FRAME INSPECTION

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 glow.

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 and the stress points of the unitized body. It is possible to pull a damaged area back into alignment with the use of lightweight jacks and hydraulic equipment without heating the metal.

1. Rough out badly damaged areas before taking measurements for squaring the body. If necessary, remove the glass from the damaged area to prevent breakage.
2. When cutting salvageable or repairable components, use a grinding disc, air chisel, or metal cutting saw to cut salvageable or repairable components.

NOTE: Disconnect the battery ground cable before using any electrical welding equipment.

3. CAUTION: Because of associated high heat buildup, do not use oxyacetylene when welding high-tensile or high-strength, low alloy steel components.

Replace spot-welded components by metal insert gas (MIG) puddle welding where possible.

4. During MIG or arc welding, use a temperature-indicating crayon to make sure that the temperature does not exceed 750°C (1400°F) .
5. Use 0.8 mm or 0.9 mm diameter wire to conform to Classification AWS AS. 18-69, E70S-6. MIG welding is also known as GMAW (gas metal arc welding).
6. If performing conventional arc welding, use 2.5 mm diameter rods conforming to classification AS1552-1973, E4841 or AWS a5.1-78, E7014.