Chassis / frame rails - A few opinions needed please :)

PeteRichards

PeteRichards

Club Member
Hi everyone

With the sun out I've been out getting the 260z 2+2's frame / chassis rails down to bare metal.

Apart from the underside, there isn't a much rust around the rest of the car. I've had her for 12 months since she came over from Cali, so most of the rust seems to be surface level (one small patch that's eaten through - on the pic below).

The rails have plenty of dents on them, I imagine from being jacked up plenty of times / maybe being moved by a forklift while in the US?

I'm hoping you can give me some honest opinions on whether they're totally shot, ok to prime and spray, or alternatively if a set of strengtheners / cover over rails (I've heard people chatting about the Bad Dog ones from the states) would be a good idea.

I've done a load of research online but would really value some peoples thoughts please. Be brutal if needed :)


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They look OK to me, apart from that bit where it isn't OK :) I think you need to open it up each side to find the extent of that - it looks like it's rusted from the inside. Otherwise, it's up to you how pretty you want them to look.
btw, by the time they're under the floor, they're floor supports - I wouldn't support or lift the car on them.
 
Thanks Jon, really appreciate it.

Yeah I don’t mind them having a bit of character. My main worry was the dents weakening things, especially with her being a 2+2 and a bit longer.

I’ll delve deeper where the hole is and see where the rust is coming from.

Good shout on the jack stands.
 
To support the rear use the stands with a rubber topper or a piece of suitable wood, and position them where the rear floor bends upwards, this is a very strong area and plenty of pics of cars on post lifts have the arms positioned there. For the fronts put the jacks under the compression rod mounting area, or you can use the front cross member. Don't be tempted to jack under the easily accessible lower rad support panel.
 
And in case you don't know already, the rear is easily raised by jacking under the diff, i say easily but you will generally need a longer and preferably low profile jack to get under there in the first place!
 
jonbills said:
They look OK to me, apart from that bit where it isn't OK :) I think you need to open it up each side to find the extent of that - it looks like it's rusted from the inside. Otherwise, it's up to you how pretty you want them to look.
btw, by the time they're under the floor, they're floor supports - I wouldn't support or lift the car on them.
Click to expand...
Agree, they look strong enough to me. Repair, paint, protect and don't abuse them.
 
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