Frame straightening question

dru · Nov-30-2006, 12:42 PM

Hello,

My truck was damaged in an accident in Mexico. The frame was bent.

The Mexican auto shop "straightened" it.

I heard a rumor that due to new additives in steel, that you cannot straighten these frames any longer and still insure the vehicle.

Can anyone support or deny this rumor? If you have specific information on where I can learn more I would appreciate it. Pics attached just for fun.

Dru

michael · Nov-30-2006, 12:48 PM

From what I've heard, as long as the title is clean here in the US, then you shouldn't have any problem insuring the vehicle.

cretin · Nov-30-2006, 12:55 PM

As far as the frame goes... very slight damage can be straitened. If there is
any visible kinking or heating and so on it is junk. When I say little I mean slight. We have reframed a few trucks due to this. As far as insuring it I dont see an issue. Thats an ugly hit. I would pay close attn to that Rt front frame

dru · Nov-30-2006, 09:54 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by cretin

As far as the frame goes... very slight damage can be straitened. If there is
any visible kinking or heating and so on it is junk. When I say little I mean slight. We have reframed a few trucks due to this. As far as insuring it I dont see an issue. Thats an ugly hit. I would pay close attn to that Rt front frame

We hit that truck full speed at 70 km/hour. I would say the front RT frame was bent 15 degrees inward. Is that slight? It didn't look good.

Thanks for the response

cretin · Dec-01-2006, 06:53 AM

I talked to our body shop manager......He basically said that if you can see on the frame that it has been worked on, it was bent too far. That would be a kink, clamp marks ..heat discoloring ..holes drilled and so on. He said that this is basic rule of thumb with these frames. Hope this helps you out....

Az.monkey · Dec-01-2006, 07:08 AM

Dru, Dave is on path. Take it to a bodyshop stateside and have them give it a once over. It's still insurable but the liability risk for a poorly repaired vehicle isn't in your favor CYA. worst case you have to take it to a DMV inspection station, and re-register it as a salvage title. this will CYA if you sell it and something happens as a result of the previous repairs.
This info comes from my better half that has been in the insurance field for 19 years. PM me for more information if needed

Karl

dru · Dec-01-2006, 10:41 AM

Thanks guys for the help. It is much appreciated.

doughnut · Dec-01-2006, 10:49 AM

Bring me the truck, i will put it on the frame machine for you, and tell you where you are at at least.