How to Align the Frame of a Custom Car

If you bring a custom car to life, you must have the right tools and knowledge to make a straight frame in order to make the finished product a success. After all, the frame of your custom car is the skeleton onto which you will build the rest of the car. Here's what you need so you're sure your custom car has the straight frame it requires.

Instructions

Difficulty: Challenging

Things You’ll Need:

• Mechanic's workshop
• Centerline gauge tool
• Small tram
• Large tram
• Hydraulic rams
• Push and spread tools

1. Strip the body off the car. This requires the tools and space necessary to accomplish the task. You need a clean shop and a variety of wrenches for the assorted nuts and bolts.
2. Place the frame on a centerline gauge tool. This tool is pricey, but makes the measuring job much easier.
3. Measure how far the frame is out of alignment with a set of trams. Use a telescoping tram with at least a 45-inch range for short distances and one with a 10-foot spread for longer frames. Some trams come with fancy things like digital readout and memory, which are nice features, but are not necessary to get the job done.
4. Straighten the frame with a hydraulic ram and a selection of push and spread tools. These normally come in collision repair kits, although you'll find the ram blows separately.
5. Check the frame alignment throughout the straightening process with your trams.

Tips & Warnings

• If starting your custom car from the frame of a recycled car, check for and remove excessive rust before straightening the frame.