Classic/Antique Car Repair: 1974 Ford E-100, hemmings motor news, partial frame

Question
I recently bought a 74 ford e-100. I got it home and running condition, hopped in and took a drive. Scared the snot out of me.the steering was very loose. I started asking around and found out that they were known for that problem. The frame had a bad habit of rotting out around the steering box. what i want to know is : is there some kind of spring horn/perch kit available to replace this section of the frame or do i need to rely on a very good welder/fabricator to repair this. or maybe a combination of the two. I had a friend of mine look at it , who is in that field of work and he told me i might be able to find something like that but did not know where to look for it. He told me he could do it but at a 600-800 dollar price tag it kind of surprised me. and he said that wasn't a firm price. what do you think.

Answer
The welding and fabrication price sounds about right. You might be able to find a partial frame section at a local bone yard. I don't know of anyone selling a replacement kit but my stock answer for “where can I find….” Is to latch on to a copy of Hemmings Motor News, the old car hobbies classified bible. There are many companies that supply parts for old cars and you will find them in Hemmings. www.hemmings.com
Brad