Stock frame is bent!

[Mains52]

After finally making the decision to use my stock frame. I was making templates for my mustang II cross member last night and while examining the template I noticed that the driver side frame rail was caved in about 2 inches right at the master cylinder area. I have an s10 frame I got for free so I guess I will be using that now. oh well

[dwcsr]

Originally Posted by Mains52

After finally making the decision to use my stock frame. I was making templates for my mustang II cross member last night and while examining the template I noticed that the driver side frame rail was caved in about 2 inches right at the master cylinder area. I have an s10 frame I got for free so I guess I will be using that now. oh well

Bring it to a body shop that does frame work and have it pulled. You don't really know if the S10 is not bent as well.

[Mains52]

Originally Posted by dwcsr

Bring it to a body shop that does frame work and have it pulled. You don't really know if the S10 is not bent as well.

The problem is around my small town, a body shop that does frame straightening is close to non existent. All the shops around me are just accident repair places and the kids they have in there I wouldn't trust with a bicycle frame let alone a truck frame. I wish there was someone close but oh well.
Thanks though

[Henry50]

Can you post a pic? you can do a lot with a come-along and a tree.

[OrrieG]

The redneck engineer in me says brace the good passenger side against a masonry wall and use a porta power and 8# sledge (to release the tension) to push the other side out. FAM has the measurements to check for square, etc. to make sure the cab mounts still line up. Mine was over an inch out of square and a cable come along pulled it back. also used our silver maple and a chain to pull out my daughters Ford wagon raditor core support after a front end collision.

[Mac the Yankee]

You're only about an hour from Bloomington- if you do some searching, I bet you'll find a shop to straighten your frame if you don't feel comfortable doing it yourself.

[Mains52]

Thanks guys. I will try to post a pic asap.

[b-mac]

Dad used to have an old (pre-laser) frame machine in his body shop. I've seen him use it. Not as technical as you might think.
OrrieG is right though, put some tension on it, then whack the metal with a big hammer.
It was explained to me as the hammer blow shocking the molecules in the metal, and causing them to re-settle.
Rinse and repeat. This will keep you from tearing/breaking the metal. If you try it, that is. But don't listen to me...I'm doing an s10 swap.

[joedoh]

plenty of stock frames on craigslist! Although finding a 1/2 ton short might take a bit, post a wanted ad and i bet you'll find one

edit: I see from your other post that you need a long bed, you should be able to find one cheap!

[Advanced Design]

I believe the body shop at the Chevy dealer in Galesburg has a frame machine. Might be cheaper to buy another frame.

And like others have suggested, you might be able to fix it yourself.

[Thesilverfox]

My frame was bent and cracked on both cab mounts. Look under the cab mount. It might also be cracked. I had a professional straighten and box it for me on his frame Jig. You can usually ship them your original frame in pieces. It took him about 40 hours but its done right.

[whitedog76]

What year/ size truck are you working on?

If one side of the frame is tweaked, I'm guessing both sides are tweaked somewhat.

The best option is a donor frame, hopefully it's not bent either.

The 47-54 assembly manual has an excellent set of dimensions.

Since you're going to be welding in a M2 front end, maybe straightening the "redneck" way isn't all that out of line.

[mongocanfly]

My original frame was bent, cracked and had holes rusted completely thru the frame sides between cab and bed..it was a mess..I've looked at a lot of craigslist and word of mouth frames..they wernt much better than mine..so I'm in the process of building my own..if yours isn't to bad I agree with all above to try to fix it yourself..

[Mains52]

Its a 1952 3600. Im pretty sure I am just using the s10 frame. I know one thing, my old man is getting tired of me changing my mind on what to do. I keep loading and unloading frames.

[dwcsr]

Originally Posted by Mains52

Its a 1952 3600. Im pretty sure I am just using the s10 frame. I know one thing, my old man is getting tired of me changing my mind on what to do. I keep loading and unloading frames.

After seeing the frame a I think I would find another frame of use your S10. Preferably a 3600 frame. It looks to me to have bowed the right side as well.

What did the can look like? was it rumpled of kinked up.

[whitedog76]

Yeah, that frame looks like a monster truck rolled over it. I don't know what your time frame is, but I could help you out with a 3600 frame. I have a 54, the bonus is that it has the V8 style crossmember.

I'm looking at pulling the body off this fall, maybe winter. I'm in Princeville. Not too bad of a drive for you.

[Thesilverfox]

Looks repairable to me. I would not give up on it yet. Mine was just as bad. That steel is pretty maniable. You'll have to take it all apart if tou want to fix it.

Just as an example.

Heres mine before with the crack, cant see the bend but it was pretty bad


And here's where were at with it now.

[MiraclePieCo]

There frequently are complete stock chassis on Craigslist for as low as $50.

I've read your various posts on frame choice and your troubles with both the stock frame and the S10 frame. Rough start.

[Mains52]

Im just using the s10 frame. I have a lead on another 52 cab that I may pick up so I may just fix the one I have now and build the second one on it. My cab has a little wrinkle in the floor but I am using the porta power to fix it. barely looks like it got hit, but I do know it was hit from the previous owner. I plan on starting a build thread soon. I have been taking pictures as I go. I have only had the truck for 2 months.
Thank you guys for your tips and comments

[tmoble]

Grants Pass, Or. I remember it well. really well when working outside in heat, 114. In the shade. If I could find any shade.