TM 55-8115-203-23 & P
c. Sectioning,. If inserting does not cover the damaged area, it may be repaired by replacing a complete section
of rail. The replacement section must be identical to the damaged rail in length and profile.
(1) Restrictions for repair by sectioning are as follows:
(a) Sections must be at least six inches long.
(b) A section which would end within six inches of an existing insert or section repair must be extended
to butt against the existing insert or repair.
(c) For side rails only: If any part of the area to be repaired is within twelve inches of a corner fitting,
the section must butt against the corner fitting.
(d) For end rails only: If any part of the area to be repaired is within six inches of a corner fitting, the
section must butt against the cornerfitting.
(2) Remove damaged section of bottom rail and prepare to install replacement section.
(a) Remove flooring next to the damaged rail using procedure 2-10.
(b) For rear end rail only: Remove lower plywood liner according to procedure 2-9.
(c) Mark the damaged area to be replaced with chalk or scribe.
(d) 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.
(e) Cut welds joining damaged section to crossmembers.
(f) Cut the weld seam joining the side or end panel to the damaged rail section.
(g) Cut out the damaged rail section.
(h) Grind smooth all cut edges.
(3) Cut replacement section.
(a) Using guide bars, cut a section to the exact dimensions of the damaged area.
(b) Grind smooth cut edges of the section.
(4) Fit and weld section in place.
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