Fixing damaged front bumper gussets:
One approach to dealing with a common problem








    It seems that the front bumper gussets are probably the most commonly damaged parts of a W.W.II jeep's frame.  Replacing them properly is a critical step in many people's restoration sequence.  There is more than one method to do this, but I have outlined below the typical steps taken by me in my current restoration.  You may use these steps as a guideline and adapt the techniques to your particular frame.  If you notice errors or improvements to the process I would appreciate your input by email.
Thanks  - Ren Bernier

Step One - Evaluate the Damage
 


    Examine the existing frame horn

Step Two - Remove Extraneous Pieces that are Welded to the Frame Horn
     Using a grinder, cut-off wheel and / or cutting torch, carefully remove and non-original metal pieces.  Then sandblast the area to afford a careful inspection for cracks, etc.

Step Three - Straighten Frame Horn as Needed

Step Four - Remove Remnants of old gussets and the Spring Shackle Hanger

    The lower gusset is sandwiched between the spring shackle hanger and the frame.  It is both riveted and welded in place.  Using a cutoff wheel and grinder, carefully grind off the weld beads that attach the spring shackle hanger to the gusset and the gusset to the frame. Use care to not damage the frame channel or the spring shackle hanger when grinding.

Step Four - Remove Rivet Heads

 

    Removal of the rivet heads can be done by grinding them off flush if you have access to them.  they can also be center-punched and drilled out.  Alternatively, the heads can be burned-off with a cutting torch, although this method runs the risk of damaging the frame channel or spring shackle hanger.  I remove the upper rivet head only at this point.

Step Five - Pry the Spring Shackle Hanger and Old Gusset Off

    I use old wood chisels as a prying wedge to pull the old gusset and hanger down pulling the headless rivet down through the frame channel.

Step Six- Remove the Inner Brace (from MB frames)

    Again with careful grinding, I remove the welds that hold the inner frame brace to allow complete access to the frame channel.  This brace is not present on GPWs.

Step Seven - Straighten and Repair the Frame

    I use a torch, hammer and dolly to straighten the frame rails.  Any holes that don't belong are also welded shut at this time.  I use a copper backing plate behind holes when welding them shut as shown above.

Step Eight-  Prepare Spring Shackle Hanger

   In a bench vice, grind off the stub of the rivet and drive the rivet down through the old gusset and spring shackle hanger.

Use the grinder to clean off any weld-bead debris from the spring shackle hanger.

Ready for Reassembly!

 

Be sure that all the parts, the hanger, inner brace, and frame horn are straight and clean!

Step Nine - Reassembly of the Lower Gusset and Spring Shackle Hanger

I now use 3/8" X 1" long Button-head socket cap screws to reassemble the lower gusset and hanger assembly.  These work nicely on an MB because the inner frame horn brace obscures the threaded end from view.  The "button" end has an allen head socket in it that will be filled with weld and ground to shape to resemble the original rivet head.


 

I normally tack-weld the nut to the end of the cap screw to secure it permanently later in the process (step fifteen).  I also sandblast the spots shown (as visible above) where the gusset will be welded to the frame and the hanger.  The repro gussets have a primer applied which must be removed for proper welding.  Notice the orientation of the gusset.  A gusset set contains four different gussets (top left, bottom left, top right, bottom right)  Now is the time to double check that you have the correct ones in place!  This is the bottom left gusset shown above.

Step Ten - Install upper gusset

I use 3/8" X 3/4" long button head socket cap screws for this step.
 
 

Step Eleven -Check  gusset alignment and install spacer tubes
 

Using the bumper as a jig, I check the gusset alignment and then tighten the cap screws securely.  I also install the spacer tubes on the outboard sides of the gussets as shown. The tubes are then tack-welded in place.

Step Twelve -Weld the lower gusset to the frame
 

With the frame upright, I weld the lower gussets to the frame on both sides as shown.  Notice that I still have some repair weld-beads to grind-off.  I should have done this grinding before this step! Oh, well...

Step Thirteen -Weld the upper gusset and the spring shackle hanger


 

With the frame upside-down, I weld the upper gussets to the frame on both sides as shown.  I also weld the spring shackle hangers to the frame and lower gusset.

Step Fourteen - Fill the lower button head socket cap screws with weld

Before flipping the frame back over remember to fill the cap screws as shown.

Step Fifteen - Fill the upper button head socket cap screws with weld

With the frame upright again, fill the upper button head socket cap screws with weld.  If done carefully it will only require a small amount of hand-filing to make this look like a rivet head.  At this point I also tack weld the nuts to the cap screws to make them permanent.
 

Step Sixteen - Sand and prime
 

A little filing, sanding and primer completes the task.

Step Seventeen - Paint and Install Bumper and Filler

Now it all comes together!  The bumper filler and bumper are installed after priming and painting the frame.  This solid oak bumper filler is from Glen Klotz, in Texas.  It fits beautifully and matches the original bumper filler specifications.  It is tempting to varnish the beautiful piece of oak, but to maintain authenticity, O.D. paint should be applied as shown.  

For more related images, go to the MB Image Index and select "Phase 2: Repair and Reassembly of Chassis"
 
 

Good Luck!

 
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