ChesterChop Posted April 2, 2022 Share Posted April 2, 2022 I have a 1987 RW613 with an aluminum frame. I noticed a hairline crack about 2 inches long coming from one of the bolt holes for the cross members on the main frame. Can this be repaired by a qualified welder or do I need to have it fish plated? Thanks Quote Link to comment https://www.bigmacktrucks.com/topic/69475-crack-on-an-aluminum-frame/ Share on other sites More sharing options...
Popular Post D-Day Posted April 2, 2022 Popular Post Share Posted April 2, 2022 It can be welded I have done several aluminum frame repairs its important to preheat the area, and we always had an insert made from steel so it fit snug like a double frame best to do both rails and spread the stress out its a lot of work and if it has a crack now it can keep growing best to stop it early I have seen fish plates added to the outside usually the crack will return through the plate 2 1 Quote Link to comment https://www.bigmacktrucks.com/topic/69475-crack-on-an-aluminum-frame/#findComment-494285 Share on other sites More sharing options...
ChesterChop Posted May 15, 2022 Author Share Posted May 15, 2022 I'm having trouble finding someone willing to repair it. I've talked to a couple welders who didn't want to mess with it. From what I've been told I need to get it welded and then fish plated too. The DOT regs say as long as repairs are bolted/ not welded according to manufacturers specs, it's ok. In 27 years of driving other people's trucks I don't believe I ever ran one with that kind of frame repair. At least not that I noticed Quote Link to comment https://www.bigmacktrucks.com/topic/69475-crack-on-an-aluminum-frame/#findComment-497693 Share on other sites More sharing options...
JoeH Posted May 15, 2022 Share Posted May 15, 2022 We have a steel frame truck that's had both rails welded, been running it for years. But no aluminum frames... Quote Link to comment https://www.bigmacktrucks.com/topic/69475-crack-on-an-aluminum-frame/#findComment-497695 Share on other sites More sharing options...
ChesterChop Posted May 15, 2022 Author Share Posted May 15, 2022 I talked to the guy who does my annual DOT inspection and he said if it was hidden well I wouldn't have an issue getting it inspected. Quote Link to comment https://www.bigmacktrucks.com/topic/69475-crack-on-an-aluminum-frame/#findComment-497696 Share on other sites More sharing options...
JoeH Posted May 15, 2022 Share Posted May 15, 2022 My repaired R model frame has sleeves centered on the outside of where the welds are. It's not just about making the crack go away, it's also about making sure the frame holds up. Mack has a book with "how to repair frames" properly. If you're going to do it, follow Mack's instructions... 1 Quote Link to comment https://www.bigmacktrucks.com/topic/69475-crack-on-an-aluminum-frame/#findComment-497711 Share on other sites More sharing options...
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