Conquest Frame Question

[JoeMeg]

Does anyone know how the "tubes" at the front and rear of the frames are constructed?
I'm attempting to install plow brackets with the bolts that hold the alum axle extension housing to the frame. They're 7/16-20 bolts so, I doubt the wall thickness of the "tubes" is enough to accommodate this size thread as it would make this item prohibitively heavy (x2). So, I'm thinking welded construction. Tubing with an end cap welded on for the threaded holes. The bolts were not too tight and I got them all to back out about 2-3 turns and then they begin resisting. I'm thinking crude built up on the ends that protruded thru the threaded holes. I've got em backed out bout 1-1/2 turns and have packed around them with cotton ball are these are pickling in Kroil. I need to remove these with out damaging the holes (too much) so they can hold up to the demand the plow mounts will require.

Thanks!

[msafi65]

There are welded nuts on the end plate. I’ve had several break loose trying to remove rusty bolts.

[olargo]

I may be able to be of assistance. I happen to have the frame out of my Conquest at the moment...I just finished cleaning it about 2 hours ago.
The tubes have a 1/4 inch thick end plate welded on each with the 7/16-20 holes tapped thru the plates. These plates have a 1.75 inch diameter hole in the center.
The bottom of each tube on my frame had quite a layer of rust in it. The bolts all did come out though.
Hopefully after soaking in the oil you'll be able to remove them without damaging the threaded hole.

Bob

[JoeMeg]

Thanks men! Exactly the info I was looking for. Was hoping for 3/8 or1/2" end caps but, 1/4 thk still houses approximately 5 threads. I tried backing one out again last evening and it was coming out further, with less resistance than the first attempt I made. Seems like the Kroil is finding it's way in.

[olargo]

Here's hoping the Kroil does the trick!

And I stand corrected - I just measured the plate thickness. It's 5/16 thick, not 1/4.