5 Other Repair Shops Wouldn't Take On This Challenge!

[@johnmcgowan8162]

What I enjoy most about your videos is that you can think outside the box and come up with solutions that work--usually inexpensive too!! You possess an ability that is dying called common sense. Teaching it to your kids too. I appreciate the clean language and your family man approach to life.

[@grogoncom]

Very well said John!!!!!!!

[@BikingVikingHH]

Say what you will about religion, but a lot of LDS folk have it figured out. As someone who was raised in the church but never was a believer, I respect them, and some small part of me wishes I did believe. I cannot lie about my beliefs though.

[@azpapa9347]

I can't figure out if common sense is a super power, or a curse!

[@lGuileWilliamsl]

@RollinRat Yep, "not so common" sense seems to be happening everywhere and I couldn't agree with you more. I must admit there is a satisfaction to demonstrating "not so common" sense to people, the looks on their faces to the obvious answer is priceless. LOL

[@lGuileWilliamsl]

@RollinRat Seems I understood you just fine, only I was referencing adults. I shudder to think about the next generation. Sounds like you did a good job with your little girl.

[@pwulm5285]

I love how Matt's Recovery motto is "We'll get em' out" and Fab Rats is "We'll figure it out"....

[@bignose4703]

A therapist should open an office in between them with the motto "we'll get 'em figured out"😂

[@brianjohnston9822]

I cracked a frame weld and it was the same deal, no one would touch it. No one wanted the liability issue. All the body shops said you cannot patch the frame. Finally found a welder and he just shrugged his shoulders and said come back in an hour. Better than new he said, it will never come apart again. He was good to his word.

[@Craig_N]

I was thinking it's more a "we don't want this to come back on us" issue than a can't fix it issue.

[@brianjohnston9822]

@@Craig_N exactly what I was thinking in my round about way.

[@martinhogan5970]

Been watching folks back half cars my whole life… can’t weld the frame 🤣🤣🤣

[@brianjohnston9822]

@@martinhogan5970 sure, you see it all the time, but try and get full insurance. Most insurance companies won’t even talk to you. There is a difference in chopping up a vehicle and you don’t really care what happens to it, but there is a difference of trying to restore a passenger vehicle back to legal road worthiness.

[@280zone]

@@brianjohnston9822 I cut my frame in half and back halved it and have full coverage insurance and street licensed to boot.

[@duggydo]

That pry bar popping out brought back a bad memory to me. I had one pop out when I was working on a round baler once and it bounced off the frame and spun up into my right eye. I had to wear a patch for weeks and use special eye drops. Messed up my deer season that year because I couldn't get used to shooting left handed. Got me several pair of good safety glasses and goggles after that. Won't let the youngsters do anything without them now.

[@jeffryblackmon4846]

I got rust in my eyes once, while working on a car doing an alignment. I was taken to an eye doctor who cleaned me up and covered my eyes. I was "blind" for a week. Never again! My eyeglasses were not enough protection.

[@skeptic3332]

You didn't mention the unrelenting pain of your eye moving around behind your eyelid.

[@BadlandIndustries]

Actually pretty common issue with these colorados. We make lifts for them and are working on a cross brace to prevent this issue. Great job Paul!

[@ElbowEyE]

If that's a common issue, that's tells me I don't want to own one.

[@BadlandIndustries]

@@ElbowEyE when guys lift and mob them it happens alot. Stock or subframe lift zero issues.

[@ElbowEyE]

@@BadlandIndustries that truck looked stock to me, didn't look like it had a lift. Yeah, you take any vehicle that's stock mobbing, something gonna break

[@wtbman]

The frame on my S-10 cracked in in a similar location. Looks like they didn't improve much on the design. Too much torsion force on the frame, ball joints too small, bearings too small. Mine was a ZR2 and the extra width/height makes it worse. Fixed it with an SFA swap, leaf springs and new cross member. Added .25" steel plate to the frame for good measure.

[@BadlandIndustries]

@@ElbowEyE yeah they're pretty low. It a been cranked up a bit to fit the 31s on it. It doesn't have out lift on it but its a common issue when guys crank it to the sky without putting the proper components on it.

