Slight bend in frame...

[AllGoNoShow]

I have a minor bend in the lower part of the c-channel of the frame in a small 4-6 inch section on my 1968. I’m guessing someone started jacking it without solidly being under it at some point in its life (picture below, although I am not sure why it is rotated upside down).

I can’t imagine it’s an issue but for purely aesthetic reasons as I’m going to be painting the frame soon, any ideas on how to straighten it back out? I was thinking of heating it with a torch, but not sure if that’s a good idea. Also thought about just clamping a piece of heavy square or rectangular tubing on either side and drawing it together to straighten it back out. What do you think?

[Grumpy old man]

Large crescent wrench , Slide it on , Adjust it tight and bend it back .

[Richard]

Flipped for you. Was going to suggest the same as Grumpy. If you do not have one get the largest adjustable wrench available from Harbor Freight and bend it to where you want. Use a piece of pipe on the handle for more leverage if necessary. I would not use heat.

[Sheepdip]

Originally Posted by Grumpy old man

Large crescent wrench , Slide it on , Adjust it tight and bend it back .

Grumpy's got the answer....may need a piece of pipe that will slip over the handle for a cheater, don't get in a hurry start outward and work it inward towards the center.
Just massage it in sections a little here a little there and you see great results.

[BigBird05]

x4 on the crescent wrench

[sick472]

A Crescent wrench should work very well. Start towards the front (or back) and work it a little at a time, switching front to back as you move it a bit each time, working closer to the worst of the bend as you go. Keep doing this until it's straight. If you start at the worst part with a hefty bend, it WILL go back, but this bend will STRETCH the metal too much on either side of the initial bend. This will leave you with a wavy repair. Not real critical, but you can get a better result with some patience and just working it back a little at a time and moving from front to back as you dial it in.

[bigmac73]

i would not waste the time and energy. No one is going to see it or care

[BigBird05]

You should cut 2 blocks of wood to fit into the frame rails on either side of the bend. Clamp them in place. Then when you are bending the frame you are only bending in the bent area and not flexing the whole frame rail.

[GASoline71]

Originally Posted by bigmac73

i would not waste the time and energy. No one is going to see it or care

My thoughts exactly.

Gary

[Carl Spangler]

Originally Posted by BigBird05

You should cut 2 blocks of wood to fit into the frame rails on either side of the bend. Clamp them in place. Then when you are bending the frame you are only bending in the bent area and not flexing the whole frame rail.

^^^^^^^ Excellent suggestion!

[AllGoNoShow]

I’ll give the crescent wrench a try. Thanks!

[68 TT]

When you do that put a second wrench on the adjacent area and use it to keep that straight section of frame from bending down while you are pulling on the dent. You could end up putting more bend into a larger area rather than removing the small bend if you don't keep the other area stationary.

[treveiger]

If you know someone with a porta power that might work. You'd need a spacer though I'd think. Make sure when you bend it back to do so slowly and little bits at a time. Better to massage the metal back into place then to stretch it.