Motor Vehicle Maintenance & Repair Stack Exchange
Motor Vehicle Maintenance & Repair Stack Exchange

Questions tagged [frame]

A load bearing structure of a vehicle.

A vehicle frame, often called a chassis, is the main support and mounting system for the various components required to make a vehicle operational.

There are many types of frames. The frame has evolved over time to incorporate various systems of a vehicle within it.

  • Ladder Frame

  • Unibody

  • Perimeter

  • X-Frame

  • Backbone Tube

  • Platform Frame

Image of a modern unibody frame

enter image description here

30 questions
12
votes
1 answer

What is fish plating a frame?

When building a frame I've heard people refer to adding a fish plate. What does fish plating a frame do and what exactly is it?
Hᴇʀʙɪᴇ
  • 3,737
  • 8
  • 36
  • 67
12
votes
2 answers

Proper Jack Location

In general, where is the best place to put a jack to prevent damage when lifting?
Bob Roberts
  • 785
  • 2
  • 8
  • 15
10
votes
4 answers

Does Tig welding a frame add more strength where fish plating isn't required?

Usually when someone builds a custom frame they are typically Mig welded and fish plated but if a frame is Tig welded does that generate better penetration when welding pieces together so you don't have to fish plate? My understanding is limited in…
Hᴇʀʙɪᴇ
  • 3,737
  • 8
  • 36
  • 67
8
votes
2 answers

Will a ground to the frame work properly if the bolt is powder-coated?

Would there be any electrical issues if a grounding point had a bolt welded and powder-coated or is it better to drill a hole, weld a nut to the frame and then powder-coated?
Hᴇʀʙɪᴇ
  • 3,737
  • 8
  • 36
  • 67
7
votes
3 answers

What type of weld process should I use to weld onto a van's frame?

I'm currently in the planning phases for a project to turn a 1990 Econoline Van into a moving sculpture. Part of the plan involves welding onto the frame of the vehicle (after removing most of the body). I am marginally capable with an oxy torch,…
afrojas
  • 71
  • 1
7
votes
2 answers

Is there a way to section a frame without fish plating?

When building a frame is there a way to join the sections together without having to fish plate?
Hᴇʀʙɪᴇ
  • 3,737
  • 8
  • 36
  • 67
7
votes
1 answer

What is a "Z" frame?

In the hotrodding world there is a common term I hear called "Z" frame. What does it mean? How do you carry out this modification? Is doing so restricted to certain vehicles?
Jonathan Musso
  • 4,740
  • 11
  • 30
  • 52
6
votes
2 answers

Turning back rust on frame welds on a FJ Cruiser

I recently purchased a 2007 FJ cruiser up here in the north where we use lots of salt. The only issue I noticed with this vehicle (and about half of the FJs I looked at) was rust developing along the welds in the frame. What would be a good approach…
Ukko
  • 885
  • 6
  • 16
5
votes
2 answers

Can I install a plow on my stock Silverado?

I've got a Chevrolet Silverado 1500 LS 4x4, and I'd like to install a plow. I want to avoid damaging the truck, as it's also my primary means of transportation. Do I have to do anything to stiffen up the frame, or can I simply install the plow as…
Tester101
  • 839
  • 3
  • 13
  • 24
4
votes
1 answer

Is there a suggested wall thickness for steel tubing when building frames?

Looking into building a frame for a hotrod I've seen different sizes used for different size vehicles such as 2" x 2" or 2" x 3" box tubing and circular steel tubing but I am unsure if a .188 wall is the norm. When building a frame is there a…
Hᴇʀʙɪᴇ
  • 3,737
  • 8
  • 36
  • 67
4
votes
1 answer

Unibody Frame - Straightening Procedure and Limitations

When a uni-body frame is bent or distorted there is a limitation to how much damage can be repaired and have the frame retain at least some of it's initial integrity. As well, the procedure to actually straighten the frame, from what I understand,…
DucatiKiller
  • 32,976
  • 22
  • 150
  • 267
3
votes
1 answer

How do I install motorbike frame and swingarm protectors?

I am considering the purchase of frame and swingarm protectors for my track bike. Just to give you an idea, below are sample pictures of frame (left) and swingarm (right) protectors taken at random from the internet: These seem to be clipped onto…
JoErNanO
  • 1,765
  • 4
  • 23
  • 47
3
votes
0 answers

Getting Wiring Harness through Radiator Support?

I'm currently in the process of doing my best to overhaul an 88 Chevy Silverado Pickup 2500 V8 5.7L. I do not know much about cars, but am learning. Anyway, long story short, the engine hoist I have (borrowed) does not lift the engine enough to…
Joseph_carp
  • 31
  • 2
3
votes
2 answers

Who gets title if you sell a frame and an engine separately

I have a POS (Piece of S**t) salvage motorcycle I purchased cheap for a purpose which has now passed. I'm ready to get rid of it and there's a guy down the street that mentioned possibly wanting to buy the engine, but only the engine. Now I know…
davidcondrey
  • 543
  • 1
  • 7
  • 17
2
votes
1 answer

How do zerk fittings work?

I recently purchased an ATV with a blown engine that I'm converting to electric. The frame has zerk fittings which were encrusted with old grease. They cleaned up fairly well but now I'm conflicted. Should I add a few pumps of fresh grease with a…
Tag
  • 143
  • 5
1
2