[@Ram14250]

You are the welding machine!! That weld looked really nice... great work! Happy there are still folks like you out there that help people!

[@MidnightPolaris800]

You are a real mechanic. Todays mechanics are part swappers

[@snr2707]

It’s the fixes like that control arm that really impress me. While I know it’s a relatively simple fix, a lot of guys would stand around talking about it when you actually fix it and make it happen.

[@davehumphrey4075]

This is human ingenuity at its best. Well, I guess it's not like building the space shuttle, but the same spirit is required. I am 60 years old and when I grow up I hope I can solve mechanical problems like this. For now, I will stick to plumbing and take some welding classes so I can start the adventure. Fab Rats is an inspiration. Thank you for the video. Fab Rat for President!

[@douglasdarby8584]

Paul works another FabRats miracle. Great fun to watch.

[@johnhenryholiday4964]

I have great respect for you... the main reason is because of the work you do with Matt.... I dont know if you are both related... however... I enjoy seeing your improvisation skills and the use of "out side of the box" thinking... You do a great job.... Doc.

[@Microphone73]

Always fun to hang out with Paul and team!

[@nadkram1]

What the DOT doesn't know won't hurt them ))).... I too appreciate the clean language you use... good job!!

[@joeJrbill]

THANKS FOR BEING YOU PAUL...UR A "REAL" PERSON...ITS ALWAYS VERY INTERESTING TO TAG ALONG WITH YOU..MAY GOD BLESS YOU & URS ALWAYS...

[@coreybair9426]

Who said fixing derby cars was a waste of time? Well who's laughing now! LoL. I've fixed similar stuff that shops either said no or wanted a small fortune. I love a good challenge. Love the content! Keep up the good work!

[@stephenzwemer2905]

Simple fix that no one wants to touch in today’s litigious world. You are a brave man there Sir. !

[@drithius4801]

That's the heart of it unfortunately. Often hard to do 'the right thing' without worrying about a court room.

[@OcRefrig]

Yep , definitely sucks !

[@rayharris5097]

Exactly, I'd repair my personal car like that without concern but I'd never do a customers car. Not gonna roll the dice with my business to make 500 bucks. Everytime a customers says "don't worry I won't sue you if it fails" I reply with. I don't think you will, but your widow might...

[@JF32304]

Well, if they get into an accident and someone dies... Then what?

[@SweatyWelder68]

AS always....Paul you are my Hero!!! Ive been fabricating Pipe for 20 plus yrs in the refinery/HVAC industry, and I Love your attitude,and your ability to improvise,adapt and Overcome!!I am impressed by your abilities! And learn from you young man...I'm53 so you are young to me..LOL wish I had your drive still!

[@dougbarlow3010]

In 1967 I started working as a lot boy/lube Boy/ toilet scrubber, floor sweeper. Worked for the same dealership for 17 years, 3 different times. I’ve seen welders fabricate Oil Field heavy haul rig moving trucks. You my friend are right at the top. Fun to watch.

[@chuckanderson8480]

Nice job you never cease to amaze me

[@DaddyJeepGarage]

Good job using that Can Do attitude to make that little Colorado useable again. I have taken on some similar jobs that scare a lot of part bolt-er on-er mechanics

[@brianbrock6774]

love your 'can do' attitude, Paul. And your ingenuity!

[@DanLeithauser]

Crusher food! Your videos are just as addictive as Matt's!

[@Bradzuzu]

Good job Paul !! I've a few frames back together from steering box stress and added plating and extras, I think the worst one was a lifted f 150 truck , it busted two different times on the guy... Funny how a job like that brings fear to so many people when you just do it like any other repair , you're the Man !!

[@donwilliams3626]

When I saw that twisted mess I thought Paul would have to wrench a bunch of parts just to get access. No not for Paul only a couple of pry bars and a Port-a-power. Nice job. It is clear now that you can save trips to Cedar when second hand parts will do!

[@benkanobe7500]

Please do more of this stuff. I learn from you each time.

