Any recommendations on frame shops in Seattle/Everett area?

C

Carbroke

Member
'36 Pickup truck.

My frame is majorly tweaked from a hit long ago and it was never repaired apparently.

Not wanting to complete the project on a bent frame, I want to get it fixed properly. The front axle is also bent, or possibly the spindle, as laying a level up against the passenger tire, the top of the tire is tipped outward about 1 1/2". The driver side is more like about 1/8" to 3/16" camber, not the 1 1/2 inch like the passenger side.

So now I need a shop that has the gear and the know-how to work over a 76 year old frame and axle.

Any suggestions guys? I'd rather not replace the frame and go thru the process to re-register it under a different frame number.
 
Yes, Ballard frame and axle. I had them do a 55 chevy frame.
4912 Leary Avenue Northwest Seattle, WA 98107
(206) 783-7871
 
Ballard Frame and axle is good.
I had a race car frame straightened once at Burien Frame and axle and they did a good job..They have probably changed owners by now.
 
Mike that owns B & H a Autobody in Snohomish is very good and understands old stuff too. He has done some frame work for me and he even owns a '36 pickup and a '36 convertible - both Dodges, among several other early autos. He works at the shop Tues - Saturday (360)568-7676
 
Is this a rolling chassis? Most shops might not want something that they can't roll in and then out. You might call and check them out.

A repair could easily exceed the price of another frame, so that is something to consider too.

Where is western Washington do you live?
 
It's a rolling chassis right now. I'm in Snohomish in the Clearview area.

If a guy replaced the frame, what are the ramifications with the state as far as the VIN # change and title? I was under the impression that you had to have a title to go with a frame if you replaced it.

Are there any local (within a couple or three hundred miles) sources of replacement frames? I would want to look at and measure anything like that before I bought it.

I'd like to stick with a correct frame, but I can't put this rig back together with the frame in this condition. I can't believe it is so tweaked. I last rode in it back in '69 or '70 when my father-in-law was still running it. I don't remember it being loose or dangerous, but it had to have handled really poorly the way it is.

I appreciate any advice and help you guys can offer here.
 
If you are looking for another frame, check here on the Ford Barn with Aircooled1, he had some.

I just mentioned the possibility of a different frame as a repair could be quit costly. The acid test is when you let a frame shop look at your frame and they give you a price. Without looking at the damage and based on your description, the repair time could easily be between 6 and 10 hours or more. Al you have to do is multiply that by their shop rate. The setup time is going to be where most of the time will be.

I'm not trying to scare you, just give you a realistic idea based on your description.
 
fordcragar,

I appreciate what you are saying, and as one who is in business, know that a guy has to charge what a job is worth. If you don't, you don't last long in business, and I don't begrudge a guy making a profit. It's necessary, no matter what the idiots protesting Wall Street think.

I'd like it straightened if possible is all. Aircooled1 (Rick) has a frame that is 'highly modified/repaired and as I've already bought from him I'd use him again. But I need a stock frame that hasn't been goobered up.

I'll call B& H Tuesday and see what he can do. I go right by him about every two weeks anyway.

My truck (sans frame) and my trailer are up in Marysville being media blasted. When I get the trailer back I'll run the roller in and see what they think.

1st project I've ever done that had frame issues. Luck had to run out sometime I guess.
 
Carbroke said:
fordcragar,

I'll call B& H Tuesday and see what he can do. I go right by him about every two weeks anyway.

My truck (sans frame) and my trailer are up in Marysville being media blasted. When I get the trailer back I'll run the roller in and see what they think.

1st project I've ever done that had frame issues. Luck had to run out sometime I guess.
Click to expand...

That works out good for you. If I remember correctly, Mike nornally works Tues-Fri 9-6 and whatever hours they are open on Sat. Good luck
 
Have you ever measured a frame for squareness? It might be worthwhile checking it out a little before you take it anywhere. The axle and spindle would be a separate issue from the frame.
 
Yes,

It's just about 3/8"" out of square.

There are two points in the right frame rail that are pushed in, the front of the X frame where it comes from the back of the ****** to the right front cab mount bolt area is not straight, and the entire middle of the frame is pushed about 3/8" to the left side.

The entire frame also has a twist in the front end of about 2 inches with the frame mounted in a 3-point manner and without engine, ******, etc.

I think a guy with a frame machine can get it back where it's supposed to be, but like everyone has said; at what cost?

I agree the axle is a whole separate issue. But I need to drop the axle and remove the spindle on the right to see what's bent, and then it would not be a roller for a frame guy. 1 step at a time.
 
Go over to the HAMB and contact 296V8 to straighten your axle. He's in CA and is the best. I've had him repair 2 deuce big beams and they look like new.
 
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