87 Vert Frame X-Cross Member Problem
Thread Starter
Drifting
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 1,818
Likes: 156
From: White Oak PA
87 Vert Frame X-Cross Member Problem
After experiencing some wheel balance issues, I decided to take my 87 Convertible to a very good tire specialist in my area. He is very competent and professional (very rare today) and I do not hold him accountable for what happened. After he spent close to an hour balancing my tires and not using outside weights too, I was on my way home. About 1 mile later though, I started hearing a very strage new sound? When I got home, I removed the spare tire carrier thinking it may have been placed back incorrectly. My philosophy is always start simple. Anyhow, this was not the simple fix I had hoped for. So I took it to a friend who has access to a lift and discovered the following: It turns out that the X-member crossframe (Verts only) was now rubbing on the exhaust.
I decided to take it to a local body shop that fixes frames and have them pull it back into place on Wednesday. Does this sound wise? I hate to make a mistake on this issue and any input would be very appreciated.
I decided to take it to a local body shop that fixes frames and have them pull it back into place on Wednesday. Does this sound wise? I hate to make a mistake on this issue and any input would be very appreciated.
Drifting
Joined: Nov 2002
Posts: 1,593
Likes: 0
From: Mobile AL
St. Jude Donor '05
Their lift may have accidentally bent it. I would mention it, but only for future reference, not a finger pointing thing. Especially if he's good and honest - you don't want to antagonize him!
Thread Starter
Drifting
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 1,818
Likes: 156
From: White Oak PA
Thank you for your reply. With a 18 year old auto, things like this happen over time. I have owned the Corvette for three plus years and it has been great. My feeling is previous owners and their mechanics may have not been as careful or as observant as I would have liked. I'm sure it will work out well. If I have any issues with the frame guys, I will post them on this forum.
Team Owner
Joined: Dec 1999
Posts: 34,873
Likes: 487
From: Lacey WA RVN 68-69
NCM Sinkhole Donor
Some people may not be completely familiar with the vert X-brace and they could think that the brace is actually extremely stiff like the frame member and may put the hoist pad on it in order to raise the car.
The brace is not strong in terms of the metal thickness and it does nothing more that help brace against longitudinal twisting. It will bend easily when a lifting force is applied to it.
When I take my vert to have any work done on it, I tell the place that they cannot raise the car using any portion of the X-brace and I insist that I inspect the locations of the hoist pads before the car is raised.
The brace is not strong in terms of the metal thickness and it does nothing more that help brace against longitudinal twisting. It will bend easily when a lifting force is applied to it.
When I take my vert to have any work done on it, I tell the place that they cannot raise the car using any portion of the X-brace and I insist that I inspect the locations of the hoist pads before the car is raised.
Thread Starter
Drifting
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 1,818
Likes: 156
From: White Oak PA
Thank you for your reply. I will make it a point in the future to inform any mechanic planning on lifting my vert to be aware of this situation. Live and learn I guess on my part.
