Frame Straightening
Thread Starter
Pro
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 676
Likes: 36
From: Usa
Frame Straightening
I have an opportunity to purchase a 72 on the cheap only problem is it was involved in a front end accident. The car was repaired but the frame damage was not. The body looks great but the front frame damage needs to be straightened in order to get the car to steer as it should. My question is can the frame be straightened with the body on the car or is this a body off repair.
Race Director
Joined: Jul 2015
Posts: 13,082
Likes: 3,399
From: SW Florida.
Yes it can be straightened with body on. It could also be bent control arm, etc. If the mount points for front suspension are bent, straightening could be difficult. Frames are cheap, easy to find, and can be retrofitted from newer C3's.
Safety Car
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 3,729
Likes: 267
From: Austin Texas
Corvette of the Year Winner 2017
2016 C3 of Year Finalist
I would suggest lossen, All body mounts,
then let the frame shop do there work of moving the frame where it need to be,
then retighten all body mounts. be sure to center body specifically side to side.
under the door threshold plates are 2 body to frame alignment holes on each side.
then let the frame shop do there work of moving the frame where it need to be,
then retighten all body mounts. be sure to center body specifically side to side.
under the door threshold plates are 2 body to frame alignment holes on each side.
Race Director
Joined: Mar 2016
Posts: 14,401
Likes: 8,204
From: Napa Valley California
The frames can be straightened with the body on the frame.
You will need to find a good shop who has the experience to straighten the frame without the computer software.
I ran into this problem when I restored an 83, GMC 4X4 pickup.
I called around to several shops who could not or would not pay for the software to program their computer assisted equipment to check the frame for an 83 pickup.
I ended up finding a body shop who does customs only restorations, who had the rack and they were able the check the frame the old faction way and straighten it if needed.
You will need to find a good shop who has the experience to straighten the frame without the computer software.
I ran into this problem when I restored an 83, GMC 4X4 pickup.
I called around to several shops who could not or would not pay for the software to program their computer assisted equipment to check the frame for an 83 pickup.
I ended up finding a body shop who does customs only restorations, who had the rack and they were able the check the frame the old faction way and straighten it if needed.
Team Owner
Joined: May 2001
Posts: 87,361
Likes: 1,592
From: Western NY
OP, I would be concerned with a couple of things. Since the body was fixed, sitting on a possible bent frame, how will the body sit if the frame points are moved around? Secondly, knowing the car needs frame and or suspension work, is the asking price reasonable enough, to make it worthwhile?
Racer
Joined: Jul 2015
Posts: 396
Likes: 101
From: Lehigh Valley Pennsylvania
I don't know if a body shop can or can't straighten it, but my 73 was the same way and it drove me to a frame off. The PO was in a minor accident and had it repaired. The body fit great, but the front bumper mount was down 3/4". I took the bare frame to a body shop with a rack and all he did was pull a few points into position. Took it back a second time and forced him to get it close. I wound up pulling it the rest of the way with chainfalls and porta-powers.
One major issue I had was the engine mounts. One was pointed up in the air. I don't know how the car ran since I bought it not running, but it had to vibrate like crazy.
My experience with this car leads me to wonder whether the body shops actually get the car in alignment or just pull some key points into position so that it tracks straight and looks reasonable.
One major issue I had was the engine mounts. One was pointed up in the air. I don't know how the car ran since I bought it not running, but it had to vibrate like crazy.
My experience with this car leads me to wonder whether the body shops actually get the car in alignment or just pull some key points into position so that it tracks straight and looks reasonable.
Last edited by 2mnyvets; Apr 25, 2018 at 10:04 AM.
Thread Starter
Pro
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 676
Likes: 36
From: Usa
I am not interested in getting into a major project like a frame swap. The car has adjustable upper a arms shown in photo on it now with stock lower arms.
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Thread Starter
Pro
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 676
Likes: 36
From: Usa
I would suggest lossen, All body mounts,
then let the frame shop do there work of moving the frame where it need to be,
then retighten all body mounts. be sure to center body specifically side to side.
under the door threshold plates are 2 body to frame alignment holes on each side.
then let the frame shop do there work of moving the frame where it need to be,
then retighten all body mounts. be sure to center body specifically side to side.
under the door threshold plates are 2 body to frame alignment holes on each side.
Thanks
Thread Starter
Pro
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 676
Likes: 36
From: Usa
The frames can be straightened with the body on the frame.
You will need to find a good shop who has the experience to straighten the frame without the computer software.
I ran into this problem when I restored an 83, GMC 4X4 pickup.
I called around to several shops who could not or would not pay for the software to program their computer assisted equipment to check the frame for an 83 pickup.
I ended up finding a body shop who does customs only restorations, who had the rack and they were able the check the frame the old faction way and straighten it if needed.
You will need to find a good shop who has the experience to straighten the frame without the computer software.
I ran into this problem when I restored an 83, GMC 4X4 pickup.
I called around to several shops who could not or would not pay for the software to program their computer assisted equipment to check the frame for an 83 pickup.
I ended up finding a body shop who does customs only restorations, who had the rack and they were able the check the frame the old faction way and straighten it if needed.
Thread Starter
Pro
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 676
Likes: 36
From: Usa
OP, I would be concerned with a couple of things. Since the body was fixed, sitting on a possible bent frame, how will the body sit if the frame points are moved around? Secondly, knowing the car needs frame and or suspension work, is the asking price reasonable enough, to make it worthwhile?