[C2] What is the best way to fix front dented crossmember

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01-16-2018, 08:32 PM

srohde

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What is the best way to fix front dented crossmember

Can they be repaired damage from jacking thanks

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01-16-2018, 08:46 PM

Nowhere Man

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2015 C2 of Year Finalist

at one time someone sold a tool just for that repair

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01-16-2018, 08:55 PM

Frankie the Fink

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Army

Vendors sell the tool. IIRC Corvette Central sells them.

Sometimes members loan the tool back and forth.

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01-16-2018, 10:24 PM

ILBMF

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Here's the tool http://www.zip-corvette.com/63-82-fr...pair-tool.html

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01-17-2018, 07:14 AM

DansYellow66

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I have also seen photos of cutting out the lower plate and pounding it out to get it back to shape and then welding it back into the frame. Then grind the welds smooth.

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01-17-2018, 08:48 AM

car junkie

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Quote:

Originally Posted by DansYellow66

I have also seen photos of cutting out the lower plate and pounding it out to get it back to shape and then welding it back into the frame. Then grind the welds smooth.

This is what I did on my 70. It wasn't hideous, seen much worse, before the repair but it bugged the hell out of me. A few hour job on your back and it's no longer a problem on a completed car. Just be sure to prepare yourself for all the weld spatter raining down.

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01-17-2018, 09:28 AM

Paul1966

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I used the tool on my 1966. Worked great. You do have to remove a spring from one side to get the tool into position.

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01-17-2018, 09:31 AM

morly1963

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I posted a yr or so ago showing my friend using the tool. Do a search on here.
FOUND IT. Scroll down post
https://www.corvetteforum.com/forums...ber-dents.html

Last edited by morly1963; 01-17-2018 at 09:43 AM.

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01-17-2018, 09:44 AM

car junkie

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Some before and after pics of this tool being used would be great. There are dents and there are DENTS!!! I figured these tools were for guys without any fabbing abilities so I didn't bother spending the unnecessary money. I find it hard to believe it can bring wrinkled metal back to an acceptable level of straightness.

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01-17-2018, 09:59 AM

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Paul1966

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Quote:

Originally Posted by car junkie

Don't know about my "fabrication" abilities but I do not have a welder so I went with this tool. I may be able to post a pic of the cross member for you and I can assure you it is dead straight. Was very pleased with the results. Car is a big block and I was not happy about having to remove a spring for the repair but it was worth it. The dents looked like repeated use of a floor jack on the area

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01-17-2018, 12:16 PM

#11

1snake

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Quote:

Originally Posted by DansYellow66

I have also seen photos of cutting out the lower plate and pounding it out to get it back to shape and then welding it back into the frame. Then grind the welds smooth.

That works great for the really large dents. For the small ones, I simply heat the metal up with an A&O torch and use a dent puller. I've done it both ways and it's very easy, especially with a bare frame that's upside down on jack stands as I hate overhead welding.