dan wrote:
What's that Lassie? You say that mark fell down the old
rec.crafts.metalworking mine and will die if we don't mount a rescue
by Sun, 28 Feb 2010 06:52:53 -0800 (PST):

My original jeep CJ-7 frame has rusted out and I was thinking of
building a new one from aluminum. Would 2 X 4 X 1/4 wall (if that is
even available) box tubing have the equivalent strength of the stock
1/8" wall steel frame? I would like aluminum because it will last
forever, no need of any paints etc..., very easy to work with and
cheaper than building a steel one and having it galvanized. My second
choice would be stainless 1/8" box tubing.

you can buy a steel frame for about $2k. Galvanizing add $550.
www.quadratec.com

Other options:
skid plate
front shackle reversal setup
integrated rear receiver bumper
integrated rear receiver bumper with swing out tire carrier
custom motor mounts

That's a decent price. I can only think of three reasons you wouldn't
want to jump on it:

1: You just have to build your own frame, for emotional reasons -- I
mean, building stuff is _fun_, right?

2: You're long on shop space, tools, and time, but for whatever reason
you don't have much cash right now.

3: You're doing something absolutely new and unique, the hottest of hot
****, and that requires a custom frame (see 1). But even there, getting
a made-frame for $2k, modifying it, and having it galvanized might be a
wiser course.

--
Tim Wescott
Control system and signal processing consulting
www.wescottdesign.com