checking frame dimensions

[Topcat]

I would like to check to see if my chassis is tweaked or bent anywhere. I found a small dent inside the wheelwell months after the tow truck driver moved my car earlier in the year. I suspect he may have bent the frame in the left rear over tightening it. There isn't any obvious visaual signs showing it's bent though. Is there a way I can check to see if it is bent by doing measurements?

[r15303]

In my service manual for my 70 challenger, there are a few pages with frame dimensions.  Not sure if the body has to be off to check them but worth a look - if you have a service manual.

[r15303]

oops - sorry.  The dims. are in a book I have called Challenger and Barracuda restoration guide 1967 - 1974.
I could fax a copy of the pages if it would help.

[Topcat]

I don't remember my fax number at work. I'll have to get back to you on Monday. Thanks

[Topcat]

Has anyone ever done this before? Would like to hear how you did it.

[Chryco Psycho]

body shops do it all the time when starightening hit cars , , one of the wquickest ways to check is to measure diagonally across the same points on the car & make sure it is square

[torredcuda]

Body shops use trams,tape measures and even lasers to check frames.To do it at home you need a surface that is flat within at least an 1/4" less.This is really something better left to a body shop unfortunatly.They can put it up on a frame machine and check it every which way to see if anythings out of spec.

[farmboy70]

I sent you a frame chart by e-mail,I can't seem to resize it to post here.
Dave

[Topcat]

Thanks it'll help I think. 

[vinb]

Hey guys, I don't think there are any measurements for the rear section on E-Body's. Only the front and center. I called CAR-O-LINER & CHIEF and they don't have anything. I spoke with a few body shops and no good. Like the other guys said you have to get under the car and start taking measurements, your best bet is get another car and measure that one up. I do have the front chart from a frame company. If you need it let me know....Thanks Vin.....

[vinb]

Found something for you.....

[vinb]

One more.....

[dougs bs23]

Thats one of the charts i used but did find one difference in the 73 chart as compared to the 74 chart.
Lift your car up on a flat surface and support it under the rockers and get it setting level in both directions (front to rear,, side to side) Use a carpenters plumb bob and mark the floor where the pb hits,,,, and measure all your points,,, +/-1/4" should be good,,, after all they werent built plumb level and square either 

[vinb]

Your right the '74 sheet is a little different, why who knows. Some of the measurements are as much as a 1/2"..
Go figure ......

[Topcat]

Took some pics today of the damage. The car is on a rolling chassis. One guy I talked with said it needs to have the rear axle and K member in it for the frame to be checked and straightened. I still don't know whether I should wait now or not to put it on the rotisserie which will arrive in a few weeks. With this, I'm pretty much at a standstill on progress now.  Any advice on this would be appreciated.