71 K10 frame questions

[C3pilot]

So the 71 swb k10 project that I picked up is down to frame and axles. I sent it to a body shop that has a frame machine and they assured me that they could get the numbers for a ‘71 k10...well we all know how the story goes from there. There unable to get numbers to measure the frame but say it’s over 4 inches out? How they came up with that number, I don’t know.

I’ve found the PDFs here on the sight that have the numbers for c10 frames but not k10s.

My question is; how much does the frame rail “narrow” at the engine? Or is the frame straight rail straight from front to back?

Here’s a few pics of the frame. Frame horns are bent, but is the frame 4 inches out? We think it took a right front impact of some kind. I’d consider a donor frame but had a hard time finding this one and it has a clean title so I’d like to try to have it repaired.

Any suggestions or pics of a frame that I can compare mine to.

Thx
C3pilot

[C3pilot]

Not sure why the pics turned sideways??

[mongocanfly]

just from looking at the pics I would say 4" would be a fair estimate... at the front of the frame....if that's the only damage and its all in front of the spring hanger it shouldn't be a hard fix....if its damaged behind the spring hanger then another frame would be the best option...id listen closely to what the frame man tells you...I would ask specific where the damage stops and go from there

[GSP7]

Cant tell anything from those picture. Kinda looks like the whole frame is tweeked, but that could be just cause of the pictures

[C3pilot]

I can take more pics. What would be a better angle?

[cst204x4]

Find a good frame guy that has experience with the older full frame vehicles I'm sure he can fix it

[tim71]

The 1971 Service Manual has frame measurements in it. Section 2, and it includes K models.

[C3pilot]

Originally Posted by tim71

The 1971 Service Manual has frame measurements in it. Section 2, and it includes K models.

Hey, that’s good info!! I’ll see if I can track one down.

[tim71]

Looking thru some of my pictures from my K1500 build, and found a decent shot of the frame. Hope this helps. Not sure why picture rotated sideways, may be you can rotate it back as you view it.

[kwmech]

Looks to me like the drivers side of the frame is pushed back somewhat. Plus the horns being rolled out. Looks like you'll have to take them the numbers or find a shop that can actually do what they say. From what I'm seeing it is very repairable...I've seen a lot worse than that be repaired in just a couple of hours

[C3pilot]

That’s a great pic of a good looking frame! So some good news. I did find the service manual and yes I now have the numbers. I think I’m actually going to cut my losses with the current shop and take it to a different guy.

I’m certainly not a pro here but I think it’s salvageable. Not sure it’ll be cost effective but that’s a whole different ball of wax.

I’ve been keeping an eye out for some front spring/core support mounts. Haven’t run across them yet, if anyone has a pair let me know.

Thx and keep the info coming

C3pilot

[mike16]

so , if the frame is off, once they square it up, how do they keep it from springing back out of shape. the reason I ask is because I have a friend who's toyota 4x4 got tweaked in an accident and once it was squared on the rack, they went and welded it to keep it square, He went four wheelin one week end and every weld broke. Over 30 mph it was unmanagable to steer. towed it home and two years later its still sittin.

[mongocanfly]

to straighten bent metal you have you overbend it to allow or springback...cant speak for them welding it....unless the frame rivets were pulled...if their welds broke cant say much for the welder.....unless it was really dogged on

[special-K]

A straightened frame can certainly be made to stay put once corrected. Good welds don't break.