The Stovebolt Site Forums The Parking Lot '60-'66 Trucks fixing my bent frame any ideas?

Hello my fellow bolters ok so I'm tryin to straighten the frame on my 63 3/4ton gmc and I've tryd porta powering it and is seems like its got a little better but no were near where straight is.im planning on bulldogging 4 plates with hook points I can comealong off of them.but its bent at the radiator cross member to were the bumper bolts on anyone ever straighten one out before?its bent in towards drivers side makeing everything way out of square! Thxs for any help on this guys

I have taken frames to a body shop that specializes in frame straightening with good resuts.

In fact, I think I'd recommend it on any really top notch restoration. Everything lines up with a To-Spec frame.

If it's been hit, you might need to or be better off replacing bent crossmembers from a donor frame, re- riveting them rather than bolting.

Factory Body Manuals contain all frame dimensions.

It sounds like you need a replacement frame or a visit to a frame rack. It is pretty hard to staighten a frame without a serious tie down system. You have to hold every thing else still so only the part you want to move moves.I have a frame if you decide to bail on fixing yours and Im in idaho. Good Luck Lyle

Were about in idaho lyle I'm in twin and what exactly is the frame from?

Im in Bonners Ferry. The frame is a 64 1/2 ton gmc. The only difference between 1/2 and 3/4 is the bolt on front suspension parts and the rear leaf packs. All of these parts are bolt on and you can swap your parts onto the frame. The main part of the frame and crossmembers are the same. Any 63-66 1/2 or 3/4 ton frame will work under your truck. A chevy frame will also work but the rear suspension is different and not worth trying to swap out. But you could use it and just keep the chevy rear suspension. You may be able to find a truck or frame a little closer to you with this info. If not my contact info is below. fill free to call or email if you have any other questions.
Lyle

I would just check with a frame shop( check with a couple of body shops to find out who does a decent job). mya be a lot simpler and cheaper to get it straightened
ron

You will save yourself a lot of time, hassle and probably money by just going to a reputable frame shop. I know you want to save money, I would too, but in this case it would be a wiser investment to let a professional handle the frame straightening.

If you haven't added enough secondary damage with the porto power to make it impossible to straighten, find a shop with a Chief EZ-Liner or some other type of platform pulling system, and let 'em have at it. Impact damage must be pulled out exactly opposite the way it went in. If the frame is pulled or pushed at a different angle, the damage compounds itself and becomes difficult, if not impossible to correct.
Jerry