Unitized, Body Alignment

NOTE: Heat and the use of heavy-duty jacks must be carefully controlled because of the difference in the gauge of the metal in the side rails of a unitized body and the stress points in the unitized body. It is possible to pull damaged areas back into alignment with the use of lightweight jacks and hydraulic equipment without heating the metal.

Rough-out badly damaged areas before taking measurements for squaring up a body. If necessary, remove the glass from the damaged area to prevent breakage. In severe cases, remove or cut reinforcement brackets and other inner construction to permit restoration of the outer shell and pillars without excessive strain on the parts. Straighten, install and secure all such parts in place before attempting to align the body.

 CAUTION: In cases of severe or sharp bends, it may be necessary to use heat. Any attempt to cold-straighten a severely bent bracket may cause ruptures of the welds. It may also cause cracks in the bent part. Never heat the area to more than a dull red.