ckJbVaD2oREe5DG0fVd885Y7_sUjlNBcD_V_FqJW8zPd2ZjB42Ig1IDv6K-ipkNsoCBhbFjxoASoVjpP16I6oZqBJabzi08qRTk8VWRwhBsKGdaUVUBmbjBjrttxu7qjJAP1D4TmxdtNg8OWgv8N6mik0Ft0qu-0-nlAv2q5SaZqUQ.cgARI6X_O_7PlCZyoB3kJ4eTXnMV7gM4QTsfXCvN9SY&dib_tag=se&keywords=plasma+cutter&qid=1717503243&sprefix=plasma%2Caps%2C120&sr=8-1-spons&sp_csd=d2lkZ2V0TmFtZT1zcF9waG9uZV9zZWFyY2hfYXRm&psc=1
Good job
Thank you!
Where did you find the frame caps? Or do you make them yourself?
www.autorust.com/safe-t-cap-kits/
I don’t make them unless these guys don’t have them!
@@millwright15thank you for sharing the link!
Enjoying your video
Thanks for sharing
Cheers
Thank you!
What year truck is that? I have a 2005 Chevy Silverado 4×4 and it has a decent amount of rust under it.Came from Virginia to California lot of rain, snow and salt. What's the best thing to use to help with the scraping the rust off and sealing it so no more rust or at least stop the decay?
Get a needle scaler or a wire brush. After you get all of the loose rust off the frame, use a good rust converter and then a good rust preventer like fluid film. That should keep everything from spreading!
Also, this truck is a 2007
Do you know where your client got the parts from?
www.autorust.com/safe-t-cap-kits/
Wish I could find a place to do this for me I just bought a 99 Silverado and didn’t look in that area on the frame and my fuel tank and shock holder cross member had rotted into and I really needed this truck
I’m in southern Ohio! Can send you an email if you’re close!
@@millwright15southern Michigan but hell I’ll make the trip I need to get it fixed just ordered the pieces
Where did the frame repair pieces come from? I need to do some of this on my truck and I figured I’d have to fab my own scabs.
@@hisreign4me
www.autorust.com/product/all-safetcap-frame-kit-locations-for-silverado-sierra-1500/
Your welding is tops, but while at it, I would have gotten rid of all the visible rust. You left alot, so while down there get it all, like the rest of the frame and around the gas tank an on top of it, and then top it of with a rust converter. All of that is easy enough to do and makes you look a whole lot better.
Cannot disagree with that! Just did what the customer wanted and then some extra for free! He wanted to tackle the rest himself!
How thicker is the metal you use , do you think a 1/4 inch works?
I believe it was 3/16” metal on the frame caps. 1/4” would work, especially if you’re doing a 2500/3500 truck.
SafeTCap site says 11 Gauge or 0.119" just under 1/8th@@millwright15
What plasma cutter you have
www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B004VFJL14/ref=ox_sc_act_image_1?smid=ATVPDKIKX0DER&psc=1
That’s the one I have and it’s on sale right now! Heck of a deal!
You look like you really enjoyed that , you wanta do mine , 😂
Im taking the box off now , in the rain . Sw florida
I do enjoy it! I know, something wrong with me 🤣 we’re about 12-14 hours apart! I’m in southern Ohio
I got the box off , exhuast loose , cut off the front gas tank cross member and its rusted under the mounting brackets , went to scrape yard , cut off a used clean on and got that one fitted correctly , but i cleaned a wheel barrow of dirt myd and rocks out of the inside of the frame , then noticed a few more rust spots on though the bottom , dime size or smaller , about 4 different spots ...hell im going to find me a new frame , this one is got holes here and there and every where , even where the front 4x4 axle bolts on , that bracket is rusty also , and i need those brackets , all i can find are 2wd frames , was hoping to make them 4x4 with them brackets , hhhmmm straight axle dana ??? With a 4 link in the front ? Hhhmmm
Probably would never drive 85 mph again on the highway if i did that though , with 35's @@millwright15
Question for you whereabouts did you find the safe t cap for the frame
www.autorust.com/safe-t-cap-kits/
What do you change I'm from around bainbridge I have a 05 silverado that probably needs about the same lol
@@kniceley1776 I think it was around $2500 parts and labor total.
Good job
Where is ur shop?
@@zakirkhan1204 currently building a new shop in Ohio. I will release a new video when it’s completed!
That was awesome video
Appreciate it!
I wish they built these trucks to handle the salt. or the DMVs figure out a better way to treat the roads.
Or GM take care of their customers like Toyota did and replace the rotted out frames. You’re right, we need to find a better way to treat the roads! Here in Ohio I wish they would use something other than the calcium chloride in winter.
@@millwright15 Toyota took care of some of the customers. I knew some who's vehicle was a year too old or too new, or they didn't get their vehicle inspected soon enough. A lot of people got stiffed. Granted, this truck is 15 years old. the Toyotas that got recalled were newer. So at 15 years the company probably doesn't owe the customer anything, but at the same time it would be nice if they were built better.
How much will it cost to be welded my frame is broke on both sides at the rear wheels
If I remember correctly on this particular job, the customer had less than $1500 in the total amount. Parts and labor.
