how much to straighten frame?
how much to straighten frame? Hey guys, I just bought a shell off of ebay. The seller never mentioned the twisted frame in the back. It is very noticeable when looking at the trunk/ hatch. There is the stock size gap between the fender and the trunk on the driver side, and as you go closer to the front (along that same gap) the gap increases. On the passenger side, The gap is twice the stock size. I've been told that is only a cosmetic issue and it will not affect driveability. I bought this car with the intentions of building a 700+ rwhp street/strip car. I need to know whether this is something i can put off or will i need to get this done immediately. And how much will i be looking to spend to straighten the frame that little bit. Thanks
On The Tree
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 128
Likes: 0
From: Saugus, CA
Most body shops will charge 1.5-2 hrs to setup the car on the frame machine and measure it. Depending on what is damaged (the rear frame rails, rear body panel, quarter panels) the shop will need to clamp the car to the frame machine, and then pull the structural areas that are damaged. Typically that will be anywhere from 3-6 hrs per area depending on severely its crumpled. Frame rate typically (at least in Socal) range from 60-90 p/hr depending on the shop of course. The body shop will also need to do some hammer/dolly work as they pull the damaged panels back to the correct location and refinish them. Seam sealer, weld thru primer, and other materials will probably be needed as well.
Post up some pics, Im an insurance adjuster and know this stuff very well. I write estimates on anywhere from 4-8 cars every day, 5 days a week.
Post up some pics, Im an insurance adjuster and know this stuff very well. I write estimates on anywhere from 4-8 cars every day, 5 days a week.
wow, that sounds like it's going to be a lot. I only have pics showing the gap between the spoiler and fenders. I have no underbody pics or anything. What areas would you need to see to make a good assessment?
what i should ask is, will this issue affect the straightline launch of the vehicle? will excessive torque make the issue worse? Can I continue my build and get the tranny and engine setup and still get the frame fixed later? or will there be more labor involved if engine.transmission is installed.
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On The Tree
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 128
Likes: 0
From: Saugus, CA
I would need to see pics underneath the car, of the frame rails themselves and the rear floor. If the frame is repaired properly and the shop measures it out before and after with a tram gauge, then there should be no problems with racing the car.
Personally, I would address the frame stuff first as that is a safety concern, regardless if you are racing the car, building the motor or whatever. It doesn't matter if the engine/tranny is out of the car.
Personally, I would address the frame stuff first as that is a safety concern, regardless if you are racing the car, building the motor or whatever. It doesn't matter if the engine/tranny is out of the car.
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