I've heard from some people that it's not a good idea to repair a bent frame in a car because it still creates problems, and from others that it can be done. Someone ran a red light and hit my van, and I'm trying to decide if it's worth fixing. I don't need it to work for years and years, just to run for about a year to get me to work. It'll probably be much harder for me to find a car that's worth the money I'll be able to pay to get another one than for me to just repair this one. The claim check is all going to the leinholder, so I can't even use that to buy another car.
2006-12-04 07:47:30 · 6 answers · asked by jenjubatus 3 in Cars & Transportation ➔ Maintenance & Repairs
There is the obvious question of whether or not to spend more money fixing a car than it is technically worth, but that's your call.
An auto body shop will put the van on a "frame straightening machine" which uses lasers and huge amounts of force to bend the frame back into the correct shape.
This will leave clamp marks underneath the car, and anybody who knows their business will be able to tell the car has been through a wreck, hurting resale value.
The other issue is with safety. It's like bending a paper clip out of shape, and then trying to put it back in its original shape. It can be done, but not quite as well.
I imagine it will most likely cost you quite a bit to fix the vehicle, and it sounds like it is not worth much to begin with. You might be better off putting that money towards a newer car that will last quite a bit longer, you'd just need to finance it. I see too many people sinking huge amounts into older cars, when that money would be better used towards a newer car with less issues.
The car will be less safe in wreck #2.
2006-12-04 07:56:50 · answer #1 · answered by steve k 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Its true they do fix frames all the time, but I would never do it if I had the choice. After I wrecked my car it never drove the same again. That was the last time I will ever fix a car after a major acccident. Minor body work sure, but anything more then that isn't worth it.
2006-12-04 15:58:52 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Don't believe that. Frames are straightened all the time. Of course you will not have the integrity that you had befor if in a collision. But given your intended purposes, you will be fine. I have done it twice before on vehicles that I use for off road use primarily and have no problems.
Save your money and pull that frame.
2006-12-04 15:54:24 · answer #3 · answered by Clint M 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
it will never be as good as before. it might be ok for a while, but it will start to go bad again in a matter of weeks, and put more strain on everything else, and just end up making your car a pain to drive. if you only want to keep the van for another year, why are you putting money on it?
rust and body damage kill a car. don't ever spend money on a car with rust or serious body damage
2006-12-04 15:51:24 · answer #4 · answered by assmouth p 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Clint is right. There are absoluty no reprocutions to geting the frame bent back straight. accept youll be poor afterwards.
if its worth the money do it. if not buy a new one. its a matter of what is cheaper.
2006-12-04 15:56:52 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Opinions are like ars holes, everyone has one. Best to ask around, to see what the repair places will say.(Some will just want your money anyways). Is best to get some ideas what each of them think. As they are experts on that field.
2006-12-04 15:52:31 · answer #6 · answered by Silverstang 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