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How to bend a bent frame.

Discussion in 'Intermediate CJ-5/6/7/8' started by '72CJ5, Jul 10, 2010.

  1. Jul 10, 2010
    '72CJ5

    '72CJ5 Member

    Modesto,...
    Joined:
    May 12, 2010
    Messages:
    980
    Alright, so awhile back my tow bar came off and shoved the nose of my jeep up which screwed my fenders, cracked my frame in one spot, bubbled the body in a few placed etc etc... I noticed the other day that when the grill was shoved upward, it had bent my frame on both sides right behind the front cross member. (The big flat one that the grill sits on). So Im thinking that if I can take my fenders off, bend the frame back down, fix fenders and it should go back to normal. Or should I just cut the frame off on the sides right there, run new rails and go that route. Any help would be FANTASTIC and very appreciated. Thanks.
     
  2. Jul 10, 2010
    zbhsmith

    zbhsmith Member

    Auburn, Alabama
    Joined:
    May 15, 2010
    Messages:
    108
    I would say find a new or used frame, but if not cut and rebuild the one you have. If you mange to bend it back just perfect, it will create a weak point in the frame. IMO
     
  3. Jul 10, 2010
    '72CJ5

    '72CJ5 Member

    Modesto,...
    Joined:
    May 12, 2010
    Messages:
    980
    Alright, thanks for the input. I would prefer not to bend it and thats why I was thinking of cutting the front frame rails off and replaceing them. I dont have the funds, time or patiences to get another frame ha so I will just be repairing the one I got now. It aint that bad, but is enough to make my front clip sit about 1/4" higher and dont allow the lines to meet up right.
     
  4. Jul 10, 2010
    Tarby

    Tarby New Member

    Smethport, PA
    Joined:
    Feb 1, 2009
    Messages:
    29
    sounds like it ain't too bad...why not pull it on a frame machine and reinforce it? My frame was bent to the point it was cracked all the way through at the pass. side mounting holes for the transfer case. I work part time at a body shop...had the measurements, and had it pulled at work. Only 3/8 of an inch off-good nuff for me...then I had my brother-in-law weld up the frame. He is a certified frame welder in PA. No problems at all...been wheelin' it since 2007-2 jeep jamborees and clean. These frames are easy to pull. My buddies at the shop would like to work on these all day compared to the other rolling stock coming in...LOL...I bought another frame off of a guy that wrecked his...$25 cash. Need to get it pulled and boxed and I have a spare!
     
  5. Jul 11, 2010
    '72CJ5

    '72CJ5 Member

    Modesto,...
    Joined:
    May 12, 2010
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    980
    This may sound ignorant, but what is a frame machine? How do they work?
     
  6. Jul 11, 2010
    zbhsmith

    zbhsmith Member

    Auburn, Alabama
    Joined:
    May 15, 2010
    Messages:
    108
    Most frame machines use hydrolics to push or pull the frame back striaght. It will get it close. Body shop use them on wreaked car to fix frames. You would have to got to a body shop to get it done. Then you would want to sand it down and weld in reinforcment plates to keep from having a weak spot in the frame. When you weld you want to weld across the top as much as you can, try not to weld down the side of the frame unless you have to. welding down the side will create a weak spot due to the high heat of the welding.
     
  7. Jul 11, 2010
    73cj5

    73cj5 Member

    Maine
    Joined:
    Jan 15, 2004
    Messages:
    903
    i would try cutting the bent parts out and welding in some patches over it. Ugly....yes....will it work....yes.
     
  8. Jul 11, 2010
    '72CJ5

    '72CJ5 Member

    Modesto,...
    Joined:
    May 12, 2010
    Messages:
    980
    Thanks for clearing that up for me. I will call around to a few body shops and see what it would cost to do it. Since its only bent towards the very front, I would only have to cut like the first 12 inches or so of frame off to fix it so depending on the price of the bender, we will see which way I go.
     
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