CHERTO

I have the opportunity to purchase a friends 97 acura 3.0CL, but unfortunately a while back he had an accident that caused his chassis to bend, the car was repaired and the chassis was pulled and straightened, I've been doing some research on repaired chassis, but couldn't come up with much, your experties will be much appreciated. just wanna make sure this will not cause headace down the line.
thank you all.
J.

rabbitman

iTrader: (3)

Once a unibody car has been tweaked, it's pretty much done. You can try and fix it, but it'll always be weaker than when it was built.

CHERTO

but if it's done properly, would the car still handle and feel the same for everyday driving conditions?

rabbitman

iTrader: (3)

It would for a while, but once metal has been bent and straightened, it's not as strong as it was before.

crazyae

iTrader: (2)

I guess it depends on the area that was repaired. I beleive the main core that really matters is suspension tower and anything in between. To bent a rad support and that front edge of the frame i wouldn't be too highly concerned. Post with a little more detail and i am sure you will get alot more opinions.

CHERTO

i'll get some more details and post them, thank you all so far.

Leung

iTrader: (2)

This car aint worth much unless its dirt cheap I wouldnt adise you to buy it. Rebuilt titles dont go too far as resale goes and if you know how bodyshops straighten front ends they hook the rebar up to a wall and reverse the car hard multiple times.

crazyae

iTrader: (2)

you are right it may affect the resale value, but this is his oppertunity. Also they dont quite do that to the vehicles, there is specific puller hoists and alignment tools to do such a task.

CHERTO

Well fortunately the car has a clean title, and i know the car wasn't hooked up to a wall and reversed....lol... but I understand what you guys are trying to say.

crazyae

iTrader: (2)

well even better get more details on the repairs and let us know.

..77.

Look for splits between panels that are pinch welded seams . Where two panels lay flat against each other , if they look split apart. Or if seams have beeen migged back together. Look at holes that are factory made in the subframes . Look at the edges of holes for signs of a hook or clamping device that stretched or distorted the metal under stresses of pulling frame back into shape .
Take apiece of paper and put it between body and door frame around window , 3 different places . Close door and pull paper thru . Compare the resistance felt between the doors on either side . Look on subframe rails for buckles in metal . They will show up from regular factory lines an creases by the buckle mark the paint will have come off and rust will form along the buckle or crease.
And check your body line gaps . Park car on level ground , compare how the frt and rear wheels sit under the body . Like is one wheel tipped in or out compared to the other side . Does the car sit level , or down in one corner .
Just basic stuff to look for when checking a wrecked / damaged car ..77.

rabbitman

iTrader: (3)

Good post. I'll add to it, when you checking the body lines, use the cars trim lines as guides. Some cars still have raised trim down the side, or a line cut into the body itself. It the line isn't straight, there's another good example.

CHERTO

this is extremely helpful, i'll let you guys know how it goes. thanx again.