bent frame, repair or replace? '68 442

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Old August 14th, 2018, 01:27 PM
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bent frame, repair or replace? '68 442

Right side is bent at the curve behind the engine just where it curves into the main frame rail down the side of the car. I have not put a tape measure in there yet to see how tweaked it is. Is this a bad spot and need replacement? The frame is real solid, light surface rust only and no major pitting anywhere. So nice one to save if possible.
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Last edited by Randy K; August 14th, 2018 at 01:31 PM.
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Old August 14th, 2018, 03:05 PM
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Yes, its a bad spot and will effect wheel alignment. Hard to tell how bad with your picture.
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Old August 14th, 2018, 03:44 PM
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Best thing is to ask a frame shop guy to come and look at it. From what I see you should be able to salvage that frame. I'm not an expert though...Definitely throw the tape measure on it and check how much it's out. Might not sound like much but even 1/2" is a lot.
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Old August 14th, 2018, 06:15 PM
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A good frame shop can pull that straight. It will be a lot easier than a frame swap... UNLESS you're looking for an excuse to do a body-off.
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Old August 14th, 2018, 07:09 PM
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I'm just finishing a body-off on a '69 442 convertible with a 4 speed. There's no rust in the floors or trunk in this '68, so will probably keep the body on unless the frame place wants it off. thanks for all the responses. Now i just have to locate a frame place. Should be less expensive than getting a replacement frame.

Thanks all.
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Old August 14th, 2018, 10:07 PM
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Find a good frame shop who has good equipment. Our shop uses the car o liner frame machine which I feel is one of the best besides a celette which is less common . I know these cars where not metric but out tolerances are 1mm , 2mm, and 3mm, that's length, width and height. that's whats ideal 3mm is the high end of things on all measurements for what its worth. other measuring equipment can be fudged to show the numbers you want.
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