Well, I hit a retaining wall at 55 mph and then slid up the opposite imbankment after hitting a big curb. I am pretty sure the frame is bent. I took off what was left of the right fender (Major impact point) only to find that upper "frame rail" (Adjacent to hood) was buckled in a few places. Underneath I can see a major hit on the main heavy crossmember that goes under the front of the engine, the inner tie rod was bent however the lower control arm looks "good" I do not see any buckling of the frame where the control arm attaches. Problem is that the car turns one way much better than the other. On a left hand turn under throttle it feels like the front brakes are on and the rear pushes to the outside. Please give me your oppinions. Monday I will take it to check allignment. If the alignment checks out OK am I safe??

 

I would have a repair shop look at it and give you a detailed estimate. Hopefully, he will list things you can repair your self (like the K-member if you are handy in that way). Worst case you have a bigger problem, and may have to have the front end straightened on one of those machines.

Whatever you do, don't ignore it--it's an accident waiting to happen based upon your description.

Oh yea, don't drive it until at least your alignment guy looks at it--you'll at best just wear out your front tires quickly.

-Rob

 

I don't have the money to put this car up on that frame straightening rack. I essentialy don't have collision on it. Do you think I can sledge hammer it back into place? How important is that upper frame rail? The only thing I see that it would affect is the upper strut mounting point. Thanks for the reply, yeah, the handling is scarry thats why I am making my wife drive it (Actually, she works 1 mile from home and I work 37 miles away)

 

I personally don't see a sledge doing much good--that's some pretty tough steel (go ahead, hit it once) and you could do more harm than good.

BTW, I just spoke to a friend of mine who is in the business of frame straightening. He said about $300 covers minor work, and that $600 usually covers pretty big jobs.

 

Personally I think no-one should be driving this car other than to the alignment shop. It is just not worth taking a chance with anyone's safety.

 

Thanks Rob and Lady. I will be getting a new car Monday. Rob, when they straighten the frame do they weld in reinforcments? Thanks

 

My friend is certified for what he does, but I don't know the details of how/what he does. I won't be talking to him again for a couple of weeks.