How to tell if the frame on a car is bent?

Eli

Super Moderator | Elite Member
Oct 9, 1999
50,419
8
81
My brother got into an accident several months ago. His throttle stuck open, and he hit the curb very hard. Popped 3 tires and broke his upper steering knuckle. :shocked:

Someone came out and looked at it, said it wasn't fixable because the frame is bent. Would be nice if I could see it myself.. without spending more $$ for a second opinion.
 

Glavinsolo

Platinum Member
Sep 2, 2004
2,946
0
0
Take it to car max and see if they are willing to buy it from you. They state they don't buy cars with bent frames
 

CrackRabbit

Lifer
Mar 30, 2001
16,642
62
91
Originally posted by: Glavinsolo
Take it to car max and see if they are willing to buy it from you. They state they don't buy cars with bent frames

No Carmax here.
 

BoomerD

No Lifer
Feb 26, 2006
66,355
14,768
146
Take it to a good body shop. You'll most likely have to pay for the inspection, as it does take a while, but if it's that important to you to know...(Yes, I would if it were mine)
 

1prophet

Diamond Member
Aug 17, 2005
5,313
534
126
A good body shop that repairs frame damage usually has equipment such as this but be prepared to pay for its use.



car body straightening and measuring equipment

Description: The new Autorobot electronic measuring system is unique in the world because it can measure the vehicle chassis and body reliably and quickly. The superior qualities of the new electronic measuring are based on the measuring arch which moves over the entire vehicle and on the laterally and vertically adjustable measuring rods that are carried in the bearings. The new swivel measuring heads reach all important body points without using separate additional structures for example measuring the strut tower. The measuring file can quickly be completed with data on the lower control arm mounting points, McPherson upper end, frame front end and the fender front structures, i.e. all the important points that determine the good driving condition of the vehicle, the optical shape and the correct positioning of the different vehicle parts. The new measuring system also measures points situated inside the vehicle even behind obstacles, like the rear strut tower mounting points in the luggage room. Patent pending.

Recommendation: The new Autorobot electronic measuring system is recommended for body shops that would like to serve their clients and the insurance companies with the best possible information on the vehicle body and chassis. The measuring is based on the approx. 30 three-dimensional reference measuring points in the underbody and 30 measuring points in the vehicle upper body. The Autorobot electronic measuring system is the best choice for body shops that want to have a better level of quality and reporting and want to invest in the technology of the future and in the personnel know-how. The Autorobot electronic measuring suits all Autorobot benches and with adapters also on other straightening systems.