When you click on links to various merchants on this site and make a purchase, this can result in this site earning a commission. Affiliate programs and affiliations include, but are not limited to, the eBay Partner Network.
So my 63 roadster`s crossmember is dented in (lazy floor jack placement) and I have seen the corvette crossmember dent removal tool. Has anyone used it ? Does it actually work ? Is it a pain to use ?
So my 63 roadster`s crossmember is dented in (lazy floor jack placement) and I have seen the corvette crossmember dent removal tool. Has anyone used it ? Does it actually work ? Is it a pain to use ?
Yes it really works. It was developed by one of our own C1/C2 Forum Members.
Never heard of it - anyone got a pic or instructions on how to use it..?
If you search the archives, you can read about the initial development of this tool as well as how to use the finished product. Probably 7-8 years back...............but don't hold me to this timeframe.
I cannot remember all of the details or the person who first built it, since it really didn't pertain to me or my car. But perhaps others can provide the details or earlier threads.
Larry
EDIT: Here is one of the early threads. https://www.corvetteforum.com/forums...ty-pics-3.html Checkout all 3 pages of the thread. As stated above, Tfringo was the tool builder/originator. I believe his name is Terry Fiala.
So my 63 roadster`s crossmember is dented in (lazy floor jack placement) and I have seen the corvette crossmember dent removal tool. Has anyone used it ? Does it actually work ? Is it a pain to use ?
1) yes I have one
2) yes I have used it
3) yes it's a PIA to use
When facing that problem, I decided to reinforce the center cross member (what should have been done originally) so I cut out the dented area, fixed it on the bench, reinforced it with 1/4 inch steel and welded it back in. All the cuts were under the license brackets and it was an invisible upgrade. now I can jack it up in the center with no ill effects. It's a great upgrade if you have the skill set or know someone who is a good steel fabricator. Pilot Dan
My friend is restoring a 1963 Z06 and posted this on Facebook...
Here's an easy way to remove dents from the typical jacking spot, under the front crossmember. Install this tool, draw the bolt down to work the dents out. It will require you to install and remove the tool a few times, adding shims to the "shoe", to work the dent out almost completely. In between steps of pulling, I sand the surface with a block and some 36 grit paper. Blocking it out tells me where the low spots are, and I can track my progress.
In the end, I was left with a few 1/16" deep low spots. I can work them out the rest of the way, from the few holes in the top of the frame. The only other way to work out the remaining low spots, would be to cut the piece out, hammer and dolly the damage out 100%, then weld it back in place. In this case, the damage wasn't severe enough to warrant any cutting. The rest of the low spots will be worked out 100%, only requiring polyester primer to blend and smooth everything out.
Is it hard to use... Nope.. you just need to take one side of the front suspension apart and insert the tool into the front crossmember. Once iniside the crossmember you just position it in place and let the tool do the work for you.
There are only two ways to repair the dents.. one is to replace the lower crossmember skin and the other is this tool. The cost to remove the lower skin is way more expensive than to just purchase the tool.
My friend is restoring a 1963 Z06 and posted this on Facebook...
Here's an easy way to remove dents from the typical jacking spot, under the front crossmember. Install this tool, draw the bolt down to work the dents out. It will require you to install and remove the tool a few times, adding shims to the "shoe", to work the dent out almost completely. In between steps of pulling, I sand the surface with a block and some 36 grit paper. Blocking it out tells me where the low spots are, and I can track my progress.
In the end, I was left with a few 1/16" deep low spots. I can work them out the rest of the way, from the few holes in the top of the frame. The only other way to work out the remaining low spots, would be to cut the piece out, hammer and dolly the damage out 100%, then weld it back in place. In this case, the damage wasn't severe enough to warrant any cutting. The rest of the low spots will be worked out 100%, only requiring polyester primer to blend and smooth everything out.
Is it hard to use... Nope.. you just need to take one side of the front suspension apart and insert the tool into the front crossmember. Once iniside the crossmember you just position it in place and let the tool do the work for you.
There are only two ways to repair the dents.. one is to replace the lower crossmember skin and the other is this tool. The cost to remove the lower skin is way more expensive than to just purchase the tool.
10-22-2016, 10:44 PM
Crossmember Dents
Pilot Dan
interesting
The sale code is listed on the front page of our website. 
