Frame dent - repair needed?

[Cos]

This is a 73 GT with the normal rear end floor rot/dis-similar metal skin corrosion issues. This dent is aft of rear axle where the added frame rails end. Other than the dent (and some cross member corrosion which I need to address) the frame seems solid with no detectable sag or mis-alignment. Can I just live with this dent?

[CanoeStream]

Hi Cos -- That dent looks like it came from some road or parking hazard? (aka rock) It looks small potatoes compared to most frame issues. Your beam stiffness comes from the good integrity of the vertical part of the C-channel and the dent seems like a minor thing. I would live with it. I don't think banging it out would make it stronger.

[Silvertwinkie]

I'd have to agree with Bob, doesn't look all that bad. You notice anything knocked out of form, like the door or windows that don't close nicely? If not, I'd be inclinde to try a good wrench or some sort and see if I could put a good deal of weight on it to bend it back, or leave it be since you might just make it worse?!

[Wabbiteer]

That looks like it is Joe Somewhen jacking trailer up from frame rail, not axle plate. Note even exhuberant lifting from stock aluminum worm-screw stabilizing jacks will dimple the channel if someone puts a helper on the lever and tries to compensate for seriously uneven ground - mine has a couple of them too; just too easy to throw jack under there and bend iron. I painted them over and will forget all about them soon.

[Excella CM]

The damage is cosmetic, but if it offends you , take a large adjustable wrench and slip it over the lower edge and pull it back down.