c5 frame repairable?
Thread Starter
Heel & Toe
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 17
Likes: 0
c5 frame repairable?
I just bought a c5 that was lightly hit in the front, however it was hit directly on one of the front frame rails causing it to tweak slightly. I have done some searches and have seen mixed reviews. Is it possible for a frame machine to straighten the frame? Am I better off having a new piece welded in? I got the car very cheap and the rest of the car is very mint so parting out isn't my top option, i prefer to fix and hold on to the car. Now I realize the car will never be the same as a straight car, but for the price and my low budget I'd like to see how much $$ im getting myself into for frame repair. Thanks!
Team Owner
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 29,059
Likes: 1,837
From: cookeville tennessee
I just bought a c5 that was lightly hit in the front, however it was hit directly on one of the front frame rails causing it to tweak slightly. I have done some searches and have seen mixed reviews. Is it possible for a frame machine to straighten the frame? Am I better off having a new piece welded in? I got the car very cheap and the rest of the car is very mint so parting out isn't my top option, i prefer to fix and hold on to the car. Now I realize the car will never be the same as a straight car, but for the price and my low budget I'd like to see how much $$ im getting myself into for frame repair. Thanks!
More than not if to bad will be cheaper to weld a piece of frame in than all the pulling and all of that. If done correct will be as strong as org piece. Robert
Thread Starter
Heel & Toe
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 17
Likes: 0
Thanks Robert. I am going to a few frame shops this week, like I said the damage wasn't too bad, picked the car up for a very low price and assuming the frame work was possible and not too much $ I would like to fix. Here is a shot of the hit:
Race Director
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 15,960
Likes: 21
From: West Norriton PA
St. Jude Donor '08
I would take it to a good frame shop that specializes in corvettes and see what they recommend.
Looks like t was a good enough shot to break out the inner fender well so that's going to need replacement too.
Looks like t was a good enough shot to break out the inner fender well so that's going to need replacement too.
Last edited by ajg1915; Apr 11, 2011 at 04:34 PM.
Race Director
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 16,154
Likes: 0
From: Kali
St. Jude Donor '11
How the F is that "lightly hit".
That car is totaled or pretty damn close to it.
From the pics the car was hit or got hit at something around 30 mph. A "light" hit would be about 5mph.
needs new bumper
new hood
new light assembly
new fender
new pass corner light
Not to mention frame tweaks...
That car is totaled or pretty damn close to it.
From the pics the car was hit or got hit at something around 30 mph. A "light" hit would be about 5mph.
needs new bumper
new hood
new light assembly
new fender
new pass corner light
Not to mention frame tweaks...
Thread Starter
Heel & Toe
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 17
Likes: 0
How the F is that "lightly hit".
That car is totaled or pretty damn close to it.
From the pics the car was hit or got hit at something around 30 mph. A "light" hit would be about 5mph.
needs new bumper
new hood
new light assembly
new fender
new pass corner light
Not to mention frame tweaks...
That car is totaled or pretty damn close to it.
From the pics the car was hit or got hit at something around 30 mph. A "light" hit would be about 5mph.
needs new bumper
new hood
new light assembly
new fender
new pass corner light
Not to mention frame tweaks...
Pro
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 635
Likes: 0
From: Mc Farland Wisconsin
Keep in mind crash videos are typically 30-35 mph and this is not nearly that bad.
As far as repairing the frame, you are definetly going to want to talk to a shop that has repaired corvette hydroformed frames before and have an actual way of securing them as no standard fixture is going to work with this frame.
As far as repairing the frame, you are definetly going to want to talk to a shop that has repaired corvette hydroformed frames before and have an actual way of securing them as no standard fixture is going to work with this frame.
How the F is that "lightly hit".
That car is totaled or pretty damn close to it.
From the pics the car was hit or got hit at something around 30 mph. A "light" hit would be about 5mph.
needs new bumper
new hood
new light assembly
new fender
new pass corner light
Not to mention frame tweaks...
That car is totaled or pretty damn close to it.
From the pics the car was hit or got hit at something around 30 mph. A "light" hit would be about 5mph.
needs new bumper
new hood
new light assembly
new fender
new pass corner light
Not to mention frame tweaks...
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Race Director
Joined: Aug 1999
Posts: 11,113
Likes: 669
From: SE Pennsylvania
St. Jude Donor '03 thru '26
Oldtimer
Frame repairs ?
There two great frame shops here in SE pennsylvania. One has been fixing frames since 1923 and I swear by them. But the C5 has a very strong 'Steel' frame and a good frame shop should be able to put it back to stock alinement. They might want you you to remove some of the clutter and bodywork, but sure, It's Steel and a frame machine and some heat should be able to put it right. 
Team Owner
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 43,084
Likes: 33
From: Raleigh / Rolesville NC
I had to have my right rear 1/4 frame rail replaced. Not a problem
cut out old section weld in new and straighten
Turns out after the replaced part and straighten, the frame was straighter then new OEM specs.
cut out old section weld in new and straighten
Turns out after the replaced part and straighten, the frame was straighter then new OEM specs.
Race Director
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 16,154
Likes: 0
From: Kali
St. Jude Donor '11
Getting the frame straightened by a shop may cost around quite a bit. Shop around since the prices are all over the place.
Instructor
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 146
Likes: 0
From: Dallas TX
A 85 year old pulled out in front of me, barely had time to hit the brakes. Hit him at about 40 mph, both air bags went off. Estimated repair was over $18k and it had a bent frame rail.
Needless to say it was totaled. Thank God both of us walked away from the crash without a scratch.
Good luck on the repair.
Needless to say it was totaled. Thank God both of us walked away from the crash without a scratch.
Good luck on the repair.
