Thread: Need help straightening van floor

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I bought an 88 Chevy Astro today that has some crash damage. I want to fix it my self but I need some suggestions first. The crash damage is in the center of the back doors and it folded the floor in. I plan on straightening it or getting it close to straight then cut out the damage and replace the damaged area with a donor floor. I have another van that I can get for free that I will use for replacemnet parts.

My options as now are:

Bury a piece of steel in concrete with a ring welded to it. I would hook my come-a-long to the ring and the other end to the van. The idea is to pull out the damage.

Or. Weld a piece of steel between the frame rails and use a bottle jack to push out the damage. I can dismantle my press and use its 12 ton bottle jack.

I got the van for 295 dollars and it runs good. I plan on using it for my work, family and parts chaser van. One day I will put in a V8 that I have sitting around.

I have pulled off the back bumper and took out the floor mat. I will try to get some better pictures tomorrow.

Thanks
Lon