Hello everyone. I'm new to this forum. Always loved cars. This is my delemma... So I bought a 1979 280zx. Looks very nice up top. No bodywork. No visible rust. Paint is very good. While replacing the slave cylinder because I could not get it in gear I saw something very disappointing while underneath. Apparently the previous owner thought it be a good idea to fasten 1/4 inch steel to the frame (front to back) due to the frame being in bad condition. My question is this... Is it worth seeking a professional to fabricate the frame? I am not a welder. I really had some great ideas for the car and my son and I are in love with it. So please, anyone have advice. Or even some insight at what I'm in for. I'm not afraid to spend some cash and time to get it where I want it to be. Thank you all for any help.

Tim

 

Replacement frame rails.

Check this out. It is the best way to replace frame rails

 

Interesting... it looks relatively inexpensive which is good. But I'm trying to wrap my head around how exactly these are installed. Any more info you can provide? Thanks for replying to this thread. I appreciate your time.

 

They are spot welded to the floor pan. It will be a lot of work getting the old ones off. Care must be taken not to do any damage to the floor or there will be more work to do. There are plenty of videos on youtube showing rail replacements. It looks like the best say is to cut the center section out of the old rail and then work on the lip that is welded to the floor.