I have my '51 F2 frame completely stripped and am in the process of cleaning it... I am very surprised how much of the original paint is still on the frame...

However, when I removed the front bumper, I discovered that the front passenger frame 'horn' is bent... the PO had pulled it in and bolted the bumper to it and the bumper was holding it straight. I straightened it enough to mount my rotisserie to it for cleaning/ repainting purposes, but have found that the entire passenger side frame member is bowed down with the worst drop being about 1/2 inch below the driver side in the area around the rear mount for the front spring.

I will probably have to take it to my local body shop (they have a frame machine)... Is there any issues associated with attempting to straighten this vintage frame?

Thanks- Bear

 

It must have hit something pretty solid to bow the frame rail. Have the frame guy check for diamond(measure diagonally) as well. It can be straightened.

 

Mine (F1) is in the frame shop right now as well.
Mine is bent in a few places, so I figured it was better to get the professionals to straighten it out, rather than fight the issue all the way through the rebuild.


Kirk

 

I will be taking mine to the frame shop as soon as I get the suspension assembled back on it... anything worth doing is worth doing right.

I am a machinist, so I am pretty **** about accuracy, tolerances, and things like that... its what makes me a lousy carpenter!

-Bear