frame damage?
Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
Joined: Dec 2001
Posts: 2,437
Likes: 1
From: Gainesville Fl
frame damage?
whats the best way to find out if a car has frame damage? if it holds well at say 65 mph is it safe to assume the frame is ok? is there any little tricks to think about? is it safe as long as there is no obvious damage?
Team Owner
Joined: Apr 2002
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Re: frame damage? (1996man)
I think you'd have to take it to someone who inspects cars for frame damage for a living. Yes, if there's ever been frame damage, almost without exception, it won't ever be as good of a car as it did before it was damaged. That is, unless it's a completely new frame. If you think there might be frame damage (I'm assuming you're looking to buy one that might have damage) don't buy it unless you plan on doing something specific with it, such as a bracket car.
Now safety. Is it safe? Well, it could be, but the car may not go compeltely straight if you let go of the wheel, maybe the front end is a little bit twisted. If there's major frame damage and it hasn't been repaired, yeah, it's dangerous. If it's been repaired, generally it's safe as long as you don't get in a wreck with that part. I'd assume that a damaged and fixed frame just isn't as strong as one that's never been damaged. Point I'm trying to make is, have it checked out by a professional. If there's EVER been frame damage, you can expect to have a very tough time trying to sell it if you ever decide to. Value is also hurt bigtime. Hope this helps.
Now safety. Is it safe? Well, it could be, but the car may not go compeltely straight if you let go of the wheel, maybe the front end is a little bit twisted. If there's major frame damage and it hasn't been repaired, yeah, it's dangerous. If it's been repaired, generally it's safe as long as you don't get in a wreck with that part. I'd assume that a damaged and fixed frame just isn't as strong as one that's never been damaged. Point I'm trying to make is, have it checked out by a professional. If there's EVER been frame damage, you can expect to have a very tough time trying to sell it if you ever decide to. Value is also hurt bigtime. Hope this helps.
Drifting
Joined: Feb 2000
Posts: 1,994
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From: Charleston, WV
Re: frame damage? (GDP)
If it's not chewing up tires and tracks straight what is the question?...... is it yors already and you wadded it up? or are you looking at one that you are suspect of?....... to REALLY tell take it to a good frame shop but if it's a car you've had for a while I wouldn't worry unless like I said it's tearing up tires or can't be aligned :seeya
Safety Car
Joined: Jun 1999
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From: Austin, Singapore, Kuala Lumpur, Houston, Dallas, Hong Kong, Elgin, etc.. Texas
Re: frame damage? (1996man)
1. Look for accident damage in the engine compartment and underneith. Paint overspray is an indication something was repaired. Especially by windshield at the hood latches.
2. Tires/wheels are centered in the wheel wheels and are do not vary more than .25" left and right side. This is a little tricky as C4 bodies may not be perfectly aligned by the factory and may be off a fraction of an inch.
3. Frame slots and holes torn or stretched from frame pulling processes.
4. Paint cracked or damage on frame.
5. You can measure underneith the car diagonally (like a big X) from the right front suspension to the left rear and compare to the left front to right rear measurement. Should be less than .25" variance. If you confirm accident damage and need to see if frame is bent:
6. Using a measuring tape, measure the wheel base on both sides. If one side is shorter by more than .25" look for damage.
7. Stand a distance behind car and watch as someone else is driving it. If it "crabs", something is wrong.
8. On a level cement surface, measure different parts from the frame to the ground left and right.
2. Tires/wheels are centered in the wheel wheels and are do not vary more than .25" left and right side. This is a little tricky as C4 bodies may not be perfectly aligned by the factory and may be off a fraction of an inch.
3. Frame slots and holes torn or stretched from frame pulling processes.
4. Paint cracked or damage on frame.
5. You can measure underneith the car diagonally (like a big X) from the right front suspension to the left rear and compare to the left front to right rear measurement. Should be less than .25" variance. If you confirm accident damage and need to see if frame is bent:
6. Using a measuring tape, measure the wheel base on both sides. If one side is shorter by more than .25" look for damage.
7. Stand a distance behind car and watch as someone else is driving it. If it "crabs", something is wrong.
8. On a level cement surface, measure different parts from the frame to the ground left and right.
Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
Joined: Dec 2001
Posts: 2,437
Likes: 1
From: Gainesville Fl
Re: frame damage? (Mez)
well the body has had the hood fenders wheels tires bumper and front clip replaced cause one of the previous owners was drunk and put it in a ditch. the current owner said theres no frame damage and no expense was spared when it got repaired because it was covered by insurance. from what he says they didnt have to replace that much but they wanted to go ahead and do a top notch job. yes i know it will hurt its value but i am looking to buy to keep. i am going to look at it saturday and we will see how it handles and tracks ect and will go from there
