My home is in trouble...

[WheelEstate USA]

I think chop shops started up in that area

 

[Bandit2]

There is a shop in Rhode Island that specializes in rusty frame repair's in house and even has kits for the more popular applications for DIY's .
Mostly Mopar's , but they do have a crossmember for the 99-06 Silverado 1500 .
I Don't know if they can help Reno ? But it might be worth a call . http://www.autorust.com/index.html
Chev/GMC Parts
http://autorust.com/store/index.php?main_page=index&cPath=9&zenid=270eiljvg8m1q4vumkkijjq4b5
Bob

 

[Reno]

yes I did read the thread. I asked if it was a unibody, so after doing further research I see that gm changed from a unibody on their vans in 1996. so you have got a standard frame which can be repaired. so I see you have another problem with a leaf spring hanger. so your frame is rusting this bad that you have multiple problems? I think you need to ask yourself if this is going to be an ongoing problem? I mean are you going to be chasing these problems around the van one at a time? could get costly. imho if your frame is badly rusted with multiple problems and you want to keep the van the logical thing to do is replace the frame. I understand you might not have the place to do it but in my view this would be the best option if you could find a rust free frame in your area. people get all scared when they hear this but it's not really that hard. you don't have to be a master mechanic to do this there is nothing real technical you just gotta make sure you get a good fame and get a wheel alignment after. I know allot of you are going to say I am crazy but I have done this many times, believe me it's not that hard the hardest part is have a place to do it. highdesertranger

Yes, I'm afraid it is going to be an ongoing problem. Replacing the frame would be cost prohibitive for me, but it's the only proper fix.

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There is a shop in Rhode Island that specializes in rusty frame repair's in house and even has kits for the more popular applications for DIY's .
Mostly Mopar's , but they do have a crossmember for the 99-06 Silverado 1500 .
I Don't know if they can help Reno ? But it might be worth a call . http://www.autorust.com/index.html
Chev/GMC Parts
http://autorust.com/store/index.php?main_page=index&cPath=9&zenid=270eiljvg8m1q4vumkkijjq4b5
Bob

I saw that, too, and may chance a drive to RI (90min) to have them check it out. Not sure I want to drive that far and that fast right now.

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Look on the net for a local fabrication shop, they weld manufacture, build things.

A local fabrication shop was recommended, and that's where I got thee bad news. Three days labor, about $2000, and you still have a frame that's rusting.

Just trying to get by for a while, and cheaply.

Thank you, everyone, for your thoughtful replies. I'll keep you posted.

Steve

 

[Bandit2]

Hi Steve
Have You Poked around in the LMC - GMC Truck catalog yet for the Rear Spring Hangers ?
They show them new for a 2500 Sierra P/U , but a little pricey .
http://www.lmctruck.com/icatalog/ce/full.aspx?Page=158

A little searching ( 3 seconds ) on Car-Part.com shows a frame for a 3500 van w/139 in. wb in Ct. for
$ 625.

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Hi Steve
You might also check out the welding web . com Mechanic's Park Forum , they discuss a few frame repairs with pic's
Bob
http://weldingweb.com/forum.php

 

[Lucky mike]

I sometimes have to compare some of the answers here to the large RV forums....you know the guy with the 250k motor-coach with a bottomless expense account to draw from.......I didnt realize how many upper middle class 7 figure people live in vans with open expense accounts........

He lives in the van in Metro Boston...
He has under 1k to do the repair......

amazing this information was gleaned from just reading the thread.......

 

[Bandit2]

Mike
On the welding web forum there are a few very talented members in Mass. and N.H., perhaps one of them can help steve out .
I wish I could , but I was forced to give up my 12 X 32 commercial zoned hobby shop when I had ticker problems .
Bob

 

[Lucky mike]

I told him to hook up with me .....he is not that far south of me(50 Miles)....I have alot of welding friends along the state line on both sides that Im sure would help him out or at least give him a good deal.

as far as it goes I have a 2004 DodgeRam 1500 Conversion van in my friends driveway that needs basic repairs that Im fixing to send off to the wrecking yard just to get it out of my hair. that he could buy for the same price the yards paying for it....and drive it home!!(No rust/no Dents/good paint)

 

[Bandit2]

Hi Mike
That's what makes the Internut and the people using it helping friends they have never met out .
( I have a friend I have only chatted with , in Florida that offered Us a really long extension cord and a place to park for the winter on his 2 1/2 acres )
I must be close to Steve as I am in the Metro-West area of Boston .

