Frame Straightening
Thread Starter
Pro
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 676
Likes: 36
From: Usa
Frame Straightening
I am in the process of completing the front end rebuild on my 73 and aligning the front end close enough to get to an alignment shop. It appears I have a frame issue as the drivers side required so many alignment shims there are only enough threads showing that I can barely start the nuts. Right side is fine requiring minimum shims. My question is can the frame be straightened with the body on or do I need to loosen body mounts prior to having frame straighened. Has anyone had their frame straightened with the body on and what was your experience.
Instructor
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 127
Likes: 0
From: Monroe Washington
Frame Diagram
I am in the process of completing the front end rebuild on my 73 and aligning the front end close enough to get to an alignment shop. It appears I have a frame issue as the drivers side required so many alignment shims there are only enough threads showing that I can barely start the nuts. Right side is fine requiring minimum shims. My question is can the frame be straightened with the body on or do I need to loosen body mounts prior to having frame straighened. Has anyone had their frame straightened with the body on and what was your experience.
Ron
Thread Starter
Pro
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 676
Likes: 36
From: Usa
Check out "V4motorsports" He supplied a diagram the other day. You should be able to take some measurements and tell if your frame is bent. http://www.lbfun.com/warehouse/tech_...me%20specs.pdf
Ron
Ron
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 2,709
Likes: 3
From: Savannah GA
Since you cannot do this simply by tying the a-arm to a tree and gassing it in reverse, I suggest you talk to a local frame shop and ask them the same questions. There are quite a number of different frame repair systems out there, and only the trained operator of the one you decide to hire can answer those questions for you. We don't know where the kink is located, what kinds of pull will be required to correct it, or have any way to gauge whether the body is in jeopardy while the pull is being done. You have to see and measure this kind of thing in person to give straight answers.
Team Owner
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 37,637
Likes: 3,116
From: Crossville TN
Go discuss it with a good frame shop. They may have someone stop by your garage to look at it (if the car isn't driveable). They will know what needs to be disassembled in order to solve your specific problem.
Heel & Toe
Joined: Nov 2010
Posts: 23
Likes: 0
We straighten frames with the body on. Of course with a C3 the front clip could be in the way of making the pull. Not easy to remove. You will have to talk with the shop that you want to do it and if the clip or body has to be removed then work out a deal with them on what you would like to do. Solely depends on whether or not the pull can be made with the fenders on.
03, 1982, bent, body, c3, c4, corvette, cost, frame, front, straight, straighten, straightened, straightener, straightening, wanted
