bran3b

I tried but of course I overlooked the fatal problem with #227. After getting the car running and driving well I finally got to the body work which consisted of replacing a fender and gapping the panels, I wish that I did this a year or more ago. After messing with the fenders for a day I realized that the frame is pushed in toward the passenger side. I took it to 2 shops, none can fix it, they both say that the car is too old and the computer table can't pull it back without the correct program. I tried a custom shop that does things the old way but he doesn't have the tools to do it, he did make an improvement but it is still not right. So now I am debating letting the car go, salvaging the parts for the others or do I try to find a shop in the Denver Metro area that can pull the front an inch to the left. If you were in my shoes, what would you do? Once the frame is straight it will need paint and minor interior work.

jeff spahn

Find an old school shop that can pull it. Someone can.

Speedtoys

You'll find one...ask them who THEY would call...

Jim Devine

Find a small older shop that WANTS to do it. A lot of shops will play dumb because there is easier money to be made. Don't have the tools? = code for don't want to do it. The old timers would just braze a piece of metal to grab on to & hook a chain & clamp to it & pull it
See if they will do the pull on a friday & leave it hooked up through the weekend under tension. It's not going to cost them anything if they are closed weekends
An old bodyman told me of pulling a Mercedes and the shop owner wanted it off the rack asap. Next day it had lost some of the pull. Metal has a memory and needs to get used to being in a different position. Give it time under tension. He said German cars were among the worst because the bodies were so stiff. so they want to return to the crash position,
but can be brought back with time/ patience.

Somewhere there is a factory body dimension chart for fixing damage - perhaps someone can point you to it. Thats all they need- lasers & computers just make it quicker/ easier.

Mrmerlin

The WSM has chassis measurements, and directions on how to take them

olmann

docmirror

Yup, it's fixable. You've spoken to the shops that don't want to mess with it. Now, find the one that does. They don't need to have the latest table with the best software stuff. Just the jig, hyd stuff, and a willingness to mess for a few hours. BTW, in my very humble experience, never, ever move the chassis with the doors open or the hatch up.

Guy

I had a similar experience with a 944 once. Everyone said they lacked the means to properly tie the car down on the rack I checked with a local tech school, they were able and willing to do the pull.

bran3b

Thanks for the advice. I hadn't thought of the tech school, will give them a call. I also got a recommendation for a shop in Colorado Springs, it is a bit of a drive but for quality work it might be the way to go.

fiatrn

Call Wright's in Arvada - they don't do bodywork (that I know of) but they will probably know someone who can help you out.

STRIKEMASTER

Somewhere I have a measurement diagram for the body shell, I'll post it for you when I find it.

STRIKEMASTER

Floor Assembly Control Distances
I knew I had it somewhere I hope this helps getting her straight....

bran3b

Thank you for the help. I have 2 shops that I will take the car to for their opinion, both come very highly recommended by friends that have had classic cars straightened. I'll report back with the outcome

Wisconsin Joe

I knew someone had had a car straightened out. I just couldn't remember who.

Something else triggered the memory.

It was AO and the Coke car.

Thread on the repair here:

https://rennlist.com/forums/928-foru...on-thread.html