I may have an opportunity to acquire a frame that went through a serious engine fire to use in a 4wd conversion. Are there any safety/strength reasons to not use this frame? I am content to sandblast/ repaint, but I won't bother if it won't be safe. Any suggestions?

 

That's hard to say without looking at the damage. I would suggest you either post some very clear and close up photos of the frame or have someone who is knowledgeable about such things accompany you to inspect it. But having said that it would take one hellish fire to damage a frame beyond restoration.

 

I was thinking of the temperature doing something negative to the strength of the steel. I will find some pictures.

 

Keep in mind that the frame will be stamped with the VIN of the truck it came from. If you have to get a conversion certified that could be a problem. Make sure you get a title with it.

Rick

 

There are a lot of reasons to NOT use this frame and really only one reason to use it. The reason to use it is if the paint is still intact.
If the paint has burned the frame was heated to who knows what temperature and for how long. Then if the fire was extinguished the frame would have been rapidly cooled. This at the very least would case harden the frame to who knows what depth and flexibility would be gone, major cracks or even sudden breakage could and in all likely hood would occur. Not knowing the exact ingredients of the steel the frame is made of complicates things even more. No paint = no good.

 

Thanks Busboy. This being Ohio, paint on the frame as a litmus test is a non starter. All the same, I think I'll let it pass.

 

what year is the frame from, I know my 98 has almost no frame rust on it and its from MN>