Notices
C5 General General C5 Corvette and C5 Z06 Discussion not covered in Tech

2004 Z06 Front Frame Damage

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old Jul 11, 2021 | 10:41 PM
  #1  
pcutch@gmail.com's Avatar
pcutch@gmail.com
Thread Starter
4th Gear
 
Joined: Sep 2020
Posts: 4
Likes: 0
From: DFW
Default 2004 Z06 Front Frame Damage

Hello,

I ran over a friggin’ tow hitch receiver on the interstate yesterday; no way to avoid in heavy traffic. Serious damage to the front cross member. Was wondering if anyone has any recommendations on how to repair it; I assume trying to find the whole structure and replacing it would be a monumental task and serious $$$. Anyone know of a reputable place in Dallas-Fort Worth that could repair it?

Thanks !!




Reply
Old Jul 11, 2021 | 11:28 PM
  #2  
Pounder's Avatar
Pounder
1/4 mile/AutoX
Supporting Lifetime
10 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
 
Joined: Jun 2014
Posts: 11,441
Likes: 2,186
From: Buffalo Texas
Default

Replace the cradle, plenty of them around, not that bad of a job. That is if the frame is not damaged, can’t tell by the pic ?? Then get it aligned!!
Reply
Old Jul 11, 2021 | 11:35 PM
  #3  
Mr. Black's Avatar
Mr. Black
No Hostility Be Happy
Supporting Lifetime
Active Streak: 30 Days
Community Builder
Community Favorite
Top Answer: 5
 
Joined: Aug 2018
Posts: 10,069
Likes: 7,387
From: South Hill Wa
2022 C5 of the Year Finalist - Modified
2021 C5 of the Year Finalist - Modified
Default

I agree with pounder. All you need is a new cradle. It's a bolt in deal. Will have to support the engine.

I'll have you know that I just spent 210 dollars on one of those adjustable B&W ball mounts and you got yours for free. sarcasm intended.

Reply
Old Jul 11, 2021 | 11:51 PM
  #4  
Stingroo's Avatar
Stingroo
Safety Car
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
 
Joined: Jan 2019
Posts: 4,308
Likes: 3,455
From: Somewhere, Florida
St. Jude Donor '20-'21-'22-'23-'24
Default

Yeah luckily the front cradle can be replaced independently.

That is some crazy damage. At least it didn't get the oil pan and grenade the engine.
Reply
Old Jul 12, 2021 | 12:01 AM
  #5  
hotfrank's Avatar
hotfrank
Instructor
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
Top Answer: 1
 
Joined: Jun 2020
Posts: 150
Likes: 56
From: Va
Default

Front cradle you can buy one on ebay . That is what I did $175 shp . I bought engine mounts from Rockauto and had a Corvette shop install and align $650.00 . Iam 74 some things I do and don't just sayn. Good luck.
Reply
Old Jul 12, 2021 | 07:13 AM
  #6  
C5MSG2004Vert's Avatar
C5MSG2004Vert
Drifting
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
Top Answer: 1
 
Joined: Mar 2018
Posts: 1,365
Likes: 414
From: New Jersey
Default

One thing I would do is call your insurance company and see if it's covered. It should be covered under your collision and maybe comprehensive.
Reply
Old Jul 12, 2021 | 10:49 AM
  #7  
MWWarlord's Avatar
MWWarlord
Le Mans Master
Supporting Lifetime Gold
Community Builder
Photoriffic
Community Favorite
Top Answer: 5
 
Joined: Dec 2017
Posts: 5,572
Likes: 3,313
From: Virginia
2021 C5 of the Year Finalist - Modified
St. Jude Donor '21-'22
Default

As others have said, I don't actually see any frame damage. Your insurance should cover the cradle with no problems. Good luck with the repairs. I'm sorry this happened to you. You actually got pretty lucky. It easily could have been a lot worse.
Reply
Old Jul 12, 2021 | 11:29 AM
  #8  
pcutch@gmail.com's Avatar
pcutch@gmail.com
Thread Starter
4th Gear
 
