Frame Dilemma !!! I need Opinions !!

[Bowtie468]

Hey guys, i'd like to get some input on this matter. If you look at the attached photos, you can see that my driver frame rails is bent outwards approx. 1/4" outward. This is from the blue line forward towards the bumper. Nothing terrible, but none the less, it must be fixed. As soon as i get the chassis rolling, i was planning to bring it to the frame shop to have it pulled shraight. I have no idea what they charge for this and was wondering if this is something i should tackle myself? My uncles shop is equipped with floor chains if i need. It seems like a pretty easy fix because of the location. And what were tolerences back then ... + or - 3/16" The rest of the frame is fine , just this lil section from the most forward crossmember, forward. What do yall think ??? Would you straighten it cold? Put a lil heat on it .. and pull it straight.

Yes, i did notice this after stripping the frame, but just figured i'd fix it before putting the final finish on the frame. Well, that time has arrived.. and i need everyone's input. Take a look and throw you advise this way !!

Happy New Years !!!!

[EighthD]

First I would cross measure from the rivits on the cross member to the front bumper holes. To make sure it isnt just in the core support mount. You can also go back farther and use holes that are in the same location on both sides of the frame.After you find out for sure the is bent you can use the floor chains. But make sure you tie it down good. I hope this helps you good luck.

[Gee_Emm]

I had the exact same problem with my Jimmy frame except it was on the other side. Your bumper will be the main thing you will have to watch, there isn't alot of room for adjustment on it. I eneded up looping a chain around the front crossmembers, twisted it to put some tension on it and spent a fair amount of time wacking it with a 10lb sledge. The frame won't bend all that easy, I was surprised at how much effort it took to move it just a little bit.

If it is convinent you might want to try mounting your front sheet metal on and checking how your bumper lines up with the grill once you have bent it back. It will be easier yo fix any problems now instead of trying to fix them once its all together.

[Tx Firefighter]

I've tweaked them similar by chaining it to the floor and using a come-a-long to pull it straight. You can anchor the come-a-long to the frame of another car or tractor parked nearby so you can pull it exactly sideways.

Is that a ZTR in the background? What size and brand?

[Bowtie468]

Thanks for the input guys. From what i've read so far, i should pull it cold. Would putting a little heat on it be a definate no-no ??

Hey TX .... Yeah, thats my ZTR lurking back there. Its an Exmark Lazer Z 27hp/ 60" I run a part time lawn service on my off days. Helps support my hobbies. If i remember correctly, you've got one also , right ?

Chris

[Tx Firefighter]

60 inch Exmark, killer machine. Exmark is supposed to be the best cutting machine made.

I wanted to run Exmark equipment, but there's no decent dealer anywhere in my area. I run Scag mowers and they work great, but I've always wondered exactly what I'm missing by not having an Exmark.

[71Shortbed]

Hey Bowtie, When you get that frame straight maybe you can take some time to clean that shop up a little. I think I saw a spot on the floor under the step ladder...

[Bowtie468]

Spot?? ... Where??? hehe !! My wife sometimes makes jokes about me doing more cleaning in my shop than in the house !

[LONGHAIR]

I would replace the front body mounts (core support) too. The driver's side is bent, probably from the same thing that bent the frame rail. The passenger's side is totally shot...

[meathead95]

got a pic of the exmark? i have a john deere 25hp 60" cut and i love it

[arkracing]

pull/ straighten cold. If you heat it...DO NOT get it cherry red as it may weaken the metal....and don't "quench" it with cold water to cool it down..cause it will harden the steel. just let it cool on its own. I would anchor it down somehow to a near by car (or floor chains in your uncle's garage) and pull it with a come-a-long it or "porto-power" if possible.

that would be the easiest route.
most production shops get decent $$ for "Frame Time" - I would say 3/16 is a pretty good tolerance. I would get the bumper and fit it to the frame...that way you know it will fit/line up

J.M.O.

[Bowtie468]

TX Fire- Yeah, dealer support is a must have in this biz. No Scag dealer in this area, but going east towards Baton Rouge i see quite a few lawn guys running them. I've heard nothing but good about them. Around here, most run Exmark and Gravley, with a few Hustler Z's mixed in.

LONGHAIR- That pass side is kinda fugly. Looks like someone cut it. I planned on replacing them. More darn rivets to remove !

Meathead95- I dont have one readily available , but i'll snap one tommorrow morning and post it for you on this thread.

arkracing- I was hoping to hear something about using a lil heat on it to help things out. Once straight, i'll bolt up the core support and bumper to check the fit. Gee_ Emm said there isn't much adjustment on the bumper.


Anyone else has some input on putting a little heat on it??

Chris
Bowtie468

[Gee_Emm]

Don't heat it. When I mean there isn't much adjustment I mean there is next to no adjustment. Try mounting your bumper before you start to get an idea how much it is out. I would assume the bumper that was on there was bent up or if it is like mine they welded up the holes and drilled new ones then rechromed it.