[@darkerbrother1]

Paul. I have said it before and I will say it again. You got Skills👍🏿👍🏿👍🏿👌🏿👌🏿👌🏿👌🏿. When you look at the price of a new Colorado. You saved that person 35 or 40 thousand dollars. I sure hope they appreciate what you did. I'm in the MidAtlantic but if I was out west I would send everybody I know to you. You Sir are what us old timers call a Craftsman

[@FabRats]

Thank you!

[@andrewennis3184]

I learn so much from these videos! Not just in the shop! But life lessons as well! Great clean language for a shop/fabrication Chesney

[@stevebrown8247]

Really enjoy watching your channel. I started out on Matt's RV Recovery and saw a video with Fab Rats (Paul) in it and decided to check your channel out. I have been hooked on the channel ever since. I am very jealous of Paul's awesome shop with all the tools and equipment. I like watching Matt also, so I really enjoy your videos that has him in it as well.

[@Hamer95USA]

Great job on saving the frame/front suspension for the truck's owner! Paul is a talented mechanic & fabricator.

[@jimrodgers3684]

From "Totaled" to "Useable" again. Great job, Paul!!

[@IR-nq4qv]

Paul big grin, eyes wide, looked like a kid in a candy store, standing in the middle of a junk yard, I know the feeling. Nothing beats knowing someone who got "Stuff". The possibilities are endless.

[@rrphelps]

learning a lot. I tend to 'overfix' and over spend on solutions. these are helping me realize that good enough really is good enough. Thanks Paul!

[@ashtonmariefranklin1981]

Your awesome paul. You just saved those owners from needing to buy a new vehicle. Hope they can get several more years out of use from it.

[@Stratos53100]

Good job on the fix.. So much for the 3 boxes of safety glasses on the shelf.

[@psg6314]

My first car was 70 duster I broke my hand unloading the torsion bar I was 15 didn't know better never seen one before then but I know now, 440s are very buildable great job keep up the good work

[@bonniewalters5173]

Sure must be nice with no rust here in Michigan wouldn't be anything to weld to

[@ModernDayTemplar606]

Finding 2 440’s in one spot is unheard of great find. My question is why did they take it to the first 5 shops when Fab Rats was open and ready for the challenge.

[@ModernDayTemplar606]

@@barrybarry5803 Yes or he knew Paul’s cousin owned a crusher.

[@Lucas12v]

I know a guy that's got over 20 of them hoarded away. Won't sell any lol.

[@shawnnastone1378]

Dang how did that happen? I love that you teach your kids too, fixing things is a dying art. So many just dispose and replace. Appreciate your ingenuity! More need to learn by doing.

[@riverrat4631]

Welding is a skill that means you will never go hungry. Back in the 80’s when all my buddies was going to college I went to a two year welding school, then did a 4yr apprenticeship with the union Iron Workers. I got to retire at 50. Last 3yrs I just build cool stuff in my shop. I been building Aluminum mud boats like what’s on my channel. All my buddies that went to college are still working jobs they hate… Great video Paul..

[@lweleven3423]

You are a artist 👍👍👍 we need more shops like yours , Old School ‘ car shops are to often throwing decent stuff in the bin , sending to much stuff to waste , they don’t seem to know or want stuff repaired . Just replaced

[@mikeworkman3593]

Honestly, I doubt anyone will even touch that at a regular alignment shop. I've had worn parts before and they are always like we won't align it unless you let us put $500 worth of new parts on. Maybe some place will do it but give no warranty, like no receipt that it was ven there. You should get a portable alignment setup for your shop. Between that and an a/c machine, it's like printing money.

[@2-bitz]

Thats because a alignment wont do any good if there is play. They are saving u money by either fixing the worn parts or you just not getting the alignment.

[@kyleswainston3032]

Nice find on the 2 Mopar 440s. Some of them still used a forged crank vs the cast one. Also, take a close look, evey once in a while they slipped the industrial 413 in the motor home. Check the flat pad on the valley near cylinder 1. Interested in some details on the Coronet.😊

[@David-dd7qe]

I love it that you just go for it! the reason why people don't fix things anymore is because they're told not to or they're not allowed or they can't do that. You never once said that and just did it! As always thank you for the content!

[@dwal2165]

Great job helping someone out that needed that truck I'm sure.

