This is topic How can i tell if a mustang has frame damage? in forum Tech Talk at Northern California Ford Owners  .


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Posted by Stock-ish (Member # 9244) on :
 
Hi, My friend just bought a mustang and i was wondering how i can tell if it has frame damage?
Thanks!

[ November 20, 2009, 02:17 PM: Message edited by: 4.94919 Liter ]
 
Posted by 50/50 (Member # 1724) on :
 
If you follow while he's driving and the car's at an angle. The frame's probably bent.
 
Posted by phildog (Member # 1214) on :
 
Look along the frame rails for bent or crumpled sheetmetal. I usually start in the front, looking for missing rivets in the bumper cover, then the radiator support, both upper and lower, does the hood latch align well? Check the inner fenderwells, the the bottom sides of the front frame rails, the floor pans, the seat mounts, and of course the torque boxes for cracks, rips or poor repairs. Always check the jams for signs of paintwork, overspray, different colors, as that will alert you to pay extra attention to that area. Also look at the pinch welds under the rockers for big scars from frame rack clamps, as that is a sign of prior damage. Look for switched body panels as well, identifiable by the VIN stickers on them, to tell if the panel is original to that car. If not, start asking questions.

A straight, unmolested Mustang with original panels will always be a valuable commodity.

I am not a body man, so I am sure I have missed some stuff, but I am notoriously picky. [Big Grin]
 
Posted by Stock-ish (Member # 9244) on :
 
How about visually? Any spots to look on the car? any signs? Im asking because it doesnt run at this moment.
 
Posted by Stock-ish (Member # 9244) on :
 
thank you phildog, i left the reply screen open and didnt see your post
 
Posted by wilit (Member # 3367) on :
 
To add to Phildog, also check the trunk. Lift up the carpet and check the corners back and front for ripples.
 
Posted by Blind (Member # 3052) on :
 
pop off the door sills and pull the carpet back between the doors, if it's been on a frame machine there will be claw marks on the floor under the carpets right along the frame rails from where they clamped it down.
 
Posted by Stock-ish (Member # 9244) on :
 
What if it has been on a frome machine? does that mean it was bent and is now fixed? or do they not always fix it?
 




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