64 Frame bent at rear-Leave as is or Straighten

[Jim W.]

Now that my frame is totally stripped and ready for sandblasting, I noticed a bend at the right rear kick out for the bumper attachment. The top is angled in, so not sure it was ever hit and original bumper is not damaged at all. Is it possible it was delivered/assembled that way (doesn't seem likely, but you never know). Should I have it straightened or leave alone. It was never noticeable with body and bumper on. The two bumpers were level in the same plane. I don't recall if there were extra washers to compensate.

JimFrame bent.jpgFrame bent2.jpgFrame bent 3.jpg

[Duke W.]

Re: 64 Frame bent at rear-Leave as is or Straighten

I recall there is a drawing of the frame in the 1963 Corvette Shop Manual with various check dimensions, so you should start there, but beyond that it's not clear to me from your photos where the suspect damage is.

Perhaps you could mark it with chalk or a tire crayon to highlight.

Duke

[Jim W.]

Re: 64 Frame bent at rear-Leave as is or Straighten

Duke, I took a couple more pics with marked area of concern. Also put a straight edge against a framing square. The left side has a slight inward angle at the top, but nothing like the right side.frame.jpgframe2.jpgframe3.jpg

[Alan D.]

Re: 64 Frame bent at rear-Leave as is or Straighten

Do a search for "1964 corvette frame dimensions" and look at your area of concern.
Yours is a lot different than mine

[Richard M.]

Re: 64 Frame bent at rear-Leave as is or Straighten

I once reframed a '66 using a reproduction frame.

When I reinstalled the body, the rear bumper brackets that attach to those frame points could not be mated due the vertical angle being 90* at the frame section.

I had to bend the entire rear frame crossmember downward as you show yours is.

I did not understand why the new frame didn't have that bend. The old frame did, and I hadn't noticed it until I was deep into reassembly.

I would leave your frame as is, as it clearly was correct when you took the body off. If you bend it back straight, you may be cursing at yourself.

I'll see if I have any photos later.

Rich

[Timothy B.]

Re: 64 Frame bent at rear-Leave as is or Straighten

Jim, put a few bolts in it and get a crow bar and bend it straight, get a hammer and fix any bent up/down areas and it will be fine. The metal is not thick on that rear crossbar, it's really hard to try and figure out what happened in the cars past life so don't sweat it.

[Gary C.]

Re: 64 Frame bent at rear-Leave as is or Straighten

Redid my '64 in 1996 and can't recall any rear frame bumper problems. Attached is a scanned photo and 63-5 frame alignment drawing.

If your body fit and bumper fit was good, the bend is in an area that should not affect alignment, I'd leave as is.

Gary
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[Alan D.]

Re: 64 Frame bent at rear-Leave as is or Straighten

Remember the spare tire tub rear bolt is connected to that location, so double check the tub will fit.
The next forward frame member will have some holes for the front of the tub as a location point.
Sorry, confused the location - so never mind

[Jim W.]

Re: 64 Frame bent at rear-Leave as is or Straighten

Thanks all for your input. I will as advised, leave well enough alone since it worked before. Can always shim with extra washers where needed.

Jim

[David M.]

Re: 64 Frame bent at rear-Leave as is or Straighten

IMO and only a suggestion... Ive seen this happen many times where someone goes through all the work of painting and rebuilding only to find later on during final assembly they have a tweaked frame.

On a metal car it wreaks havoc with gaps and front end alignment. Cant be any better with fiberglass.

You are this far along with it, why not drop it off at a shop that has a frame table. Have a professional straighten it. At least verify its in spec.

Why rebuild on a questionable frame?

Liken it to building a house with a questionable foundation?

Dave