72 frame front extensions
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Feb 2017
Posts: 211
Likes: 15
72 frame front extensions
Hi All,
I saw numerous threads on front bumper mounting brackets etc, but has anyone had to "straighten " the frame extension wings and if so, how did you do it?
My '72 had a minor "Bump" into something before my ownership and I see where the extensions have stress marks and appears Right side is bent downward and left side is bent inward. The dimension between the 2 extensions is 1/4 in off per AIM and I was preparing to Heat up metal and hammer them back into place.
I guess the other question is" How much forgiveness is there in aligning the front bumper, radiator assemblies if mounting extensions are off 1/4 to 1/2 inch?
Much obliged again!
Dougtov
I saw numerous threads on front bumper mounting brackets etc, but has anyone had to "straighten " the frame extension wings and if so, how did you do it?
My '72 had a minor "Bump" into something before my ownership and I see where the extensions have stress marks and appears Right side is bent downward and left side is bent inward. The dimension between the 2 extensions is 1/4 in off per AIM and I was preparing to Heat up metal and hammer them back into place.
I guess the other question is" How much forgiveness is there in aligning the front bumper, radiator assemblies if mounting extensions are off 1/4 to 1/2 inch?
Much obliged again!
Dougtov
Dr. Detroit
Joined: Mar 2012
Posts: 10,095
Likes: 4,022
From: New Braunfels Texas
Find a donor.....cut yours off and weld the new one on.....
My grandfather was a frame man for 60 some years......he told me this is the only way on horns, because you can beat and beat and beat and it will never be as it was when new....or in the same spot. He liked to use the holes in the frame as a reference and cut a frame horn in the middle of the hole.......makes it a lot easier. It is not as tough as you think either......
Jebby
My grandfather was a frame man for 60 some years......he told me this is the only way on horns, because you can beat and beat and beat and it will never be as it was when new....or in the same spot. He liked to use the holes in the frame as a reference and cut a frame horn in the middle of the hole.......makes it a lot easier. It is not as tough as you think either......
Jebby
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Feb 2017
Posts: 211
Likes: 15
Thanks Jebby!
All I ended up doing was using a Come a long to pull the wings into correct dimension. Bumpers fit correctly as do other components, HOWEVER------ a past owner replaced the radiator with one for a Big Block instead of a Small Block. They apparently Tweaked the mounting to accommodate the bigger unit. All is well now.
Thanks for your input.
Dougtov
All I ended up doing was using a Come a long to pull the wings into correct dimension. Bumpers fit correctly as do other components, HOWEVER------ a past owner replaced the radiator with one for a Big Block instead of a Small Block. They apparently Tweaked the mounting to accommodate the bigger unit. All is well now.
Thanks for your input.
Dougtov
