Well, the previous owner of my car apparently didn't know how to properly jack the car up. The frame rails on both the passenger and drivers side are caved in a bit. I've lived with this for some time. It's not terrible, but it gets my attention every time I'm under the car. I haven't noticed any adverse effects from the state of the frame rails, but my question is how structurally important is it to have the frame rails straight and undented. I seem to notice this phenomenon on many 240s I look under. As I look under the car, I don't see how it would effect the car since the rails are still doing there job, but I just wanted to get some input from some of you guys who know the ins and outs of the 240SX chassis.

 

I think just about every 240 Ive ever seen is that way, I know my last hatch and my fc both had dented rails from speed bumps and shit. I never saw it as a problem, but I don't know for sure either.

 

Yeah, just about every one I've seen as well is that way. I'm just wondering if it's a problem I should address. I'm getting ready to do some work to the car, and I want some input to verify that my chassis is a good platform to go on.

 

I think honestly, if they were there to do any major structural work, they wouldn't bend from sliding over speed bumps. I THINK they are a factory sub frame connector, to help keep the rigidness of the chassis.

My 929 has crushed frame rails, as well as pinch welds. And again Ive seen no ill effects.

 

I crushed mine the other day and i crushed blakes old hatch frame rail. I dont think you will ever notice anything.

 

crushed a couple, never had an issue

idk though, i agree if they were real important, then they would probably be stronger

 

I am just curious as to what you plan to do to fix your bent frame rails? I have 3 s13's atm. One of them has some damage from the jack being placed there but the other 2 are in much better shape. YOu just have to check things like that before buying a car.

 

If you are worried about structural integrity, fabricate yourself some tubular subframes. If anything was really twisted, your doors wouldnt likely line up very well, and you'd notice things when opening/closing them.

 

cut the frame rails out buy some boxed steel and weld in, mustang guys have been doing this years just to stiffen up the chassis

 

The doors open and close fine. Again, I don't notice any ill effects like others are saying. I was just wondering if it's a big problem... but it seems most of the 240 community has this issue.

And btw, these frame rails are rediculously weak. They look like they have the integrity of sheet metal.