ajpulley

Look what I found!

Got this? My unibody mid frame-rail rotted out fairly badly...







So, was able to track down a new one...




The only real difference is, obviously, AMC used galvanized pieces, and this one is primed. I'll have to drill out the seat mounting holes and weld the front two nuts underneath, and the one rear bolt sticking up through, which are M8-1.25 if I recall.

Turbo X_J

I would be a lil nervous if it was chinese mystery metal.

ajpulley

It's Mopar. AMC's part number was superseded twice by Chrysler. It seems this is the replacement for the later and earlier models. The later models have an additional rail running across the top of the floor for the seats that the earlier models didn't. There was, at one time, a part number for the undercarriage bolt/nuts that already came on the earlier versions.

TimV

Ok, all good. Now, pony up: where is the source of such a wonderful piece of steel? Share you knowledge with us other poor rusty cretins.

BlueRidgeMark

Yes, do tell! I'm in the same boat.

nujeepguy

rail looked ok to me. floor pans are needed. when you laminate two layers of metal you are building a storage area for moisture/water..
i did pans in oct but used rust bullet in rails first.

salad

Yikes, mine isn't QUITE that bad, it's only split not completely missing!

Also a little interested as to the source of this item. What do you do for the transmission crossmember?

How are your rocker backing plates? Basically my entire XJ is a writeoff from the bottom of the doors down.

nujeepguy

i dont find the post from salad at 11:56.
my post at10:20 is last?

Turbo X_J

Very strange, you haven't received your secret decoder ring yet? lol

nujeepguy

send 2!!
last night i absolutly could not bring it up???

BlueRidgeMark

You got that right!

salad

I wish someone had told AMC that. That entire area is layered sheet metal!

dmill89

True, but that's how these are built in the factory (look closely at an XJ uni-frame rail and you'll see it is made from several different sections of metal overlapped in places), just don't skimp on the seam sealer, make sure to use a weld through primer on anything you won't be able to get to after the piece is welded in, and apply a good coating of rust-resistant paint when done.

ajpulley

It came from a dealer somewhere in Wisconsin. It was the last one, and it took a while to find.

And, the label reads "Made in Canada" with a red leaf.

BlueRidgeMark

Well, that leaves the route I'm attempting. I'm cutting a rail out of a donor vehicle that isn't rusted out, and splicing it in to the rusted vehicle. I should have it done in a few weeks. I'll write it up with pictooors when I get it done.