From what I gather, the longer version of the aftermarket rear frame rails (45") are designed to be installed inside the existing frame rails?

Do they slip in from the top? What is the best way to weld them in? Could anyone elaborate on the process? I plan to replace my shock towers and trunk floor and it seems that doing the rails at the same time would save me alot of additional work in the future.

Hi Litespd, welcome.

The full length aftermarket rails on my '69 are made to slip inside the existing rails, after the old rails are cut out. They could be slipped inside with the trunk floor still in place because the ends of the new rails are stamped to the inner diameter of the old rails. But that's mine..... other aftermarket rails could be made differently.

If you're gonna cut the old ones out yourself, measure, measure and then measure again before cutting them. If you cut them as close to the stamped bend in the new rails as possible, you shouldn't have a problem lap-welding the old and new together.

Since you're going to just about gut the trunk area, you may get lucky enough to be able to cut the trunk floor and supports, and the frame rails at the same time and get them both out at once. But like I said, measure everything three times before doing any cutting, take a break, then measure everything three more times. You'll be glad you did.

Good luck!



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Joe
WCA Member
HwyStar@Rochester.rr.com
HwyStar@CarJunky.com
'69 wallet crusher
'97 Blazer - Bad wheel hop!