 

[Lucky mike]

Im just across the line Bandit.....Exeter , Hampton Beach Area.....leaving out of here the first week of June for Vermont and upstate NY for the summer, lots of great markets and shows..(gotta make a dollar!).. with plenty of boondocking in the NF on Rt. 9.....Love That area!!

 

[Zil]

Lucky mike just made you an offer you can't refuse.

 

[Bandit2]

Hi Mike
Depending on what is going on around here We might be contacting You for a sign for our Portable Mining Sluice , but the way it is going ( W/ Dad @93 & Mom @ 95 ) , it looks like we might have to blow off the fair's again this year .
Bob
Ps
Are You hiding among the Elm Trees by chance ?

 

[Reno]

I told him to hook up with me .....he is not that far south of me(50 Miles)....I have alot of welding friends along the state line on both sides that Im sure would help him out or at least give him a good deal.

as far as it goes I have a 2004 DodgeRam 1500 Conversion van in my friends driveway that needs basic repairs that Im fixing to send off to the wrecking yard just to get it out of my hair. that he could buy for the same price the yards paying for it....and drive it home!!(No rust/no Dents/good paint)

Mike, I found an experienced welder working for himself in NH, 5 miles away. Told him I was concerned about the leaf spring perch om passenger side, and everything else was secondary.

Got it fixed while I waited. Also repaired a hole on the drivers side frame. Total of $250.

Yes, it's a patch job, but it's safe now. Rear shock absorbers are optional, as far as I'm concerned, but not having the leaf springs fall of is imperative!

I'd love to visit you, Mike (can youi wait til the check comes in at the end of the month?). Love to see the Dodge Ram conversion, too.

PM your # and I'll call.

Steve

 

[Bandit2]

Hi Reno
Glad to hear You Got Er Done , and on the Cheap Too , You should share the guy's info incase others in the area need a little welding work done .
Bob

 

[Lucky mike]

I'd love to visit you, Mike (can youi wait til the check comes in at the end of the month?). Love to see the Dodge Ram conversion, too.

PM your # and I'll call.

Steve
[/quote]

LOL....me too!!!!.....the check doesnt come here til the 3rd , after that I gas up and start heading out to the fleamarkets , your more than welcome to tag along....I have a few simple micro business's you might be able to learn and generate a little cash if you need something to keep things going on the road.........

when I leave I'll be heading out Rt 101 or out route 2 thru Mass headed for VT & upstate NY for the summer in the NF , lots of decent flea markets and small shows (Horse) that I work , so if your just getting by and need an adventure let me know we can set something up....I'll PM my phone to you

 

[Patrick46]

I love this forum!!

 

[Lucky mike]

Hi Mike
Depending on what is going on around here We might be contacting You for a sign for our Portable Mining Sluice , but the way it is going ( W/ Dad @93 & Mom @ 95 ) , it looks like we might have to blow off the fair's again this year .
Bob
Ps
Are You hiding among the Elm Trees by chance ?

If your Talking about Exeter Elms....I will be working there for memorial day weekend....first campground gig of the year!!!....

 

[Bandit2]

Hi Mike
Yes I was referring to Exeter Elm's , ( I couldn't think of any open year round ) We checked that whole area out when we bought our pop-up a few years ago for weekend getaways , it will be going on that guy Craig's list in a week or two . We had several campgrounds interested in us bringing up the sluice and My daughter asked me how I was going to tow the camper and the trailer both ? Make four trips every weekend ? Damn Kids LOL
Bob

 

[highdesertranger]

reno glad you got her done. bandit what's this portable mining sluice your talking about? do you mine? I must know all, about mining equipment that is. highdesertranger

 

[Patrick46]

Hey Lon...you're only an hour and a half up the coast from me.

pretty area.

 

[Reno]

Hi Reno
Glad to hear You Got Er Done , and on the Cheap Too , You should share the guy's info incase others in the area need a little welding work done .
Bob

Mann's Welding
Louie Mann- 603-660-3686
Nashua, NH

Tell 'em "Steve sent ya"