[68ragtop]

Hi Guys!

I am just realizing that the frame on my 68 GTO convertible was straightned at some point in its life. When I started the restoration, I picked up my current frame in Kentucky & trailered it back to Green Bay. Very solid & square. I test fitted the body & panels last year & the front clip just didn't fit quite rite unless I raised the core support higher than where it would sit with the correct mounts.

After getting the correct frame measurements, I am now realizing that both frame horns are about 3/4" lower than they should be. When I used the other measuring points I quickly learned that it will need to be bent at, or very close to the torque box. I will probably bring it to a frame shop that can correct this, if I can find one that isn't going to scratch up the allreaded completed chassis.

I have heard of frames getting rusted & weak in this area, so I am wondering how hard it will pull?

Any experiance, or input?

68RT

[paint guy]

Not doubting your measurements or assesment of the problem by any stretch, but when you fitted the fenders, did you have the big rubber stops that slide on to the core support installed?

[marxjunk]

You need to find a good frame guy to evaluate it...

ive been a frame guy for 15 years, and until you get t on a maching and do some real measurements, your guessing, the assy manual has frame demensions, and someone with some experience can help...i have no idea who to use up there, but do sonme research

ive seen the same problems and it could literally be anything from wrong bushings to actually bent..if the front horns are down..the damage probably goes deeper...have a professional look at it, instead of some dude on the internet giving suggestions...

[68ragtop]

I used the mounts that came in the body mount kit. They were about the same thickness as the originals, just not as wide. I am quite sure its bent. I am not just guessing. I spent a couple hours measuring, I don't have a frame machine but I was able to figure out enough to know its not correct using the measurements below. I should have 6-7/8" from the bottom edge of the frame to the core support mount location. Both sides are at just under 6-1/8" Also, the measurment hole above the rear A-Arm is about 3/16" low which makes me think its in the torque box area.

Actually, I am fine with the problem, because for the longest time, I just could understand why the fenders fit so bad. I had spaced them up 1/2" from the core support, & then drew them down tight after the fenders were tight on the body. I knew something was wrong.

Sure wish I would have caught it earlier.... I had a frame guy that used to do builder pulls for me, be he closed his shop a few years ago, & I got out of doing wrecks about 8 years ago. Hopefully I can find a new guy that knows what he is doing.

I have some old school pulling chains in the shop floor, but don't feel like screwing it up.

[Mark Simiele]

marxjunk is right on, need to find an old school frame guy and have them see it in person. I am sure that can be put back to spec again or very near to it with minimal re-touching of the fresh frame paint.

[Andretti]

So both sides are off the same 3/4". It sounds like you know your stuff and have already confirmed it's square and parallel. Just my opinion but that amount wouldn't justify the potential aggravation you could face having someone try to perfect it.

Yes, that box section just behind the front front wheels can be a weak spot. I wonder if the car sat for a long time on axle stands inboard of the wheels. I'm sure you've already thought about several easy ways to correct it. I would go with floor blocks under the horns and tie-strapped torque boxes. No rush while monitoring the amount you get.

[corn goat]

I have the same problem.Help

[69Customs]

This may be a dumb question, but this replacement frame is the fully boxed convertible frame?

[PaulatFast]

FYI That drawing you have is not correct. We just build a body jig to the factory drawing, first car we attempted to bolt on it wouldn't fit. We started measuring factory cars that had never been apart. They are not consistant at all. We set the top of the frame at the front mounts and the mounts directly in front of the rear tires level and measured the heights of the front and rear mounts on the factory cars, there was no consistancy at all.

I am not saying you are not correct in diagnosing your bent frame, I am saying don't put alot of faith in that drawing. Do whatever it takes to make your car line up as needed, don't worry about where ever you end up on the measurements.

[68ragtop]

Just got my frame back from a "semi-local" frame shop last wednesday.
He pushed the front rails up nearly 7/8" on both sides, so I was pretty close in my guestimate. I dropped the body back on this weekend & test fitted the front clip & bumper. The fit is perfect! I wish I would have figured this out years back, but at least I didn't have the car all back together.

Yes, 69customs, its a boxed frame.