This ute project is taking me into a few new areas, and it just shows you can always learn something.
The original damaged ute chassis looked to have a better front and rear cross member than the replacement chassis, so I spent a few hours drilling and punching out every rivet and stripping the damaged chassis into the individual pieces.
Very pleased to say the effort was well worth it, as the front cross member is one of the best I have come across. There is a lot to be said for having a long lasting oil leak over many years that picks up dirt and dust and forms a protective coating on both sides. Before I could use the wire brush on the angle grinder I had to hammer and chisel the crud that was between 1/4 to 3/8 thick. Underneath the crud was in places paint, surface rust, and minimal pitting.
The rear cross member was in a similar good condition, the heavy surface rust on the underside will be taken care off in the molasses tank.
Today's pictures are below
The damaged chassis donating its parts to the spares department
Stripped and going nowhere
The rear cross member from the donor chassis
After a bit of panel work, wire brushing and a very light grind with a flappy disk
The donor front cross member
Looking pretty good
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