Frame bent...now what?
Intermediate
Joined: May 2004
Posts: 34
Likes: 0
From: Toronto
Re: Frame bent...now what? (markdtn)
If your frame is bent then you can kiss the vette bye bye or you need to buy a new frame. 2 reasons frames bend, rot or an impact both bad news. My money says your frame is rotten
Thread Starter
Drifting
Joined: May 2001
Posts: 1,651
Likes: 13
From: Holly MI
Re: Frame bent...now what? (iPlanet)
The frame is not rotten, that much I know. I've been under the car enough to get a good look at the frame. I'm not going to offload the car on some unsuspecting buyer either. Frames are pulled all the time. I may choose a replacement frame, but we'll see. When you go to the auctions and see how many cars are hit, I think you would be surprised at how many cars HAVEN"T been hit, not many. Lots of cars have had bodywork before they are even sold. I'm staying optimistic on this one.
Ken
Ken
Instructor
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 249
Likes: 0
From: atlanta GA
Re: Frame bent...now what? (bb69)
This would cost a bit more, but the frames should be in good shape, so you needn't worry about working on any cancer on an old frame. http://www.corvetteusa.com/frames.html
Advanced
Joined: Mar 2003
Posts: 61
Likes: 0
From: Marion IN
Re: Frame bent...now what? (bb69)
Hey Ken, I work in a GM dealership body shop. We have a frame rack and a computerized measuring system. We usually charge one hour set-up. to secure the vehicle to the frame rack. And usually if you havent got it straightened in about two to three hours, then it is too bad and it cant be fixed. As far as specs go, any legit frame shop will have all the specs needed and if they have a computerized system all the info is in it. Good luck. Biggjimm
Le Mans Master
Joined: Mar 2002
Posts: 7,456
Likes: 2
From: Coming home from Luckenbach Texas
Re: Frame bent...now what? (biggjimm)
:iagree: Straightening a frame isn't rocket science. Especially with a body-on-frame car (like our C3s) as opposed to a unibody. Just start calling around to various frame & alignment places until you find one with which you're satisfied.
Pro
Joined: Sep 2002
Posts: 653
Likes: 0
From: Dickinson (Houston) Texas
Re: Frame bent...now what? (lyonsh)
It may not be the frame - you could have a bent A-frame. Especially if someone replaced the bushings and did it wrong. I'd check both the upper and lower A-frames on the side that's set back. That might not be the problem, but A-frames are a lot cheaper than frame-straightening.
Just a thought. Good luck :cheers:
Just a thought. Good luck :cheers:
The Vette frames are real solid and hard to bend. My bet would be the A-Arm or some part of the suspension. I would check these out before diving into replacing the frame.
BTW, since there is an inch difference between wheel distance from each side, if it were a frame issue, I would bet the body would have to come off in order to straighten it, otherwise you would risk damage to the fiberglass.
Hope it works out for you!
www.bigdogvettes.com
Team Owner
Joined: Mar 2002
Posts: 44,591
Likes: 1,822
From: Huntsville AL
Re: Frame bent...now what? (bb69)
Ken
Sounds likes you should have no problem getting your current frame back in shape. If this turns for the worst, I might have a complete 1969 rolling chassis for sale next weekend.
Mr D.
Sounds likes you should have no problem getting your current frame back in shape. If this turns for the worst, I might have a complete 1969 rolling chassis for sale next weekend.
Mr D.
Melting Slicks
Joined: May 2001
Posts: 2,131
Likes: 4
From: May help you? You can sure as hell try!
Re: Frame bent...now what? (bb69)
Ken,
Talk to Werner Meier at "Master Works" in Madison Heights. He's a retired GM engineer that has worked with Corvettes all of his career. He is now in business for himself repairing Corvettes as a retirement/hobby. Anyway, I talked with another Forum member recently that had his '65 frame repaired there and was quite pleased. He said Werner really went out of his way to make things right. This Formum member was turned away by a number of other shops. Werner did what no one else could for him and I guess the price was reasonable.
Werner is also my department manager's neighbor. That's two sources that I've heard from that say he is a very honest, reputable man who is very knowledgeable about Corvettes.
Sorry to hear about this. I hope it doesn't turn out to be as big of a problem as you think.
Eric H.
:cheers:
Talk to Werner Meier at "Master Works" in Madison Heights. He's a retired GM engineer that has worked with Corvettes all of his career. He is now in business for himself repairing Corvettes as a retirement/hobby. Anyway, I talked with another Forum member recently that had his '65 frame repaired there and was quite pleased. He said Werner really went out of his way to make things right. This Formum member was turned away by a number of other shops. Werner did what no one else could for him and I guess the price was reasonable.
Werner is also my department manager's neighbor. That's two sources that I've heard from that say he is a very honest, reputable man who is very knowledgeable about Corvettes.
Sorry to hear about this. I hope it doesn't turn out to be as big of a problem as you think.
Eric H.
:cheers:
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Thread Starter
Drifting
Joined: May 2001
Posts: 1,651
Likes: 13
From: Holly MI
Re: Frame bent...now what? (LemansBlue68)
Thanks to everyone for the help. I just got back from 700-800 miles of great two lane switchbacks in Ohio. The car did great. I can't wait to see how it does next time with a straight frame.
I'll check with the guy in Madison Heights. That is nice and close to me. IF I go the new frame way, it could end up a body off restore; I'm sure you know nothing of that. :lol:
Ken
I'll check with the guy in Madison Heights. That is nice and close to me. IF I go the new frame way, it could end up a body off restore; I'm sure you know nothing of that. :lol:
Ken
Melting Slicks
Joined: May 2001
Posts: 2,131
Likes: 4
From: May help you? You can sure as hell try!
Re: Frame bent...now what? (bb69)
Ken,
If you go the frame off route hopefully it won't be a life's work like I've made mine out to be :D .
On the positive side, I just got the motor started this weekend for the first time since I rebuilt it. The body is back on and most everything is hooked back up. It's just about driveable now. A little bit more smoothing work on the body and it'll be ready for paint. I'm hoping that happens within the next month or so. As usual, my schedule is hectic and the car always takes low priority.
But despite all that, old 'Blue will be back on the road soon!!
If you go the frame off route hopefully it won't be a life's work like I've made mine out to be :D .
On the positive side, I just got the motor started this weekend for the first time since I rebuilt it. The body is back on and most everything is hooked back up. It's just about driveable now. A little bit more smoothing work on the body and it'll be ready for paint. I'm hoping that happens within the next month or so. As usual, my schedule is hectic and the car always takes low priority.
But despite all that, old 'Blue will be back on the road soon!!
Thread Starter
Drifting
Joined: May 2001
Posts: 1,651
Likes: 13
From: Holly MI
Re: Frame bent...now what? (LemansBlue68)
I can't wait to see that car complete. If the body turns out anything like the chassis, it will be too nice to drive. Work is constantly getting in the way of my personal life. What I could do if I had 8 more hours a day to work on cars. :yesnod:
