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Yes, the tool I have is the one shown in the Corvette Central link you posted. Notice the straightening plate shown in photo #2. Then notice how the user in photo #4 has his arm completely inside the cross member to position it. My project will be a bit different in that the frame is on the car, therefore, in the inverted position when compared to this link.
Does anyone have experience in placing and removing the straightening plate when the car is assembled? In case it matters,. My car is on a four post lift (currently with another car underneath) so I'll be able to stand under the car for the work.
Yes, the tool I have is the one shown in the Corvette Central link you posted. Notice the straightening plate shown in photo #2. Then notice how the user in photo #4 has his arm completely inside the cross member to position it. My project will be a bit different in that the frame is on the car, therefore, in the inverted position when compared to this link.
Does anyone have experience in placing and removing the straightening plate when the car is assembled? In case it matters,. My car is on a four post lift (currently with another car underneath) so I'll be able to stand under the car for the work.
Thanks.
Simply put....this is not going to happen due to the coil spring is going to effect this plate from being installed. One coil spring will need to be removed in order to use that Corvette Central tool.
It does not matter if the frame is flipped upside down or right side up...in order to use the Corvette Central tool....but as stated above...the coil spring will need to come out.
Simply put....this is not going to happen due to the coil spring is going to effect this plate from being installed. One coil spring will need to be removed in order to use that Corvette Central tool.
It does not matter if the frame is flipped upside down or right side up...in order to use the Corvette Central tool....but as stated above...the coil spring will need to come out.
DUB
I have both springs out. When I removed them, I learned that a previous owner had installed a proper GM service replacement set in, however, they sit higher than specs and higher than my liking. I'm reworking them to get me to the factory ride height. I thought that I'd buy the dent removal tool and try and clean the crossmember up while the springs were out. And that's how I got to where I am. Yep, one of those "while I'm at it" projects...
So I can get my whole arm into where I need to place and to remove the plate? Just looks like a very long reach. Thinking I'll have problems getting it out, I drilled and tapped 2 holes in each end of the plate. I am planning to install 4 small eye bolts, leaving the stud end flush with the bottom surface and then tying cord or wire so that I can pull it out if I can't reach in all the way.
Maybe?
Last edited by redrdstr72; Apr 26, 2017 at 07:15 PM.
From: Lincoln NE Riding and Driving Corvettes since 1967.
Yes you can do it from underneath.
Yes, you can reach your arm down the spring hole into the cross member and pull it back out. Worse case, use an extendable magnet tool.
No it wont be perfect, but a heck of a lot better than leaving it beat up and dented.
Knowing and understanding metal shaping helps.
The metal is softer than you would expect. start slowly and work up to larger hammers as you go.
For stubborn dents, loosen the tool and place a washer or 2 or 3 between the tool inside the crossmember to remove deep damage, or small places that the inner tool will not remove.
On your springs, are you sure they were clocked properly in the spring mount? If not, the correct springs can give you an incorrect ride height.
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