Joined: Sep 2020
Posts: 4
Likes: 0
From: DFW
Default

Thanks for the reply. Is the cradle the same for base vs. Z06? Too bad you bought the ball mount already; I’d send you this one for the cost of shipping…..but it’s not in the best condition!
Reply
Corvette Stories

The Best of Corvette for Corvette Enthusiasts

story-0

8 Most "Only Corvette Owners Understand" Quirks and Problems

 Pouria Savadkouei
story-1

10 Reasons the C6 Z06 is Still A Performance Benchmark After 20 Years

 Joe Kucinski
story-2

How Much Horsepower Every Corvette Engine "LOST" in 1972

 Joe Kucinski
story-3

Top 10 DOs and DON'Ts for Protecting Your Convertible Top!

 Michael S. Palmer
story-4

Top 10 Most Explosive Corvettes Ever Made: Power-to-Weight Ratio Ranked!

 Joe Kucinski
story-5

150 hp to 1,250 hp: Every Corvette Generation Compared by the Specs That Matter

 Joe Kucinski
story-6

8 Coolest Corvette Pace Cars (and Replicas) of All Time

 Verdad Gallardo
story-7

Top 10 Corvette Engines RANKED by Peak Torque (70+ Years of Muscle!)

 Joe Kucinski
story-8

Corvette ZR1X Will Be Pacing the Indy 500, And Could Probably Race, Too!

 Verdad Gallardo
story-9

Top 10 Corvettes Coming to Mecum Indy 2026!

 Brett Foote
Old Jul 12, 2021 | 11:31 AM
  #9  
Stingroo's Avatar
Stingroo
Safety Car
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
 
Joined: Jan 2019
Posts: 4,308
Likes: 3,455
From: Somewhere, Florida
St. Jude Donor '20-'21-'22-'23-'24
Default

Same part for both, yep!

I'd definitely see if comprehensive coverage will help out. If not, at least it's fixable.
Reply
Old Jul 12, 2021 | 11:33 AM
  #10  
pcutch@gmail.com's Avatar
pcutch@gmail.com
Thread Starter
4th Gear
 
Joined: Sep 2020
Posts: 4
Likes: 0
From: DFW
Default

Originally Posted by Mr. Black
I agree with pounder. All you need is a new cradle. It's a bolt in deal. Will have to support the engine.

I'll have you know that I just spent 210 dollars on one of those adjustable B&W ball mounts and you got yours for free. sarcasm intended.


Thanks for the reply. Is the cradle the same for base vs. Z06? Too bad you bought the ball mount already; I’d send you this one for the cost of shipping…..but it’s not in the best condition!
Reply
Old Jul 12, 2021 | 12:12 PM
  #11  
grinder11's Avatar
grinder11
Race Director
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
Top Answer: 1
 
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 12,864
Likes: 4,666
Default

Amazing how stuff like this shows up in places like that. Wouldn't you like to find the PO, and give it, uh, BACK!!!!
Reply
Old Jul 12, 2021 | 01:02 PM
  #12  
Kubs's Avatar
Kubs
Le Mans Master
15 Year Member
Community Builder
Community Favorite
Top Answer: 5
 
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 9,687
Likes: 3,440
From: Akron Ohio
2025 Corvette of the Year Finalist - Modified
2024 C5 of the Year Winner - Modified
2023 C5 of the Year Finalist - Modified
2022 C5 of the Year Finalist - Modified
St. Jude Donor '09-'10-'11
Default

Originally Posted by pcutch@gmail.com
Thanks for the reply. Is the cradle the same for base vs. Z06? Too bad you bought the ball mount already; I’d send you this one for the cost of shipping…..but it’s not in the best condition!
Yes on the C5 the Z06 and base have the same cradle. Just look for anyone you can find.
Reply
Old Jul 12, 2021 | 02:00 PM
  #13  
wrmiles's Avatar
wrmiles
Pro
15 Year Member
All Eyes On Me
Liked
 
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 515
Likes: 133
Default

Striking an object on the road is probably Collision not Comprehensive. At least it was when I hit a large price of truck tire. Deductible was higher.
Reply
Old Jul 12, 2021 | 02:15 PM
  #14  
Mr. Black's Avatar
Mr. Black
No Hostility Be Happy
Supporting Lifetime
Active Streak: 30 Days
Community Builder
Community Favorite
Top Answer: 5
 
Joined: Aug 2018
Posts: 10,069
Likes: 7,387
From: South Hill Wa
2022 C5 of the Year Finalist - Modified
2021 C5 of the Year Finalist - Modified
Default

Originally Posted by pcutch@gmail.com
Thanks for the reply. Is the cradle the same for base vs. Z06? Too bad you bought the ball mount already; I’d send you this one for the cost of shipping…..but it’s not in the best condition!

