Rust on Restoration Truck

Hello all,

I have an 89 Pete 362 COE that I'm doing a ground-up restore of. I've been looking around for another "salvage" truck or two that I can keep around for spare parts. My 89 is a single axle and I want to make it a tandem by using a frame from a different 362. I found one salvaged unit for sale yesterday that will work, but it's rusted quite a bit.

The system won't let me post pictures until my post count is 2, so I'm going to post pictures in a reply below.

Thanks!
-Dobb

 

Having to submit one reply so I can attach the pics.

 

Ok here are the pictures.

Does it look too rusted to be workable? (sandblasted, etc.) Will it compromise frame strength? I want to maintain the full working capability of the truck.

Thanks again,
-Dobb

 

Hey you guys are tops -- muchos gracias. Here are a few other questions:

New rails would be great. So you had someone else do the drilling?

Your 362 looks great in the avatar. I assume that's the one you restored? I'd love to see more/bigger pics.

For those not aware, the 362s have 2-piece frames. The rear rails look about like rails on Pete conventionals, but they only span from the rear to a point just behind the front axle. There they are actually bolted "inside" larger, deeper rails that run the rest of the way to the front bumper. Anybody know the reason for this design?

After learning what I wanted to do, one 362 owner told me you could even use a rear cutoff from a Pete conventional, cut it to the length you want, and drill the holes needed to mate up with the 362 front section. If I could do that, I'd have a million to choose from instead of rare 362s. Anybody have a comment on that? Any danger of comprising strength? I'm going to a big salvage yard in the next few days and compare the rails of 379/etc. vs. my 362. I'll post my findings.

Good advice. Yes I would definitely strip it bare. But I can't do a test -- I'm trying to judge this thing from pictures only. It's 1000 miles away from me, so I have to decide if I want to make the trip to get it. And, it belonged to a man who passed away and I'm dealing with his widow -- sweet lady, but not very truck-knowledgeable.

Thanks again,
-Dobb