squashed frame rail repair

3lite · Postby **3lite** » Sat Aug 03, 2013 7:59 pm

Hi all,

Im currently trying to get my NA Mx5 reregistered here in wa so that I can drive to race meets without the need for a trailer/ tow. The only problem in having is the drivers side frame rail looks like its taken a kerb and has been squashed up, safe to say its not going to be perfectly square again any time soon... from what I understand the frame rails dont really have anything to do with the chassis integrity but im guessing if I try go for road worthy ill be told the chassis is bent and fail? Any have any experience with this or with repairs with these? Any help is appreciated and I will post sone pics later when I get a pc.

M1474 · Postby **M1474** » Sat Aug 03, 2013 9:35 pm

Tap it as good as you can with a hammer and some wood, then give it a touch of bog and some under body deadener and flick dust at it if needed so it looks un touched -ish.

hks_kansei · Postby **hks_kansei** » Sat Aug 03, 2013 9:44 pm

Lump hammer and a pull hammer

between those two tools you should be able to pull them fairly straight (pull hammer more so)

manga_blue · Postby **manga_blue** » Sat Aug 03, 2013 11:22 pm

You can also take a small (about 3") bench vice off the bench and use it to squeeze the rails back out most of the way towards square.

3lite · Postby **3lite** » Sun Aug 04, 2013 12:39 am

Cheers guys,

Got a lump and slide hammer so will try that. Get it mostly square and then make it good with the vice, its pretty stuffed for a good 400mm.... will let u know how I go

lightyear · Postby **lightyear** » Sun Aug 04, 2013 5:43 am

The best way is to grind it clean, tack weld a 50mm or so piece of scrap steel onto the edge of the rail. Pull it down with a slide hammer. And repeat till it is all pulled out.Then tap it a bit till it looks ok.