As the many have mentioned before me they are the same part for a Z or a base. They are pretty easy to find and usually fairly inexpensive.

PM sent on ball mount lol.
Reply
Old Jul 12, 2021 | 09:36 PM
  #15  
90lxtc's Avatar
90lxtc
Advanced
 
Joined: Mar 2021
Posts: 71
Likes: 14
Default

Good time to consider a balancer swap and maybe a cam too. Just saying….🤷🏻‍♂️
Reply
Old Jul 12, 2021 | 11:03 PM
  #16  
Vetteman Jack's Avatar
Vetteman Jack
Administrator
Supporting Lifetime
Veteran: Navy
St. Jude 20 Year Donor
25 Year Member
Veteran: Reserves
 
Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 368,136
Likes: 24,735
From: In a parallel universe. Currently own 2014 Stingray Coupe.
C7 of the Year - Modified Finalist 2021
MO Events Coordinator
St. Jude Co-Organizer
St. Jude Donor '03 thru '25
NCM Sinkhole Donor
CI 5, 8 & 11 Veteran
Default

You may be able to find a perfectly good cradle either at Vettenuts or aescorvetteparts, both forum vendors. Good luck - looks like it could have been much worse.
Reply

Get notified of new replies

To 2004 Z06 Front Frame Damage





All times are GMT -4. The time now is 07:19 PM.

story-0
8 Most "Only Corvette Owners Understand" Quirks and Problems

Slideshow: These are the quirks, annoyances, and oddly lovable problems that every Corvette owner eventually learns to live with.

By Pouria Savadkouei | 2026-05-28 09:31:39


VIEW MORE
story-1
10 Reasons the C6 Z06 is Still A Performance Benchmark After 20 Years

Slideshow: 10 reasons why the C6 Z06 is still a performance benchmark after 20 years.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-05-27 17:20:09


VIEW MORE
story-2
How Much Horsepower Every Corvette Engine "LOST" in 1972

Slideshow: How much horsepower every Corvette engine lost in 1972.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-05-27 16:54:53


VIEW MORE
story-3
Top 10 DOs and DON'Ts for Protecting Your Convertible Top!

Slideshow: How to Protect A Convertible Top: 10 DOs & DON'Ts

By Michael S. Palmer | 2026-04-03 00:00:00


VIEW MORE
story-4
Top 10 Most Explosive Corvettes Ever Made: Power-to-Weight Ratio Ranked!

Slideshow: The 10 most explosive Corvettes ever built based on power-to-weight ratio.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-05-20 07:23:03


VIEW MORE
story-5
150 hp to 1,250 hp: Every Corvette Generation Compared by the Specs That Matter

Slideshow: From C1 to C8 we compare every Corvette generation by the numbers.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-05-12 16:54:12


VIEW MORE
story-6
8 Coolest Corvette Pace Cars (and Replicas) of All Time

Slideshow: Some Corvette pace cars became collectible legends, while others perfectly captured the look and attitude of their era.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-05-11 09:50:51


VIEW MORE
story-7
Top 10 Corvette Engines RANKED by Peak Torque (70+ Years of Muscle!)

Slideshow: Ranking the top 10 Corvette engines by torque output.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-05-05 11:58:09


VIEW MORE
story-8
Corvette ZR1X Will Be Pacing the Indy 500, And Could Probably Race, Too!

Slideshow: A Corvette pace car nearly matching IndyCar speeds sounds exaggerated, until you look at the numbers.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-05-04 20:03:36


VIEW MORE
story-9
Top 10 Corvettes Coming to Mecum Indy 2026!

Among a rather large group of them.

By Brett Foote | 2026-05-04 13:56:44


VIEW MORE