Looking to fix slightly bent frame
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Full Member
Joined: Aug 2014
Posts: 125
Likes: 1
From: Pennsylvania
Looking to fix slightly bent frame
Hello, I own a 1984 FB RX-7 that has mostly been in an accident previously 
the frame is slightly bent underneath on the passenger side. The rest of the car is in very good condition, even has a street port 
It isn't very serious, however it does cause the steering to be wonky and I want to fix it for cheap. I know it won't ever be normal but I want it good enough for drifting. I am new to mechanics but I'm sure something on the suspension is catching the frame when I get near full lock and it doesn't allow the car to move. I just want to know if I could fix it on a budget or if I should wait until I am properly equipped with knowledge and equipment to fix it. Or should I get a new chassis all together (would that be possible with so few of these cars?) Thank you for taking time to read my post and have a great day. 
the frame is slightly bent underneath on the passenger side. The rest of the car is in very good condition, even has a street port It isn't very serious, however it does cause the steering to be wonky and I want to fix it for cheap. I know it won't ever be normal but I want it good enough for drifting. I am new to mechanics but I'm sure something on the suspension is catching the frame when I get near full lock and it doesn't allow the car to move. I just want to know if I could fix it on a budget or if I should wait until I am properly equipped with knowledge and equipment to fix it. Or should I get a new chassis all together (would that be possible with so few of these cars?) Thank you for taking time to read my post and have a great day.
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 25,581
Likes: 136
From: Smiths Falls.(near Ottawa!.Mapquest IT!)
The only 2 viable options are
1: take it to a shop and they can put it on a frame straightener machine and fix it.
2: get another chassis if the frame is not repairable.
Usually a regular Joe can't fix a bent frame and IF they do it will not be 100%.
I opted for #1 and my car is STILL on the road...8 years later.
1: take it to a shop and they can put it on a frame straightener machine and fix it.
2: get another chassis if the frame is not repairable.
Usually a regular Joe can't fix a bent frame and IF they do it will not be 100%.
I opted for #1 and my car is STILL on the road...8 years later.
Thread Starter
Full Member
Joined: Aug 2014
Posts: 125
Likes: 1
From: Pennsylvania
The only 2 viable options are
1: take it to a shop and they can put it on a frame straightener machine and fix it.
2: get another chassis if the frame is not repairable.
Usually a regular Joe can't fix a bent frame and IF they do it will not be 100%.
I opted for #1 and my car is STILL on the road...8 years later.
1: take it to a shop and they can put it on a frame straightener machine and fix it.
2: get another chassis if the frame is not repairable.
Usually a regular Joe can't fix a bent frame and IF they do it will not be 100%.
I opted for #1 and my car is STILL on the road...8 years later.
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 25,581
Likes: 136
From: Smiths Falls.(near Ottawa!.Mapquest IT!)
I can tell you if it is Cheap then it 9 times out of 10 it is not correct.
My job was done by an old high school buddy,so the price was negotiated.
You won't get a true estimate on here anyways,so the best bet is to take to someone who does this kind of thing and get them to give you an estimate.
I knew my car needed some lovin as the fenders didn't sit right,even though I had straightened the Bent parts out,so when I got the "damage report" I was informed the whole front was off by about an inch.(dogtracking the car,BUT it drove straight!)
Just out of curiosity if you can post a pic that may help.
My job was done by an old high school buddy,so the price was negotiated.
You won't get a true estimate on here anyways,so the best bet is to take to someone who does this kind of thing and get them to give you an estimate.
I knew my car needed some lovin as the fenders didn't sit right,even though I had straightened the Bent parts out,so when I got the "damage report" I was informed the whole front was off by about an inch.(dogtracking the car,BUT it drove straight!)
Just out of curiosity if you can post a pic that may help.
Thread Starter
Full Member
Joined: Aug 2014
Posts: 125
Likes: 1
From: Pennsylvania
I can tell you if it is Cheap then it 9 times out of 10 it is not correct.
My job was done by an old high school buddy,so the price was negotiated.
You won't get a true estimate on here anyways,so the best bet is to take to someone who does this kind of thing and get them to give you an estimate.
I knew my car needed some lovin as the fenders didn't sit right,even though I had straightened the Bent parts out,so when I got the "damage report" I was informed the whole front was off by about an inch.(dogtracking the car,BUT it drove straight!)
Just out of curiosity if you can post a pic that may help.
My job was done by an old high school buddy,so the price was negotiated.
You won't get a true estimate on here anyways,so the best bet is to take to someone who does this kind of thing and get them to give you an estimate.
I knew my car needed some lovin as the fenders didn't sit right,even though I had straightened the Bent parts out,so when I got the "damage report" I was informed the whole front was off by about an inch.(dogtracking the car,BUT it drove straight!)
Just out of curiosity if you can post a pic that may help.
Thread Starter
Full Member
Joined: Aug 2014
Posts: 125
Likes: 1
From: Pennsylvania
I have seen the frame when it was on the lift but I can't remember exactly how bad it was. Didn't seem that bad but next time I have it on a jack or lift I'll take some pictures. And for the suspension I plan on coilovers so maybe that will fix some problems?
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