Frame question - True or False
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 220
Likes: 0
From: Flushing MI
Frame question - True or False
I removed the frame from the body of my 69 vert. There is nothing left attached to the frame. Before I have it dipped, I wanted to have it checked for twist and/or bent. When I called some body shops a couple of them told me you need the load of the body on the frame to properly check it.
True or False
True or False
Le Mans Master
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 5,269
Likes: 54
From: Orlando Florida
St. Jude Donor '05
The frame flexes a lot with the engine and the body installed, you can see the gap at the door opening when you lift the front for example... however, the shop should be able to determine if the frame is bent or otherwise damaged.....
They could just place some weight on the frame and simulate the body and engine weight .... ??? ...
They could just place some weight on the frame and simulate the body and engine weight .... ??? ...
Burning Brakes
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 1,038
Likes: 0
From: Grants Pass Oregon
Frame flex
What these guys are saying is probably true. But I doubt they are smart enough to actualy calculate the difference. Other wise they would have performed a little weight transfer calculations and never mentioned it to you. That would be what a good frame shop would do.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Dec 2000
Posts: 2,198
Likes: 2
From: Eastern Connecticut
I guess it depends on what book they are reading. The collision repair books probably have the whole car figured into the measurments. Maybe the GM service manual has the bare frame dimensions? Joe
Race Director
Joined: Feb 1999
Posts: 16,978
Likes: 7
From: In Dreams There Is Truth Ohio
All they have do is put the frame on the frame machine....the machine has strategical points....measurements are made from these points to determine if the frame is true or if it needs to be straightened. If the frame sits squarely on these points, the frame is true.
Team Owner
Joined: Mar 2002
Posts: 44,591
Likes: 1,822
From: Huntsville AL
Originally Posted by ckerch
I removed the frame from the body of my 69 vert. There is nothing left attached to the frame. Before I have it dipped, I wanted to have it checked for twist and/or bent. When I called some body shops a couple of them told me you need the load of the body on the frame to properly check it.
True or False
True or False
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 220
Likes: 0
From: Flushing MI
Originally Posted by joe73vette
I guess it depends on what book they are reading. The collision repair books probably have the whole car figured into the measurments. Maybe the GM service manual has the bare frame dimensions? Joe
Another body/frame shop told me to level the front two rails and check the level in the rear. That supposedly will tell me if it is twisted.
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Drifting
Joined: Nov 2002
Posts: 1,674
Likes: 197
From: Loveland, CO
You might give Gary Crump a call at Caledonia Classics a call at 1-888-245-5224. He did what you are wanting to my frame and seems to know what he is doing. He's in Belding. Michigan, which may be close to you. 
Drifting
Joined: Nov 2002
Posts: 1,674
Likes: 197
From: Loveland, CO
You might give Gary Crump a call at Caledonia Classics at 1-888-245-5224. He did what you are wanting to my frame and seems to know what he is doing. He's in Belding. Michigan, which may be close to you.
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 220
Likes: 0
From: Flushing MI
Originally Posted by GDaina
All they have do is put the frame on the frame machine....the machine has strategical points....measurements are made from these points to determine if the frame is true or if it needs to be straightened. If the frame sits squarely on these points, the frame is true.
That is what I thought. Hopefully if they have that equipment they will be able to straighten it if needed.
