Frame checks?
Thread Starter
Pro
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 649
Likes: 10
From: Shelby Twp MI
Frame checks?
I have a '77 and I'm starting to question the frame straightness. It has a repair on the front RH crossmember (bottom), I ASSUME is was done correctly, but when putting back together the front clip (in separate pieces) it is proving to be a bit of a nightmare. Pulling this project out and sending it to a shop isn't an easy task for me right now. Is there a good "homemade" way of checking this frame?
Is it as simple as putting it up on (4) jackstands and seeing if it teeters? Perhaps a few leveling checks?
Is it as simple as putting it up on (4) jackstands and seeing if it teeters? Perhaps a few leveling checks?
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 2,709
Likes: 3
From: Savannah GA
Is the drivetrain in the car? Unless the car is sitting at assembled ride height it's near impossible to measure anything but wheelbase accurately. BTW, have you got the wheels pointed dead straight and simply measured from the center of each front hub to the center of each rear? I would start there... if the car measures more than 1/4 inch or so different side to side I'd say you have major problems.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jul 2001
Posts: 2,609
Likes: 12
From: Massapequa Park NY
You can measure the frame to check if its square and straight using a plumb bob, tape measure & a long straight edge. I had a similar issue hanging a new nose on my 70. I left the car in one spot on the garage floor and measured multiple points on the frame, front to rear, side to side as well as angled across the frame. Turned out mine was bent requiring a trip to a frame shop.
One thing that is very difficult if not impossible is to determine if the frame is bent upward or down unless you have a perfectly level base.
Get a hold of the frame spec chart, found it on the web at a variety of locations. Keep in mind the frames were +/- 1/8" IIRC
Jim
One thing that is very difficult if not impossible is to determine if the frame is bent upward or down unless you have a perfectly level base.
Get a hold of the frame spec chart, found it on the web at a variety of locations. Keep in mind the frames were +/- 1/8" IIRC
Jim
