Re: Frame Straightening

Posted by David Dewey on August 27, 1998 at 14:34:13

In Reply to: Frame Straightening
posted by Michael D on August 27, 1998 at 07:51:03

I disagree, I believe most frames sag on the left, as that's where the driver's weight concentrates the stress. Car always has a driver, often no other passengers. I doubt that the engine's torque by itself can do much to the side rails, but I'll admit, it does add some stress.
AND, I'll admit to putting a little 'crown' in my frames, as they will be bent down some by all the body and engine weight add to them. Not much, about 1/8" maybe (probably shy of that too).Good advice to put a spacer block inside the frame rails so you are bending the entire rail, not just the bottom member. It is *very* true that everything is going to be under a LOT of stress when you do this. Large beams will work fine, I have some lengths of railroad rail (my other hobby--you think auto car bodies are hard to straighten!) that I use because they're handy to me.
A straight frame will make worlds of difference in body, door, and hood fit, as well as go down the road smoother. Don't assume because the car was together before you started that the frame is straight!I once finished a show-car started restoration, and decided to check fits before I just painted and assembled--boy was that the right decision!! Try straightening a frame already done to show car standards without having to take it all apart again. Almost as bad as the time I had to put new wood in a '30 coupe that was already repainted (on the outside--the paint shop didn't paint the door jambs even!!!)Now there was an adventure to write about!
A's always,
David Dewey

Follow Ups:
Re: Frame Straightening Bob Johnson August 27, 1998 at 18:24:29(0)

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