Posted by Vaughn [172.69.34.70] on Monday, September 12, 2022 at 10:30:29 :
In Reply to: Re: Additional Infor on Installing Fish Plates posted by OB [172.70.175.114] on Monday, September 12, 2022 at 09:21:34 :
Reading through the site I provided they indicated welding and bolting. It would seem welding the plate inside and then using longer rivets to secure both the mount and plate would be fine as a repair. I also think you need a plate on top of the rail as shown in there images. I don't believe the welding of the cross frame to the rail by the manufacture would result in cracks, or more PW owners would be experiencing the same and reporting it. Carrying heavy loads not forward in the bed or centered over the axle would have stressed the hanger area causing it to crack. Remember, these trucks were used and abused due to the toughness beyond what they were designed to do and I think that is what you are seeing from these cracks. Welding is perfectly fine to secure the fish plate, just don't make long welds at a time. Chromoly steel is tempered and heating it to much makes it soft. Use the same metal as a repair.
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