MGA Frame Straightening
April 12, 2003 - Naperville, IL
Five or six people assembled for the effort of removing a kink from an MGA frame, just aft of the right front suspension mounting point. Everyone got to play with an assortment of big boy tools, first using the acetylene torch to heat parts of the frame cherry red hot to soften the metal, then pressing with a hydraulic ram to stretch the frame 3/4 inch back to proper dimensions. Large hammers aided the general motion, followed by some flange straightening. A stud welder and a small slide hammer were used for pulling out some dents, and the MIG welder was used to seal up open seams and a few cracks. The angle grinder followed up to smooth out some not so beautiful welds, and in just a few hours the MGA frame was again straight enough to use.
More photos and notes at:
http://mgaguru.com/mgtech/frame/fr201.htm