5 replies to this topic

[Will Dodd]

Last Sunday at Mid-Ohio I had a pretty hard hit and crumpled part of the frame. I talked to a shop that can straighten it out... but, I'm guessing that reinforcing this area is not legal. So, should this just be replaced instead of straightened? 

 

With it already being crumpled once, I'm thinking it would take a much lesser hit to bend it up again in the future if it isn't reinforced or replaced. 

 

Just wondering what the proper way to fix this would be. 

 

Thanks for your help! 

 

Photos: 

 

 

 

[Jim Drago]

If You plan on fixing... IMO you should pull engine and subframe... Pull first and replace beyond the crumpled metal. Many of have done this many times before. that looks to be a pretty good shot IMO.
definitely fixable, but make sure it is done right
Jim

[davew]

I agree, that is fixable by a competent frame guy. Check the firewall and trans tunnel/floor for any buckling. My rule of thumb is if the firewall, floor or trans tunnel is buckled, the car is done.

 

Also look for damage under the master cylinders and under the ws washer bottle.

 

Look at cost versus benefit. Do you like this car enough to fix it or is your money better spent on a different car. Without seeing the remains, I can not give any advise.

 

Dave

[Will Dodd]

Thanks for the advice/information Jim and Dave it is greatly appreciated. 

 

I don't see any damage under the washer bottle or to the trans tunnel/floor or anywhere else other than what is pictured. The hit was front left so it seemed to have just crumpled the frame back and down as shown in the photos and not much else. 

 

Just to get an idea of the speed/severity of the impact... I looked at the data and I was going about 35 mph when the hit happened and I slowed to about 16. Just over 1G of decel. This happened in T5 (top of the hill).  

[MotoFusi]

Will, there is a very right priced 2000 with 5 major wins for sale in the classifieds

[Brandon]

Essentially did the same thing myself back in 2013 - 48MPH hit at a 45* angle into a wall.  LF was shorter by about 12".

The shop I used noted some very minor tweaking of the flat area under the master cylinder but after the frame pull, everything worked out.  They ended up doing a "2/3s front clip" and replaced everything from the front of the left shock tower on around to the right side of the bumper & radiator support (didn't touch the right frame horn).

 

It wasn't cheap to repair and it was definitely something that made me question what direction I wanted to go with the class considering I could have had a '99 roller built for the quoted repair price.

 

Message me and I can share my thoughts with you if you'd like.

 

Good luck!