Input on a bent frame please
 

There is a bit of a bend in the frame of my 67 c-10. The bend is right in the middle under the cab on the drivers side but only on the bottom rail. The frame is otherwise straight so I wasn't going to mess with it but I am switching to a th350 and the crossmember goes right where the bend is I believe.

I was wondering if anyone had any good ideas for straightening it other than heating and hitting. I was looking for a clamp or something to get it more even that with a hammer, but couldn't really find much online. Thanks in advance, here is a picture of the bend.

Attachment 1264393

Re: Input on a bent frame please
 

Another picture

Attachment 1264400

Re: Input on a bent frame please
 

I think heat is going to be your only option.

A porter-power wouldn't work in your situation

Re: Input on a bent frame please
 

how about a big adjustable wrench, I have a cut notches into some 3/4" thick steel and use pipe for a handle to straighten flanges on frames that are bent.

Re: Input on a bent frame please
 

You could make a tool for gripping the flange by cutting a slit in a piece if 1/4 inch flat bar and welding on a handle but a torch and a large crescent wrench with the jaws tightened on the flange will straighten it just fine.

Re: Input on a bent frame please
 

Ok I was afraid that wouldn't get it straight enough but I should be able to get it close, thanks for the advice

Re: Input on a bent frame please
 

i have to agree with the adjustable wrench method you may have to work on it awhile tho.

Re: Input on a bent frame please
 

Yep, take your time and bend it back gradually, you can hammer and dolly this after you get it very close it just takes bigger (heavier)hammer and dollys.

Re: Input on a bent frame please
 

A big Stillsen[pipe] wrench works wonders in situations like those at my place. I have a 36 inch pipe wrench and a 22 inch crescent wrench for those type or bends. You just need to be able to get underneath it well enough to get a good swing on the wrenches handle. If that is not working for you there are a few companies that make a frame flange wrench but I'm sure you'll do just fine with the pipe or crescent. Also another thing you can try is a large pair of sheetmetal type vice grips. The kind that have the big looking lips on them. They have also worked for me on bending flanges and various other things into position. Jim

Re: Input on a bent frame please
 

thanks all, I'll see what I can do and throw a picture of let ya know how it turned out