Crease in C3 Frame -- Is this a Problem?

[David C.]

I recently acquired a 1973 Corvette, and I am new to the hobby.

I was looking under the frame and realized there is a crease / dent in the underside of the passenger side frame rail. It is just ahead of the door front opening, and is about 6 - 7" long. In the general area of where a lift or jackstand would go. The depth of the crease is approx 1/8" to 3/16" at the deepest. I have attached two photos below. There is a smaller crease in the same area on the driver's side. Otherwise the frame appears straight and is very clean and virtually rust free.

Should I be concerned about this?

frame1.jpg
frame2.jpg

[Timothy B.]

Re: Crease in C3 Frame -- Is this a Problem?

David, My vote is no, the dent will not cause any problems.

[John D.]

Re: Crease in C3 Frame -- Is this a Problem?

David, My vote is no, the dent will not cause any problems.

I agree not to worry. It could be due to someone jacking up the car in the middle to raise the whole side of the car...

[Michael G.]

Re: Crease in C3 Frame -- Is this a Problem?

Ditto.........move on.

[Dale C.]

Re: Crease in C3 Frame -- Is this a Problem?

Looks like it should be fine but I would stay clear of that area for lifting or jacking.
Dale

[Steve L.]

Re: Crease in C3 Frame -- Is this a Problem?

I've had mine lifted in that area many times and there was no creases or dents. Based on my experience, there was something else that dented it other than a jack.

[Dale C.]

Re: Crease in C3 Frame -- Is this a Problem?

Steve
I'm no metallurgy expert and do agree that jacking didn't cause this crease. I was just thinking that what did cause it was pretty substantial and may have done more than what we can see, especially in a picture. It is probably still structurally sufficient but, minimally, lost some integrity due the actual deformation and/or possibly created stress issues from the impact. As we don't know, I just thought it best to pamper that area and not mess with it. I wish I had been more careful while working the frame as I just had a jack slip while lifting and now I'm redoing a rocker panel.
Dale