I just found out that my 1968 coupe was in a front ender sometime in its life. The 327 engine sits low to the right side of the fan shroud so the last owner put a flex fan on the H2O pump since the original fan would hit the shroud. The mechanic said the front right side of the frame was "diamonded" from the hit causing the engine to be off center of the fan shroud. He stated that the engine would have to be removed to straighten the frame. My question is, would he also have to remove the body to do this? Perhaps I should consult a corvette frame specialist. Any ideas would help. Thanks, Glen
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Re: Bent frame
Glen - I am not doubting your vette was in a collision and could have some misalignment, but please be aware that the engine mount support brackets are not centered on a corvette, and the engine normally sits towards the passenger side of center. The steering gear box if you look is one of the reasons for this, as it mounts inboard on the frame on the drivers side. Having said that, I would take your vette to someone that knows corvettes and the measurement points for a careful check. Possibly it can be straightned with the body on, but my personal preference would be with the body off. It takes a lot of force to move the frame, and a lot of torsional stress would be applied to the body mounts, potentially cracking the body. Maybe someone else will chime in that has actually tried this, but I would personally not attemept it with the body on. But first check for sure you have a problem. Does the car seem to track true? Tire weare OK? Any doglegging down the road if someone follows you? You know the drill....there was a post here in the past month of a service in Cailf that had a special fixture just for vette frames.... I bookmarked their website and am including it below. I would call and speak with them if I were you....best of luck!....Craig
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Re: Bent frame
If your car was hit that hard you have to know it. The engine mounts are VERY INBOARD of the side rails and would take a big impact to move them. It seems to me that the engine in most all cars is not centered with the frame also for the fact that the rear end ring and pinon are offset. As far as the body, you are taking a BIG RISK in harming it. It will not move and flex as the steel does. If you hear cracking it is too late! Be sure you are doing the right thing before you do it.Comment
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Re: Bent frame
Thank you all for the responses, you all have been a great help. GlenComment
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