Bent or not bent frame ?

[LT1 Burb]

I am not sure if my frame is bent on my pickup or not. It looks like it if you look at the front of the truck but if I measure from the left rail to the right fender mount it is 60" and same the other way. Is there a better more accurate way to tell. I don't want to spend money on powder coating a bent frame. Also has anyone had a frame successfully straightened and what did it cost, thanks.

[aerotruk63]

Measuring at the same reference points, opposing, is a good way of verifying anything for square. Twisted on the other hand!

Trammel Points with a straight edge makes for accurate measuring. They use a version of these for body shops and inspection centers.



Simple string will allow you to see a bend between two fixed points.

[LostMy65]

Make sure when you pull your measurements that you're on level flat ground.
You can also block it level, but the goal is have the frame level, so any off measurements you get aren't just because one wheel is lower than the rest.
Posted via Mobile Device

[Scot_Douglas]

When I checked my frame, I snapped a straight line on the garage floor that was based on the center of my frame in the rear. I did this because it had evidence of a hard front hit.

From there, I used a plumb bob at the center of every crossmember and measured the distance from the bob to the "centering line". My original frame ended up being about 2" off to one side.

[Northern lights]

Originally Posted by LT1 Burb

Also has anyone had a frame successfully straightened and what did it cost, thanks.

I had the frame straightened on a '06 Western star, $1000. Rather than screw around with tape measures and chalk lines, if you have big plans for this truck, contact a body shop with a frame rack, ask if they have the measurements for the year of your truck in their computer. If they do, take it in and have them shoot it. Shouldn't cost much and then you know FOR SURE. The challenge will be finding a shop with your truck in their database.

[joedoh]

I bought a whole 65 that I only wanted the cab and felt guilty about parting it out till I pulled the motor. the front was wagged over about 3 inches.





the only clue I had when I got it was that it sat a little weird, I figured it was a sagging spring.

[BR3W CITY]

You really do have to just measure these things tho. I thought a couple areas on mine looked a little weird (bolt holes not in the same place on both sides, things looking a bit "off)...and EVERY measurement came out within spec. The thing to keep in mind is that "Spec" back then was a little different, and maybe you just got a truck built by someone having a bad day lol. I swear my engine sits crooked but EVERY corner to corner comes out right. Maybe my heads just crooked.

[LT1 Burb]

Here is a couple of pics, looks worse than Joedoh's.