I'm looking at a 67 Barracuda fastback at a local salvage yard. I'm interested in it as a side project I can slowly work on over time. The whole body is in great shape except the front has been smashed in slightly. The grille is pretty messed up and I took a look to see if the frame rails got messed up too and sure enough they are slightly bent at the very front in front of the k frame. It doesn't look major at all. I understand that a wreck can effect the whole structure of the car but the doors still open and close good and none of the glass is cracked or broken. The rails look straight all the way back behind the bend. Wondering if anyone has had experience with this. Wondering if this would be worth a try. Haven't gotten a price yet and I don't even know if it's got a title. Thanks

I wrecked my 69 Dart GTS into a telephone pole in the late 70's and both frame rail horns were bent to the right. The passenger inner fender and all the core support had to be replaced. It went on a frame rack, the rails were bent back, and new inner fender and core support were welded on. Everything came out straight but since parts were still available from the factory they used late model A-Body parts. Eventually I put NOS correct year parts on it while it was being restored. I don't think you should have any issues as long as it is put on a frame rack.

A factory service manual will have a chassis section with measurements and reference points to guide you. The trouble is, if it is bad enough to need adjustment, you'll need to put it on a frame rack. I've never priced that, but I'd think it would be just as pricey as the standard body shop rates of $100/hr minimum. In some cases a twisted frame isn't bad enough to affect the panel fitment or wheel alignment.

The rails are still straight at the front but sort of crushed in slightly. But then again I have little experience with frame rail work. If I can get it cheap enough I may give it a shot. I know a guy with a wrack that charges $40/hour so maybe he can help me out. I hate to see a beauty like that sit there to rust.

here's a pic

another of the driver side

passenger side

will need a whole new front clip

the rest of the car is pretty solid

That is some strange damage. I wonder what caused it.

I'm wondering if it'll cost more to piece the grills together than it will to fix the frame?

Looks like that thing this a deer back in the day. Doesnt look too bad to me and if the rest of the frame is straight why not just cut and weld on new pieces.

I'd have no trepidation getting it on a frame machine. I've had good luck with frame shops and a few hundred dollars gets a lot done on them by somebody that knows what they're doing. Yes the grilles will cost you much more than fixing that frame will.

Sheldon

I have a friend who restores 67 Barracuda grilles, PM me if you need his info.

Your front view picture show damage to the drivers side of the car, the under shot shows damage to the passenger side ? I believe the frame damage was done at a earlier time in the cars life. Nothing that a frame machine couldn't fix. But you might want to look a little closer to those rear quarter panels and the trunk lid . Drivers side floor area and transmission cross member. Yes the car can be repaired , how deep are your pockets?

I've looked the car over real good. The only rust I found was on the bottom of the quarters. The fenders have some bondo and are banged up at the front so I'll want to replace those eventually. The floors look good and the rails are solid. No rust on the roof or around the windows either. There are actually some grille pieces inside the car on the floor that are in great shape. That front clip is trashed but I found one on craigslist for $150 that I might scoop up fast if I decide to get the car.
Thank you all for your advice. I'm still learning and growing in the hobby and it gets more fun every day.

Go grab that front clip (that's a good price for a nice fender) and grab the car (assuming the price is right). That's a better starting point than some cars (my son's Dart for example...).

Agreed, it's do-able. The Blackhawk frame rack is the key, it should be able to pull that damage out and put the chassis back to like-new speciffications. The parts should be quite easy to find.

In general, a Chrysler product that's that old and not attacked severely by rust is a rarity. Do it!

R.