[@mpccenturion]

Sir - marvelous fixes - sometimes Fabrication is the only way. Torsion bars - reminds me of my chaining down a 70 Beetle - IRS trans - and reset the axles to give me 16 inches clearance. It could surf on snow drifts and the GR-70-15's would dig in and float her on snow! Cheers - Nice work!

[@holdenthompson1235]

Came from Matt's channel and followed eds submersible under the river and through the woods to fab. Watched all your ads to the end to help for the 12 dollar part on the restore you tossed in. Once I seen that i was like this dude earned a sub.

[@7eis]

Subscribed for Ed's Suzuki. Really excited to see if the block can be salvaged. Appreciate you taking it on

[@JF32304]

He's ditching the motor and throwing in a 4cyl. I wish he didn't do that and tried to rebuild it.

[@jonathandorr2234]

I don’t always see the 3-d aspects, of rebuilds, yet as a reno-vation carpenter, I love the diagnosis , the teardown and the solution. I have 3 (at least), fab-rat mechanics , and survive, by their wits.. pun intentional.

[@hosshoffer7579]

There you go Paul, solving problems again. Nice fix.

[@rctropix8040]

Paul’s skills are amazing

[@alanwondergem2105]

Good job Paul. Quite a few years ago I found a Ford Festiva that was sitting by a body shop in the middle of nowhere. The owner had brought it there because the rear struts had both broken through the top mounts. The owner of the body shop wouldn't fix it. Long story short I offered the car owner a small amount of money because I needed a motor for another car I already owned. 2 friends of mine were willing to weld them back into place. We reinforced the top mounting area. That car was in a lot better condition than the one with the blown motor. I loved that car. Was able to get 52 miles per gallon of gas ⛽. I was driving over 100 miles back and forth to work every day at the time.

[@boh348]

good job. I have a couple of cut up scissor jacks made for moving header tubes over to get to starters. The frames on allot of the new stuff is way thin. Would not hurt to fish strape a touch across the middle for the frame will be a tiny bit brittle next to the welds. Nothing wrong at all to try for sure. I have put a large wratchet strap and pulled the frames in a tiny bit while welding so when relaxed is close to home. Even if you have to add a thin cross member to hold it all in square or as close as you can get to it. Very good job. Tell Matt to put a roll cage in the banana. I know I am a pest about it. When you least expect it your on your top or going over and over. the xj roof is not strong at all. God bless all you guys and gays. SSG.Bo.Retired.

[@michaellafleur2077]

Paul you are a great problem solver, you look at things and figure out angles and what not excellent fabricator and mechanic.👍👍

[@farrendavis4143]

Another outfit saved from the cousin's crusher! Great work! Fun to watch! wish i was closer! have a rebuilt 74 440 in the garage that needs to go away. was going to put it in a 77 short bed Dodge 4WD but life got in the way. keep saving the "totals"!

[@brianjenkins5591]

Aloha Paul and this video is just another reason why I watch this channel so much you are the best!!!

[@bobm7275]

Everything is a liability issue these days, and I'm glad you are willing to help a guy out. My solution was always have the owner sign off and most times have him do a bit of welding on the job, you can't sue yourself.

[@kevinbegley5881]

Your wee sidekick just like my youngest son. Lovely age to go out exploring scrap yards with his Daddy 👍🇮🇪

[@zman92630]

This is why you probably have customers for life. Where other shops say No, you say "I'll give it a shot." Awesome video, brother!

[@kstricl]

Honestly, they're probably luck no one else took this on. I certainly wouldn't trust just anyone to repair a frame; Paul is one I would trust.

[@Er.dr.73]

Magician! Cool to hear and see you work though it. you need to promote that magnet light, that is rad. Get them to sponsor you channel. I want one

[@eyesalooking]

You can pick one up at your local Harbor Freight. I purchased one for myself and my son and we use it all the time. They are not inexpensive - cost about $30.00 but they work great.

[@gravydavy68]

That's great! I would've probably pulled the engine and that much effort wouldn't have been worth it. Rock on Paul!

[@BadlandIndustries]

Just had a buddys colorado fail in my driveway while we were installing some of our parts and shooting a video. The passenger side completely separated from the frame. Unfortunately the repair is a bit more involved than the diver side. 5 hours later we were all welded back together and he was headed home.

