They make 3 leg motor slings that rest on the fender flanges and the front core support and that is what you have to use to hold the motor up off the mounts so that you do not tear stuff up. If they leave the bolts in the holes and then make the pulls, I would replace the bolts and mounts after wards. Yah, it maybe usable, but after being stressed in that manner, I would not run it in my own car. Its up to you on that one. Alot of this depends on how far and how hard they have to pull...
OK. Its actually good that the sheet metal alignment is off. They can use the body to help determine how far to go with the pulls. If the car needs to be painted and such all the better too...cause they have to pull beyond the point they need the frame to be at and try and let it settle back into place. Think of setting a compound fracture. You have to pull the bone ahead and beyond then let it rest back into position. I would definitely have the shop check for cracks before and after the pulls. If they are a good shop, they should be OK with you asking to see the car after setup and before the first pulls. Have them show you where the frame is damaged and then again after they make the pulls, to show you where they have repaired it before they undercoat anything. This way too you can have a idea as to what they have done (Have them take photos if you cant be there in person). Remember the steel on these old beasts is extremely mild steel, heat doesnt hurt it unless its dripping steel on the floor. The more you can cold straighten the better, but if its off by as much as it sounds, they very well may have to heat a spot or two. I hope they can fix it for you... Roarke Date: Tue, 10 Mar 2009 19:01:19 -0500 From: [email protected] To: [email protected]; [email protected] Subject: Re: [Chevelle-list] Frame Alignment I should have been more specific about the mounts. They are going to loosen the frame mount, but said the rubber could still tear. How I'm not sure? He was concerned about their age ( 10 years or so). Now my question back at you - If they REMOVED the mounts - what supports the front of the motor? How do I know there is sag? First 2 different shops could not achieve near the recommended alignment #'s after my Global West Upper Control Arm conversion. Even with MOOG Frame-Saver offset cross shafts. Also - yes the door/fender gaps on both sides have never been right & the hood/fender gaps are off too. I'm wanting to go for paint later this spring and want this to be the last paint it needs. On Tue, Mar 10, 2009 at 6:40 PM, Josh Campbell <[email protected]> wrote: Dang I'm glad I read this before I replied, you hit the nail on the head, especially the fact of taking the motor mounts off if they are afraid of ripping them. Josh Campbell The Body Shop (606) 265-5301 66 SS 396 (Black on the rotisseree, 1st car never part with it) 66 SS 396 (Red got it on a trade I only wanted the steering wheel) 87 Monte Carlo SS Sadly sold it guy offered me more than I thought it was worth 71 Malibu FOR SALE NEED MORE SPACE IN THE SHOP!!!!! --- On Tue, 3/10/09, ROARKE PONCE <[email protected]> wrote: From: ROARKE PONCE <[email protected]> Subject: Re: [Chevelle-list] Frame Alignment To: "The Chevelle Mailing List" <[email protected]> Date: Tuesday, March 10, 2009, 4:46 PM I am a Shop Manager for a Body Shop in Oregon, and I have some questions for you. How do you know it has some Sag? How much Sag is there? Is the sheetmetal aligned with the frame as it is? If they are pulling hard enough to possibly tear the motor mounts, they need to remove the mounts, no need to damage good parts because of being too lazy to do it right. Asking if 6-7 hours is OK is like going to a grocery store and asking the Manager "How much is a bag of groceries?". Beats me, don't know the particulars of whats in the bag. Same thing here, how far off is the frame? How much time is needed to remove and reinstall any trim, sheetmetal or mechanical parts that are in the way? Etc... Hope this helps, Roarke Ponce Shop Manager Excel Auto Body, LLC 541-880-0522 fax 541-850-5231 [email protected] I-CAR Platinum Individual ASE Master Tech Repair, Refinish and Estimating Date: Tue, 10 Mar 2009 11:23:52 -0500 From: [email protected] To: [email protected] Subject: [Chevelle-list] Frame Alignment The frame on my 72 el camino has some sag. I've never been able to get the recommended alignment specs to optimize the installed Global West Upper control arms. I finally found a body shop in this city who still has the PRINTED books with the necessary specs. Shop is a semi-retired father and son. They did collision work on my Jeep 12-15 years ago. And it looked good for the 6-8 years I kept the car so I have a bit of confidence in them. What do I need to question them on/ask them to check - to ensure a thorough job? They said its a 6-7 hour job - sound reasonable? Also said that its possible that the motor mounts will tear- they loosen them but no guarantee that they won't tear - reasonable? Thanx. -- Rick Schaefer 72 TPI El Camino -- Rick Schaefer 72 TPI El Camino
