Frame measuring & frame repair in Manteno, IL
If the structure moved, nothing else lines up until it’s back to factory dimensions. We measure it, repair it, and measure it again.
Why structure comes first
In a hard enough hit, the frame or unibody can shift a fraction of an inch. That throws off panel gaps, door fit, alignment, and where your airbags and driver-assist sensors are aimed.
Before any panel goes back on, the vehicle is measured against the manufacturer’s published dimensions, so we know what moved and how far.
Measured, not guessed
Every structural repair starts with measurements against factory specs.
Measured again during the pull
Corrections are checked during the pull.
Documented at the end
Final measurements confirm the structure is back within factory tolerance.
Factory procedures
If the manufacturer requires a part to be replaced instead of straightened, we replace it.
How we repair a damaged frame or unibody
Measure
The vehicle is measured at the manufacturer’s reference points and compared with the factory specifications for that model.
Plan from the procedures
Modern steels and aluminum have rules. Some parts can be pulled straight, some can be sectioned at specific locations, and some must be replaced. The repair plan follows what the factory allows.
Anchor and pull
The vehicle is secured and the damaged structure is pulled back into position in controlled steps, with measurements checked along the way.
Replace what can’t be repaired
Rails, pillars and supports that the procedures say must be replaced are replaced and joined using the methods the manufacturer specifies.
Verify
A final measurement confirms the structure is back where it belongs before body, paint and calibration work begin.
Unibody cars and body-on-frame trucks
Most cars and crossovers are unibody, with the body and frame as one structure, so damage can travel far from the point of impact. Pickups and full-size SUVs are body-on-frame. Both get measured.
Many newer vehicles use ultra-high-strength steel and aluminum in the structure. Those materials can’t be heated or straightened like older steel, which is why the factory procedures and training matter, and why we’re Honda, Acura, Ford and Lincoln certified.
Related services
Collision repair
Structural and body repair to the manufacturer’s published procedures.
Paint & refinishing
Factory color match, blending and a finish that disappears into the car.
Honda certified
Kankakee County’s only Honda certified collision repair facility.
Ford certified
Ford Certified Collision Network, from aluminum F-150s to Mustangs.
Start with a free estimate
Free estimates, Monday–Friday 8–5. Book a time online in under a minute.
Frame repair questions
Is a car with frame damage a total loss?
Not necessarily. Many vehicles with structural damage are repaired correctly every day. Whether a car is totaled is your insurer’s decision based on repair cost versus value. Our job is to document exactly what the repair requires.
Will my car be safe after frame repair?
When the structure is measured, repaired to the manufacturer’s procedures and verified within factory tolerances, it’s restored to how it was built to perform. That’s the standard we work to.
How do I know if my frame is damaged?
Uneven panel gaps, doors that don’t close the way they used to, a car that pulls, or tires wearing unevenly after an accident can all be signs. Bring it in and we’ll check it.
Does frame damage show up on a vehicle history report?
That depends on how the claim and repair were reported, not on the repair itself. Ask your insurer how your claim is being reported.
Have another question? Check out our FAQ page for quick answers.