Curious, Is it possible to order a new back half of the frame?
Possibly get a better frame section from a salvage yard. A complete replacement frame rust free was not cheap, though. I don’t know if anyone is doing anything about frame repair sections besides what I used in this video.
@@millwright15 Thank you
I had a friend of mine do that to my truck four years ago everything but the frame caps
Looks good.👍
@@Shanonmcnab576 thank you!
Nice job
Thank you!!
Where did you get the frame cap pieces?
@@DavidDuncan-rv7jy
www.autorust.com/safe-t-cap-kits/
May I ask where the parts were ordered from?
@@2DogsAndAMan rustbusters.com should have everything you need!
What was the cost?
If I remember right, the customer had around $1500 in the entire job
What plasma cutter are you using? Tired of cutting discs lol
@@theuselessdev1452
www.amazon.com/Lotos-LT5000D-Plasma-Voltage-Compact/dp/B004VFJL14?pd_rd_w=7DhwD&content-id=amzn1.sym.8316a2b5-cd70-46ae-8cd3-b6d53778915d&pf_rd_p=8316a2b5-cd70-46ae-8cd3-b6d53778915d&pf_rd_r=GM8HSMH4Q95APZ79A3GR&pd_rd_wg=aunl0&pd_rd_r=dcdb1445-eaf1-4048-b634-995f98089819&pd_rd_i=B004VFJL14&psc=1&ref_=pd_basp_m_rpt_ba_s_2_nped_sc
@@theuselessdev1452 and the good news is, it’s on sale!
What do you charge and where are you located at? I need the similar treatment on my truck. I'm not too far from southern Ohio being in dayton
You can email me at chiefsoffroadperformance@gmail.com
I emailed ya
@ replied, buddy! Sorry for the delay, it’s been a crazy month!
Where do you find those replacement parts?
www.autorust.com/safe-t-cap-kits/
That’s where I order them from, may be a few other places that have them as well.
@@millwright15 never knew this was a thing. Much appreciated and great video.
@@andrewpate9157 thank you, Sir! Very much appreciated!
Where you located
Located in the heart of the rust belt in southern Ohio!
Which Amazon plasma?
@@dellmack1 www.amazon.com/Lotos-LT5000D-Plasma-Voltage-Compact/dp/B004VFJL14/ref=mp_s_a_1_4?crid=1UPRU40YUQWBW&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.8ePE_3RqRtVO50THiCZP8RVrCiQz9ukug4F23pgM-3rcMFKAEyNGVzAH_QQgjmMe8O4BDfKfV1OPvChEYbdVUogrDVRq7KmDaL6F3gGjr61gjhI-LLj8igWGjjf4esVeNIddT9C5kAKBMX74k-GoA5SRSAQ17Lpy7A9owkWLscEx7zM26gBoOdfva9zJAKU9SP-u0UQcMHhxPaeoCHEzqw.5uZKtPRfmHnMTITKHeNyp8Q-9rokvcRfA4vvL2IgCCk&dib_tag=se&keywords=lotos+ltp5000d+plasma+cutter&qid=1728249508&sprefix=lotos%2Caps%2C1001&sr=8-4
@@dellmack1 that’s the one I was using in the video. Still using it to this day!
Thxs much
are you near Indiana. I'm looking to hire someone to do my 08 silverado.
@@BrianFrench-m8z in southern Ohio and booked until next year or the new shop gets finished and I can hire help!
Love it TY
Thank you!
thumbs up for sure
Thank you!
What size steel did you use for frame cap
@@mikemicallef1409 used the Safe T Caps that repair sections for this truck. It was around 3/16” if I remember right
I need this done
Where are you located?
I’m located in southern Ohio, if I’m close enough for you, I can give you an email!
What did you charge for this job? My truck needs this done and my buddy is a welder and has the tools. He just don't know what to charge me and I have no idea what offer I should throw at him
@@Kevin_Yagoonie I can’t remember what I charged. I’m thinking it was around 1000 in labor
Why?? Why did I turn my head and do a safety squint when you used that cut off wheel on top of the frame!!
@@shawng7902 I get it! 🤣 PPE is second nature to me, though! With my job and all the close calls I’ve had, I’m not gonna risk losing my eyes for a quick job. Had a full face shield on for this job if I remember correctly.
Nice job, it can be a real pain in the ass to fix these rusty pieces of shit under the cab area, I’m about to try and unbolt the rear cab mounts on a Tacoma so I can lift it a few inches without having to take the whole cab off to get some room for welding the top of the frame in the mid rear etc
That’s what I did to the last Chevy I did. Made under the cab a lot better!
undercoating is the wrong material to use because it can encourage rusting when it cracks and hold the salt. The answer is an oil based material that can't crack and protects the metal form corrosion. Otherwise, great video...
I have used fluid film on the last 2 I did. I definitely like it a lot better than the undercoating!
My 06 sierra is just like it and I don't have a welder or aplasma
Got a harbor freight close by? Get a cheap welder and I’ll send a link to the plasma cannon I’ve been using for years. It’s cheap and hasn’t let me down yet!
www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B004VFJL14?psc=1&ref=ppx_pop_mob_b_asin_title
I might have sandblasted first, and then painted everything; but much safer now.