TM 55-8115-203-23 & P
(c) For bottom side rails only: If the area to be repaired is within twelve inches of the corner fitting, the
insert must butt against the corner fitting.
(d) For bottom end rails only: If the area to be repaired is within six inches of the corner fitting, the
insert must butt against the corner fitting.
(e) Inserts which extend across the full profile of the bottom rail are considered sections. Follow the
procedure below for sectioning.
(2) Remove damaged portion of bottom rail and prepare for inserting.
(a) Mark around the damaged area with chalk or scribe. Mark a rectangular, oval, or diamond shape
depending on the general shape of thedamaged area. A rectangular shape will be easiest to work
with.
CAUTION
Direct oxygen-acetylene torch away from corner fittings, corner posts and side and end
panels to prevent damage to any of these parts.
(b) Tack weld guide bars in place to ensure straight cuts with an oxygen acetylene torch. Even,
accurate, cutting will eliminate wide gaps between the rail and the new insert.
(c) Cut out the damaged area with an oxygen acetylene torch.
(d) Grind smooth all cut edges.
(3) Cut insert.
(a) Using guide bars, cut a replacement insert with the exact shape and thickness of the of cutout
metal.
(b) Grind smooth cut edges of insert.
(4) Fit and weld insert in place.
(a) Fit insert in place. Insert should be flush against the bottom rail edges on all sides.
(b) Bevel edges of the insert and bottom rail cutout area to a thirty degree angle (See figure 3-6).
(c) Tack weld insert in place.
(d) Continuously weld insert to bottom rail.
(e) Clean and paint according to procedure 2.4.
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