The corvette frame rails are made from one piece mild steel tubes that are contoured into shape by hydroforming. The frame rails play an integral part of the fit and finish of the vehicle and must be three dimensionally correct for exterior panels to fit properly. The one piece frame rails have 18x35 shipping slots that are used to secure a damaged vehicle to a bench for holding and dimensional straightening. Use Kent Moore tools frame adapter clamp J42058, to provide a downturned flange in the four torque box areas for universal holding equipment use.

Underbody Side Rail Sectioning

The two methods recommended for frame rail sectioning are the sleeved butt-joint and the offset lap-joint. The sleeved butt-joint sectioning procedure is recommended for the mid-rail and rail-end sectioning areas. The offset lap-joint sectioning procedure is recommended for the repairs front of dash and the repairs rear of seat back area

Underbody Side Rail Sectioning Locations

Service parts are available for replacing or repairing the frame rails, allowing the least time consuming and most cost effective location to be determined by the extent of the damage. Service information has been developed for sectioning the hydroformed rails, while maintaining the structural integrity of the vehicle. Forward or rearward halves are available separately, with suspension mounting brackets attached. And a center section has been made available separately, also with brackets attached. The entire rail is also available for service on a special order basis. Full rail replacement is recommended in the event the damage to the rail is not limited to available service parts.

For Body Dimensions refer to