Resolved 83 frame rail damage?

x_man586 · May 13, 2026

83 GLX 5.0 5sp. I noticed this as I was removing stuff in the engine bay. Right in front of the strut towers on both sides there is a small inward bow on the frame rails. The only noticeable damage to the front of the car is the lower radiator support. 10 years in a bodyshop tells me the bows are not supposed to be there. The only reason I am questioning this is because they are there on both sides.

KRUISR · May 13, 2026

Given both sides are bulged it looks to me that the car hit something square on and bent the frame rails in front of the shock towers. It shouldn't affect alignment, but as you know (from being in a body shop). I would check dimensions to the key measuring points and make sure overall things are square (enough) - I realize because of the damage it is likely not perfect anymore.

General karthief · May 13, 2026

Impact with the lower radiator support and the disfigurement of the frame rails are 'cause and effect '.

x_man586 · May 13, 2026

Everything x’es out front and back I have tram gauges but without a frame machine and measuring equipment, I won’t be able to tell if the ends of the frame rails are higher or lower than they’re supposed to be. The hood, fenders, and bumper cover all line up fine. But now I do know that they are bent

rednotch · May 13, 2026

Common, that's a factory crush point in the chassis, they actual bow before the bumper absorbers these days since most are locked up, car probably had a light front hit. Bfh and block of wood , you'll never notice it and won't see much if any changes in body line gaps.

x_man586 · May 13, 2026

Yeah. As long as everything fits I’m happy.

General karthief · May 14, 2026

Ohh, geometry gives me a headache, first let me say if everything fits I'd likely leave it alone.
Second, without lay'n hands on it my guess from your description is the lower radiator support took a hit, pulled the frame horns in just enough to push out the inside crush tab, inspect the other side of both frame rails at the crush tabs making sure they are not torn from the shock tower, I suspect you're prolly good to go.

Resolved 83 frame rail damage?

x_man586

Member

KRUISR

General karthief

wonder how much it would cost to ship you a pair

x_man586

Member

rednotch

I'd like to remain having one chocolate starfish

x_man586

Member

General karthief

wonder how much it would cost to ship you a pair

Similar threads

Resolved 83 frame rail damage?

x_man586

Member

KRUISR

General karthief

wonder how much it would cost to ship you a pair

x_man586

Member

rednotch

I'd like to remain having one chocolate starfish

x_man586

Member

General karthief

wonder how much it would cost to ship you a pair

Similar threads

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