[@dianeenlow123]

Paul you are not only smart but capable. It’s amazing how you can look it over figure out a solution and execute even make changes, but regardless it gets fixed.

[@memberofthechurch8714]

Keep it up Paul. A lot of fun watching.

[@bigsparky8888]

I OWNED 2 55 CHEVY 2DR WAGONS...1 57 2 DR WAGON...BOTH 55's THE VALLEY BETWEEN UPPER A ARMS WAS SUNK...NEGAITIVE KING PIN INCLINATION WAS PART OF MY LIFE...LATER YEARS KITS CAME ONTO THE MARKET THAT FIXED THAT NEG PROBLEM...BY THAT TIME BOTH WERE GONE...1(Stolen & Other sold)...EXCELLANT FABRICATIONS BROTHER!!!!

[@josephinepanzarino448]

Excellent job I really watched every bit of it closely smart man my dad was a machinist I’m not but I really appreciate a person who understands how to do these things great to watch you fix things you’re good at it and it’s a great show this is Tomas in Jo Fresno California

[@jklpino]

Just saved this guys truck. I hope your charging him a good amount. I don’t think most places would of even attempted to do what you did! Great Job!

[@MacGyver-1]

Should just be shop time plus consumables, shouldn't be too expensive, fair is fair, the reason most shops won't fix that is because the insurance they have explicitly says no frame welding or repairs, most welding shops, same thing. They only place that probably would do that repair are collision shops that have a frame rack for frame repair

[@mikeworkman3593]

Dude, he probably did it for free or cheap. Or trade. Paul doesn't do people like that.

[@kadmow]

@@mikeworkman3593 uhuh - hard to argue with "trade" - reduced liability too. "Mate welded it up" ... kind of means owner "owns the liability" - hard to argue that anyone made it worse.... ( a "Fab-Fix" guaranteed for light offroad use...)

[@jklpino]

@@mikeworkman3593 I’m sure he usually doesn’t really “charge” anyone for most of the stuff he does. But now that he’s full time KZbin. You have to make money where you can! Hopefully he’s making enough on KZbin that he doesn’t have to change the way he does things. But I don’t think it’s unreasonable to charge something for what he does. He just saved that guys truck from being totaled. Not many people can do that, that’s worth something!

[@geraldh.6686]

@@jklpino Paul doesn't seem the type to up charge just because he can. Good thing its his channel and not yours, it wouldnt be as fun to watch you

[@bigsparky8888]

I was taught...75% of any job...is getting it started....LOVE YOUR WORK ETHICS!!!!

[@bushratbeachbum]

Love your work dude. So wish we could do the things you can and get away with it here! Nice one fella!!

[@dennyb3761]

Good job. I learn a lot from your expertise * channel. Your humor is special, too.

[@hamiam2243]

I’m sure Paul has done more sketchy repairs than that between rounds of a demo derby.👍

[@masondegaulle5731]

You'd be amazed what you can do with a come-along, a lump hammer and a welder. 😁

[@murray8958]

No kidding he said he built a car when he was 16 for a derby in his last video. I was playing videogames and drinking keystone beer at 16. Lol he's definitely got some natural abilities for this type of stuff!

[@canyonrnrr7143]

God Bless the FABRATS family. Thanks for sharing your life🤘🏻🇺🇸

[@TimsBitsnPieces]

It very much looks like it has been welded previously. I had a cracked steering box mount on my 80 series Landcruiser which apparently is quite typical of these and I took it to several places and some of them quoted me thousands to fix it, I finally found a bloke to weld it up for me. He took 2 hours after I dropped it off at his home workshop and charged me $400 Cash. Bonus. All things can be done just some want to charge crazy prices maybe because to put the person off or just to make big $$$... but some are genuine and do a decent job for a reasonable price much like yourself there Paul. Keep up the great work.

[@jrzyboy99]

Just wanted to say congratulations Fab Rats on 150k subscribers! 👍👍👍

[@FabRats]

Thank you!! Your support means the world to us!

