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TR6 Frame repaired?

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Ribbs

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Just got the body off the old frame and was wondering if those gusset plates, located on the top of the frame near each trailing arm mount, are attempts at a frame repair. I assumed I'd find indication of a repair attempt as the doors had the telltale wider gap at the top.
Old frame.jpg
 
I don't know anything about the TR6, but I would like to think the factory would cut gussets closer to shape than that?!?
 
Looks like something done after the frame left the factory. Like John, I'm not familiar with a TR6 frame, but an online search of it does not show the gusset plates.
 
I was looking at the picture and from a carpenter prospective, I would cut the flat piece out and those existing gussets and then use a large gusset of 16 gauge sheet metal maybe 2 foot by 4 foot to span over the whole area on both sides of center and down the frame enough to gusset to the outsides then weld. It would make it stronger, lay flat, and be hidden by the floor

With plywood on a truss or floor spanning an area with say 16 inch openings, the plywood method is stronger than most stuff. You can make a lot of welds or in carpentry they call it a gang nail. That should work and be cheap and easy to do.

Steve
 
Definitely home made gussets....That frame [what can be seen in the pic] is in poor shape, but fixable.
All IRS frames flex and twist at the cruciform section, notably the frame rails at the rear of the top cruciform plate.
This can be minimised with extra strengthening measures.
Your decision will be to fix what you have or buy a new "Ratco" frame.
 
Home-made and not well thought out. Some extra gussets, as well as vertical strengthening of the rear pieces, is a good idea, but that's not the way to do it.

In the TR4A, it's customary to strengthen the differential mounts and front suspension mounts; you can do a little on-line searching to get the details. Some of this has been done in the factory TR6s, but maybe not all.
 
Ribbs said:
Just got the body off the old frame and was wondering if those gusset plates, located on the top of the frame near each trailing arm mount, are attempts at a frame repair. I assumed I'd find indication of a repair attempt as the doors had the telltale wider gap at the top.
View attachment 76826
Click to expand...
not standard fix I built my 1973 TR6 from three cars and had to start with the best frame of the three. Seeing the factory work and weak points I did the following. one Added a plate to the diff, studs and welded the studs at the top cross member they are known to pull out. two the cross member I added a angle across the back as one frame had broken there and spring pocket was bent badly. three I added a plate to the back side of the pivot the swing arms through bolt to as they will bend because of the two bolt holes. Several of the frames had broken there maybe due to hitting pot holes. I also cleaned all factory weld and added as needed. The frame must have been built on Friday late and the welded did not complete all welds.
I am not sure where the frame spent it life as to all the rust TR's leak as to protect from rusty frames. TR's are known to mark their parking spot.
When you get to the front caution when removing front A arms as not to strip bolts. And last the Bently book gives all measurements to true frame and will make fitting door much simpler.
 
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