Many local people know AGCO as the shop that straightens frames. This is certainly as true today as it was in 1974.  Today many vehicles no longer have a separate frame.  Instead they are of unibody construction. This means the body of the vehicle has structural components that replace the frame.

Although the unibody is not technically a frame, they can still be repaired by the professionals at AGCO.  In fact the need for accuracy is even greater with unibody construction.  Many people are shocked to learn their vehicle has sustained damage to its structure.  These components sustain damage in many ways.

Frame and unibody damage is often thought of as being associated with a wreck. Wrecks account for a lot of the damage that occurs, but by no means all damage. Hitting a curb or even a large pothole can damage the unibody and cause the vehicle to be unable to be aligned.

Vehicles that have been wrecked and repaired sometimes still have frame damage that was not properly addressed at the time of repair. Improper towing, running into a ditch, even driving off the edge of a driveway sometimes damages vehicle structures.

Unibody damage can result in rapid tire wear, vibration, a leaning vehicle and even parts that wear out too fast. Proper repair always begins with a thorough diagnosis and for this AGCO is well known.

Frame repair is performed using a large hydraulic machine designed for the purpose. It is capable of multiple pulls simultaneously and monitoring original factory measuring points. A thorough knowledge of metals used in vehicle construction is also necessary. High strength steel (HSS), high-strength low-alloy (HSLA) and even martensitic steels are used in construction of modern vehicles. Proper welding and straightening technique must be used to avoid damage to these components.

If you find that you have a bent frame or unibody, or just suspect that you may, we can handle it. We can measure and analyze your vehicle and tell you if you have a problem. If there is a problem AGCO can likely repair it.  We can also analyze used vehicles before you buy.  Our pre-purchase inspection detects frame and unibody damage and a lot more.

We also weld and replace sections of your frame. Even though it may not be bent, many things cause damage to a frame or unibody. Sometimes rust and corrosion eat away sections and we are able to repair the damage. Broken and cracked frames can also be repaired.

Often during restoration of older vehicles AGCO can fabricate needed components if they are no longer available. If you have a frame or unibody problem, AGCO is the place to go.  Give us a call at (225) 291-6900. AGCO will get you straight.

For more on frame and unibody damage, see our Detailed Topics Articles, Frame Damage and Frame and unibody damage types.