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TR2/3/3A TR3 FRAME PROBLEMS HELP PLEASE

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mountainman

mountainman

Jedi Trainee
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Just started cleaning and and taking apart the front suspension on my 59 TR3 and found that it has been in a accident sometime in its life. The lower wishbone bracket has been bent and re-welded. I an not sure if that part of the frame is bent. I would really appreciate it if someone could give me the correct distance between the frame at that point. Mine is measuring 15" I have attached pictures and would like your input on how or if this can be fixed. My bubble has been busted and I am really sick to find this problem. Hopeful it can be fixed.
Thanks Greg
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Greg-

Unfortunately, your suspension turret looks to be twisted pretty badly, the pivot pin you show should be parallel to the frame as you probably can see from your other suspension mount. Here's a snapshot on my 59:

IMG_0555Medium.jpg



I measured about 15" between mounts, but not sure if that is what you were measuring.

A frame place may be able to get it repositioned, but I have no direct experience to help. The other possibility is with patience just pick up a replacement frame. Around this area they can be found, my guess is $200 or so and you would have a suitable replacement. Others may correct my bad math if I'm off very far.

Randy
 
Greg, definatly a problem, it is at an un-natural angle. I looked throuh my pictures but have none that show what you need. I agree with Randy, needs to be fixed, or possibly find a good frame and start with that.

Dood luck, Tinkerman
 
Greg, I don't think it's a problem at all, as long as your not looking for show quality. I just printed a picture of your suspension and went out to the garage and compared it to my frame that has the body off but engine in and I think other then looking a little damaged, yours seems to line up the same as mine. This picture/damage appears to be on the passegers side rear mounting wishbone bracket, if I'm correct, it looks fairly straight to me. I wasn't able to measure across cause my engine is installed, but TR4nut did and he measured 15", so I am just assuming that other then it looking a little banged up, it is straight. Do some cross measurements and see if it's square. Good Luck
 
I think the frame is straight compared to my measurement, but that turret looks twisted a good inch or so - is the front pivot pin pushed out the same way?
 
No the front pivot pin is straight, It's the back one on the passegers side, has been bent and the the bottom plate rewelded in the bent position. I am going the try and cut the plate loose and then bend pivot straight and reweld.What do you guys think?
Thanks
Greg
 
Mountainman, the lower fulcrum pins need to be parallel to each other, and parallel to the frame centreline, if the front suspension is to operate correctly.

The factory dimension you need across the lower fulcrum pin centrelines is 17.54". Measure front and back to ascertain if they are parallel.

Centreline of each lower fulcrum pin to centreline of the frame is 8.77". The centreline marker for the frame is found on top of the front crossmember.

Regards,

Viv.
 
That's a bite, undisclosed damage. Frame damage should be repaired, if for nothing more than safety's sake. At least have it examined by an expert, that shouldn't be too costly.

I bought a "nice" GT6 once that had a bit of frame damage (also undisclosed by the PO). I shoulda known because the front suspension was shimmed to the max in order to make it properly align. Cost me $1,600 to have it pulled straight and realigned. I wouldn't spend that kinda money on a rust bucket, but this GT6 was lovely and it was worth the cost to me.

There are collision repair specialists in most cities that specialize in pulling/straightening frames who can fix this sort of damage. Check around and you'll find them, get quotes to fix yours. You may be surprised, maybe your frame isn't torqued too badly and the cost will be minimized.

Definitely worth investigation, tho'. :yesnod:

Let us know . . . :thumbsup:
 
It might be worth your time to call Tony at RATCO. He could help you out with dimensional data and possibly supply any parts (including A-Arm pins) that you might need to get your frame in proper order.
 
You can still get a new lower fulcrum pin p/n 031-703 for $34.81 https://www.lbcarco.com/cgi-bin/gen5?nextform=/orderinprogress.html&o=3872309.5013193826&p= . To take the bend out of your bad one would be a lot more work and not be a good in the long run. Either way, you need an experienced welder to fix it. I would order a new pin and find a welder while you're waiting. Then have them install it and fix the tower at the same time. Unless the rest of the frame is shot, you'll be good as new.
 
Greg,I have a frame with a good right side turret,my shop can and does this type of repair.Send me a private responce if you want.
MD(mad dog)
 
Thanks MDCanaday, I got the thing straighten out within a 1/16" It took a little heat and a lot of muscle. Thanks everyone for the help.
Greg
 
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