C channel smashed?

[Tiangong]

What is the best way to lift the shell and re expand this smashed C channel so I can insert plywood?

[sgschwend]

How about pound a wedge between the frame and the C channel. Increase the size of the wedge till the proper spacing is made. I would make the wedges out of oak or maple.

[Bob Blarney]

Originally Posted by sgschwend

How about pound a wedge between the frame and the C channel. Increase the size of the wedge till the proper spacing is made. I would make the wedges out of oak or maple.

It may be better to use two identical (parallel) wedges, so that they will expand the channel's groove evenly from the near edge to the back. Insert one from the left side, and then insert the other on the right and drive them with a block and hammer. After you're one, it might be necessary to split the wedges with a chisel to extract them from the groove. You might also be able to drive them with a large C-clamp.

[rugjenkins]

Or remove the weight (shell) and then straighten. Either gantry or jack system. Once weight is off, it will straighten easily. Then replace with plywood your good.

[putback]

I've done it by levering top lip of channel on a couple adjacent outriggers, enter shims on other outriggers. do whats needed and wiggle in the new plywood. sand a little bevel in the ply edge goes easier.

[Tiangong]

Thanks for the help. I’m finally making progress here.

I found that by jacking up the rear bumper I can realign the c channel with the frame in front of the wheel. Different heights on the rear bumper and different cross members and outriggers align properly with the c channel. Is this normal?