1968 f100 damage repair
Thread Starter
|
5th Wheeling
Joined: Jul 2016
Posts: 27
Likes: 0
1968 f100 damage repair
Looking for a little advice from the group that would be more knowledgeable than me on some of the repairs for my '68 f100 SB that I picked up from an original owner that had a slight mishap.
I'm still trying to figure out the uploading of picture process, but the truck was hit on the driver's front corner and along with destroying the sheet metal it appears to have "slightly" twisted the front frame member a few degrees.
I have removed all the damaged body panels (except for the cowl section) but now need to access the frame issue before deciding to move forward with the remaining repairs.
Is it even possible to adjust the frame member back into alignment?
Thanks in advance for any help or pearls of wisdom that the group may be able to provide.
I'm still trying to figure out the uploading of picture process, but the truck was hit on the driver's front corner and along with destroying the sheet metal it appears to have "slightly" twisted the front frame member a few degrees.
I have removed all the damaged body panels (except for the cowl section) but now need to access the frame issue before deciding to move forward with the remaining repairs.
Is it even possible to adjust the frame member back into alignment?
Thanks in advance for any help or pearls of wisdom that the group may be able to provide.
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 1,829
Likes: 255
From: Piney Woods of East Texas
Yes frames can be straightened. Without seeing any pictures it's going to be hard to give you a direction. More than likely it only bent the forward extended section in front of the main engine/suspension cross support. This effects the radiator support and everything that connects to it (finders/ grill...) . Depending on how it's bent it may be as simple as using a jack to move it back into place.
Thread Starter
|
5th Wheeling
Joined: Jul 2016
Posts: 27
Likes: 0
blue68f100, thanks for the input. It does appear to have only affected that forward extension section.
I was hoping to just be able to heat it up a little and gently see if it could be adjusted back close to factory. I have a couple of other parts trucks to get the replacement parts from (and to confirm measurements).
I'm not sure what I'm doing wrong to upload the pictures, it gets to 90% uploaded and then just stops for some reason, I'm sure it is operator error.
I was hoping to just be able to heat it up a little and gently see if it could be adjusted back close to factory. I have a couple of other parts trucks to get the replacement parts from (and to confirm measurements).
I'm not sure what I'm doing wrong to upload the pictures, it gets to 90% uploaded and then just stops for some reason, I'm sure it is operator error.
Hotshot
Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 16,174
Likes: 4,781
From: Burbank, WA
I agree that truck is hit harder than you think. Before messing with the end of the frame, you'll want to take some careful measurements on the frame and make sure it isn't bent, twisted or diamonded. It sure looks like it should be. That could take someone with a frame machine, and the talent and knowledge to use it properly, to fix it right.
Trending Topics
More Turbo
Joined: Feb 2001
Posts: 525
Likes: 78
FTE Stories
Ford Trucks for Ford Truck Enthusiasts
10 Things Every Truck Owner NEEDS (2026 Edition)
Michael S. Palmer
Rezvani's Latest Post-Apocalyptic Monster Is a Ford F-150 Raptor Underneath
Verdad Gallardo
Top 10 Most Expensive Ford Trucks Ever Sold on Bring a Trailer
Joe Kucinski
2027 Ford Super Duty Buyer's Guide (Every Model, Engine, & Package)
Brett Foote
Top 10 Ford Truck Tragedies
Joe Kucinski
AEV FXL Super Duty - the Super Duty Raptor Ford Doesn't Make
Brett Foote
Lobo Vs Lobo: Proof the F-150 Lobo Should Be Even Lower!
Michael S. Palmer
Ford's 2001 Explorer Sportsman Concept Looks For a New Home
Verdad Gallardo
10 Best Ford Truck Engines We Miss the Most!
Joe Kucinski
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 1,829
Likes: 255
From: Piney Woods of East Texas
If the wheel alignment is off you did bend the frame and would require a trip to a shop with a frame stretcher. Like others have said if the damage is into the cowl of the cab it took a major hit. Now the inner finders mount to the side, where the side torque can mess up that area. Doing repair in that area is not easy and very time consuming and expensive.
Hotshot
Joined: Jul 2020
Posts: 10,471
Likes: 2,633
From: Near Salt Lake City
Might take quite a while to repair that cab and the result may be not quite acceptable
The frame can be fixed
It can all be fixed
Look for another cab and hood along with the fender if you keep it
The frame can be fixed
It can all be fixed
Look for another cab and hood along with the fender if you keep it
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
Gilly316
1948 - 1956 F1, F100 & Larger F-Series Trucks
19
Dec 27, 2019 11:36 AM
rusty71swb
1948 - 1956 F1, F100 & Larger F-Series Trucks
5
Aug 27, 2011 06:52 PM
Gaderene
1948 - 1956 F1, F100 & Larger F-Series Trucks
5
Feb 26, 2005 12:06 PM
jrsroadhauze
1961 - 1966 F-100 & Larger F-Series Trucks
1
Sep 19, 2004 09:28 PM