Frame/axle alignment issue
Thread Starter
Cruising
Joined: Oct 2013
Posts: 12
Likes: 0
From: Ashland AL
Frame/axle alignment issue
I'm a newbie here and a new first time C3 owner. I recently bought a 1974 coupe with a L82 engine. I guess I didn't do enough due diligence as I discovered a problem today while I was doing some cleaning of the frame that I wasn't aware off. Seams the frame has some damage and the result is that the axle u-joint has breached the passenger compartment. I have attached some pictures. The car wasn't running when I bought it as the previous owner had stripped the upper block down to do some resto rod work and ran out of time and money. My goal was to get the car running and make a low budget project out of it. But now I don't know if this frame issue can be overcome? Any thoughts? Thanks!
Instructor
Joined: Aug 2013
Posts: 105
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From: Lantana Florida
It's hard to see what is going on here. Are you talking about the 3rd picture? When that half shaft is flopping around in there at speed its going to dent up things it hits. When mine went out it bent the strut rod, spring and the cross member.
Thread Starter
Cruising
Joined: Oct 2013
Posts: 12
Likes: 0
From: Ashland AL
Thanks for the comments. The rubber bushings on the strut rod look spent too. In your opinion, based on these poor pictures, is this something that a frame shop can correct? Would taking out that buckle "pull" the wheel assembly forward and provide more clearance between the u-joint and the body? Just eyeballing it I can't see it dog tracking but the clearance between the half shaft and the body seems very tight.
