frame thickness?

[4x4orbust]

hey everyone,
 as i go through the truck (82 k-10 350/350) and clean it up (preparing for things to come) i am finding some really good flaking on the inside of the frame rails.  i have also found one of the rear crossmembers to be rusted really good, and needs to be replaced.   but with all this rust flaking off, i am wondering how much it is taking off the frame itself,  as in,  how much thinner has the frame gotten as a result of this rust? 
i have not measured yet, but i was wondering what the thickness should be?   should i be worried about it weakening the frame? how much is too much rust?    i plan on getting the frame as clean as i can and por 15 it, but it has to wait until the weather gets a little nicer (no room in garage). 

here is a picture of the outside of the frame, just for reference.  (i know i need new leafs)

[84chevysilverado]

my frame looked like that but after I sandblasted it it cleaned right up. no holes and lots a meat on the frame. hard ta tell till ya go at it with a blaster
marc

[Captkaos]

I agree, you are going to have to clean it up to find how bad it is.  They weren't very thick to begin with, say 3/16" maybe.

[joesgarage71]

I'd be looking for another frame.

[hotrod24]

from the looks of it i would tear it down to the frame and replace everything or take the bed off and sand blast it and the front clip and sand blast it and lift the cab and see how bad it is there thats what i would do 

[4x4orbust]

thanks for the replies,
i was kinda planning on doing what hotrod saikd, take the bed and front clip off, drop the gas tanks, and remove anything else that i have to, sandblast the frame, then paint it.  i am going to start with the bed area, seems to be the worst, rust wise.   i hope it's useable, frames are not easy to replace.

what are your suggestions for frame paint?  i have been reading around and por 15 seems to be the most popular, are there any other alternatives?
thanks!
phil

[Captkaos]

Chassis Saver is the POR15 alternative in my opinion.  I have used both.  Chassis is cheaper...

[HAULIN IT]

The trick to any of the frame type paint is once it's clean, put enough on & in all of the cracks & crevices. On a frame with heavy pitting, using a sponge brush - daubing & a rubber squeegee in places helps. You may need to sand it some after the first application or Two if you want to try to smooth it up some. The places I've seen that people were unhappy with either the Chassis saver or Por always seems to be rust stains bleeding out of pits & the person saying "That stuff didn't work so well" when the truth was...it was never really PAINTED. My Two cents, Lorne