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How to know if I have frame damage?

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Old Apr 10, 2007 | 03:08 AM
  #1  
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How to know if I have frame damage?

Well here's my situation. I got into a minor fender bender a couple of months ago. I took my car to mitsu body shop to get a new rear bumper. After I got my car back I noticed my rear bumper doesn't align like it suppose to. What's up with that? I'm also guessing the ****er that worked on my car didn't do a good job, at least that's what I'm hoping for.The girl that hit me was only going about 20 mph when she hit me. . Anyways I thought I would get over it but I'm still bothered by the fact that it's not perfectly aligned. I hope my chassis is ok on my car. God hate my life. I can't believe this **** happened to me. I'm so scarred to go get it fixed; I'm afraid someone might maliciously damage my car if I take it somewhere to try and get it fixed. suggestions much appreciated.

-John
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Old Apr 10, 2007 | 04:40 AM
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good info
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Old Apr 10, 2007 | 04:50 AM
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From: Clifton NJ
like Frame damage isn't something you get from a fender bender, When you replcae body panels its hard to get them to line up like they did from factory. A Very good body man can do it. You bumper isn't lined up, you probaly don't have frame damge. Frame damage literaly means the frame of the car is damged you will have sway or swag. The car won't drive strait in severe cases. Usualy Visible you have to put the car on a frame machine.
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Old Apr 10, 2007 | 05:01 AM
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From: philly burbs
it may be rear body panel damage and the rear rails will buckle if a car gets rear ended by someone doing 20
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Old Apr 10, 2007 | 09:25 AM
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any other suggestions guys, well I'm try to save up some money that way i can take it else where. I'm going to have the guy check for frame damage and have him realign my bumper. I'm guessing at the most $300 dollars for a splendid job.I really hope it's not more than that. I'm broke at the moment but I want my baby to look good. you guys know what I mean.

-John
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Old Apr 10, 2007 | 10:17 AM
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From: Florida
Anyone?
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Old Apr 10, 2007 | 10:24 AM
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The only sure way to determine whether or not you have frame damage is to put the vehicle on a frame jig. The jig usually uses lasers along with factory specifications to measure whether or not the frame is within factory specifications. Usually a good body shop will be willing to perform this service for you, but at a cost. Call around and get estimates.
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Old Apr 10, 2007 | 10:28 AM
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From: Florida
awesome thanks for the reply dude...I'll see if I can get some estimates this week. Once again thanks for taking the time to respond.

-John
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Old Apr 10, 2007 | 10:33 AM
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No problem. Before I forget to mention, check the hourly rates for body shops in your area. Most often the rates should be similar to each other between shops. In New York, the average is $35 per hour. Getting the car up on a jig, attaching the laser reflectance markers, calibrating and uploading OEM specifications, and taking a reading shouldn't take a competent shop more than 2 hours, 3 hours max to complete. You should then request a printout of what OEM spec's call for, and what the readings actually reflect. Usually there will be some deviation which is normal, but as long as it falls within what the manufacturer states as acceptable variance, you should be fine.

Honestly, unless the rear end impact was greater than 30 mph, chances are the shop didn't put your bumper on right and everything else is fine.
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Old Apr 10, 2007 | 10:50 AM
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From: Florida
Originally Posted by amstel78
No problem. Before I forget to mention, check the hourly rates for body shops in your area. Most often the rates should be similar to each other between shops. In New York, the average is $35 per hour. Getting the car up on a jig, attaching the laser reflectance markers, calibrating and uploading OEM specifications, and taking a reading shouldn't take a competent shop more than 2 hours, 3 hours max to complete. You should then request a printout of what OEM spec's call for, and what the readings actually reflect. Usually there will be some deviation which is normal, but as long as it falls within what the manufacturer states as acceptable variance, you should be fine.

Honestly, unless the rear end impact was greater than 30 mph, chances are the shop didn't put your bumper on right and everything else is fine.
awesome will do. Thanks again buddy.
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Old Apr 10, 2007 | 11:05 AM
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From: ☼ Florida ☼
...so when can we see your car?
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