Apparatus for reforming and straightening vehicles

摘要

An apparatus for reforming and straightening damaged bodies and frames of vehicles whereby corrective forces are applied to the vehicle through one or more elongated force transmission elements. A force is imposed on the elongated elements respectively by means of a uniquely mounted hydraulic ram which is freely pivotable sideways and limitedly pivotable in a backward direction. Each of the hydraulic rams are attached to a frame situated beneath the vehicle to be straightened whereby the frame further supports a measuring bridge coupled to the vehicle so that the progress of a straightening operation can be readily determined. The measuring bridge includes vertical indicators which are coupled at datum points on the vehicle so that an operator can readily gauge the deformity of the vehicle longitudinally, laterally and vertically with respect to its center line. An operator can gauge the progress of the straightening operation in conjunction with target elements which indicate the ultimate degree of straightening necessary to reform the vehicle. The system thus permits a force to be applied to the vehicle in any desired direction or magnitude until such time as the measuring bridge indicates that the target dimensions have been reached providing a highly accurate and simplified technique of straightening and reforming vehicle bodies or frames.