Pre-resto Frame Straightening

[70']

Hi all, new to the board but no stranger to a wrench. I'm just getting ready to start a frame off of my 70 chevy short bed 4X4. I bought the truck a few years ago with the purpose of a full frame off restoration in mind. the truck has not ran since I bought it, so I have never "Driven" it other than winching it on and off the trailer to get it home. I am planning to start the tear down this weekend to get the frame off for paint and the thought has stuck me as to whether or not I should just go ahead and have the frame checked/straightened prior to paint just to make sure. I would hate to get the truck perfect then take it for its maiden voyage just to find out the frame is bent. I have no reason to suspect there is a problem, but also no evidence of there not being an issue either. What are your thoughts? Also, can they put a completly torn down frame in a straightener or should I do it while the truck is still whole prior to disassembly?

[speesh]

This is a good question. I have never done a frame off restore, but I would measure diagonally from corner to corner. I have seen somewhere, maybe the factory assembly manual, a diagram of what the dimensions are. Also I would set the frame on a flat surface and see if it rocks.

[tcrist]

If everything lines up now it theoretically should later. But having the frame checked would not hurt, depending on the $$ involved.

If you decide on having the frame checked then I would call the frame shop that you plan on using and ask them which way they would prefer, bare frame or whole truck.

If it were me and they could not do it as a bare frame, I would find another place to have it done.


This was posted on here before and would / could help,
http://www.chuckschevytruckpages.com/framespecs.html

With this you might be able to do this yourself.

[cdowns]

take the factory service manual and check the tolerances yer self if you have access to a tape measure

[SS Tim]

The frame can be easily checked using the horizontal and vertical dimensions and methods in section 2 of the factory service manual. The Chucks trucks link IIRC is for the later 73 up trucks and not applicable.
The important thing to do is measure accurately against a flat surface which most garage floors are not. A plumb bob and a correctly used quality measuring tape will get you very close repeatable results. In any event a little time will tell you quickly if it needs "professional help" or is go to go.

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[tcrist]

[quote=SS Tim;6946984]The Chucks trucks link IIRC is for the later 73 up trucks and not applicable. quote]


I did not actually notice that. Guess I should look at stuff closer next time. I did not because it was posted previously on the 67-72 forum so I assumed it was for the 67-72. And you know what assuming does!!!.

[cleanfreak]

I'm at the bare frame stage now , a level , simple measurements side to side , and a visual inspecton for kinks & tweeks is all I've felt the need to do with a frame that seems good.

[franken]

I'd say measure and fix problems before tearing it apart. That way if the cab or bed is tweaked, they get pulled back at the same time. As far as I know, this is how a body shop will do it.

[Hutch]

Be sure to check the frame closely where the steering box bolts to the frame
The 4x4 frames at notorious for cracking at this location
You will only see the cracks once the box is removed and the frame has been cleaned. There are aftermarket parts made for this repair which also adds stability to a known weak area of the frame especially for the 4x4's

[Hutch]

Here is a link in reference to the above post
http://www.offroaddesign.com/catalog/steeringkit.htm