[@almoreno1981]

Haha boy found a belt and a lama .. good stuff man . Love what you guys do … waiting to see how Ed’s yellow submarine comes out

[@johnnysaffel797]

Thats a wild one. You nailed it

[@dazaspc]

Awesome improvised fix.

[@murray8958]

The thing I like about these old RV is most of the engines are 4 bolt mains! Excellent rebuilders!

[@reddog543211]

Great job !..... thanks for sharing the rebuild....NOT replacement !!!

[@JwcubTHS]

That was a great idea, to restore the camber, Paul! 😎

[@mikeh8228]

That crusher is just like the one in 007 James Bond Goldfinger movie! HA HA My brother worked with a junk yard for many years. He crushed their junk cars and hauled em to a salvage yard...They got the goodie and he got the scrap!

[@UtahOutlander]

Thinking outside the box...good stuff! Nice find with the 440's! I was wondering why you wanted 2 of em! I was raising an eyebrow thinking you were gonna squeeze one into Michelle's little orange hot rod! 😂🤣

[@icabodmudnutts3322]

NICE!!!! Paul is one inventive fella! Be safe and God Bless everyone.

[@KB-gs8zi]

Hey Paul !! What did they hit to bust the frame out like that ??? Great repair !! Have a good week & Thanks again for sharing !! Have ""FUN "" rebuilding those engines you got !!

[@donlarsen9807]

They do live in Utah! Maybe they took it off the pavement or hit one of them winter potholes that make you think you just took out the whole front end 😂

[@v.e.7236]

Reminds me of the types of repair work I used to do on my family's dairy farm - wasn't pretty, but it worked. My Uncle and Father were the ones that took care of the fine-work on the homoginizer and all of the stainless steel tubing/pipes that connected everything (aka: TIG), everything else was taken care of via the old Lincoln "tombstone" stick welder that I learned on, many moons ago.

[@mattc.310]

Now that's how that's done. Been there and done that on a few four wheelers. Don't want to toss an otherwise decent rig. Pretty slick solutions.

[@craigmilne2792]

Love watching your videos. Great workmanship. Thanks for sharing.

[@fanof03always]

You are so inventive when it comes to frame work and fabricating a fix...keep up the great work

[@garyduquette1784]

You sure are blessed with your abilities to fix and build things.

[@francesrice7898]

Paul, you can repair or build anything. What a beautiful job yo do. God bless. 👍👍👍👍❤️❤️❤️❤️

[@Not_ur_typical_millennial]

Thank you for saving these motors I have two of them as well I've pulled from rvs fogged them and plastic wrapped them for future builds

[@jonboi2527]

I truly enjoyed watching how a repair of this magnitude came out so good like that a arm weld was super clean now thats a good job done!!

[@tomgale8154]

been there done that buddy i lost my best friend and hunting partner of 40 years and it was hell but you and i both have memories and wife support dont let go of either i still miss my dad

[@77crosas1]

It's funny how we real Mechanics have to sometimes venture into the Disneyland world. Anyone now what Fabrats and Mickey Mouse have in common. THERE COUSINS. LOL 😆 Great job Paul.

[@zekejimenez111]

Just received the fab rats sticker love it, we are hooked on this channel you guys are real stay that way and thank you

[@FabRats]

You’re awesome!

[@rogerwilliams1838]

I’ve watched your videos and you are a pro welder and clever as well most shops don’t have competent welders and it’s take years of experience to be confident in welding frames

[@TheOldaz1]

Good and logical approach and the truck is a driver again.

[@johnme7049]

You are one in a million Paul. I wish I was closer.

[@jmdoutdoors5729]

Paul my friend, you are awesome. Thank you very much from California.

[@OcRefrig]

That same kinda thing happened to My Truck ( 1999 Dodge Ram 2500 cummins diesel utility work truck - i weighed it at the scales - 8,600 lbs. Back in 2007 From a Tow Guy that picked up My truck from The Rear and Towed My Truck Home 15 miles. Left Front lower control arm tore out from the Frame. Man , They Build these trucks with cheap steel. i Had a Offroad Shop push it back into place & Reinforce Both sides with 1/4" plate steel Triangles. Still Going to this day Better & Stronger than New.