Why is it called fishplate?

Because it is stronger to use a plate shaped like a fish mouth, <> than a square piece like this []. The later adds a stress point directly across what you are reinforcing, especially if you are welding it, which is usually how you add a reinforcement piece like that. <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />

If you are adding boulder bars, or rocker skids, you should use plates like that to attach the supports to the frame. The frame is in constant tension/compression, and adding a vertical stress riser, like a weld, is not a good thing. For your trailing arm, you have the same situation, except the point of the highest stress is directly across the arm (like where it breaks).

Michael

I had the same question, this is what I found in the COLLISION INDUSTRY CONFERENCE Glossary of Terms

FISH PLATE: Repairing of a cracked frame rail by first of all welding the cracks and then reinforcing

the rail by welding another plate that covers and extends well beyond the repaired area. per http://www.ciclink.com/terms.htm#gtf


The American Heritage« Dictionary of the English Language: Fourth Edition. 2000.

fishplate

SYLLABICATION: fishÀplate
PRONUNCIATION: fshplt
NOUN: A metal or wooden plate bolted to the sides of two abutting rails or beams, used especially in the laying of railroad track.
ETYMOLOGY: Probably from French fiche, peg (from Old French; see microfiche) + plate.

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ED

Couldnt you just smear the cracks with JB weld?

<img src="/forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />

Hmmmmmm, the frame above the rear wheels is fishplated on my 89. OK, anyone with an older model run out and look at the frame in your rear wheel wells and tell me if it is fishplated. Just curious if the fishplating was by design or if it developed later after problems came to light. Anyone heard of frame problems in this area on older Montero's?

Run - Not <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/lol.gif" alt="" />
on 87 2.6
Small plate at point that bumpstop contacts frame

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ED

Lazy <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/wink.gif" alt="" />Thanks.

That's interesting. As I recall, the fishplated part of the frame on mine ran almost the whole length of the wheel well opening. This is on the very top of the frame rail. I'll have to check it again when I get home.

Anyone else?

You guys are ALL silly.

That's a GUSSET. <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/pfft.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/kewl.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/notooth.gif" alt="" />

Bwahahaha <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/lol.gif" alt="" /> OK, I'm going back to my usual lingo. On the top of my frame is a metal THINGY that runs almost the whole length of the wheel well.

Seriously though, is the thingy at that location just because the frame has an arc (or radii, or bend, or whetever the hell you want to call it <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/lol.gif" alt="" />)? Or, did Mitsubishi become aware of something between the 87 and the 89?

Just a quick reminder, DO NOT weld a cracked one and fish plate it. I did this a few times and it just comes apart. Use fresh arms. Trust me, you dont want to face the cost, and be stranded again.

Has anyone wristed one? If so did you build in an option to lock it down on the street?