Car frame replacement is required when your car’s frame is damaged. If the damage is serious, it can affect the performance and safety of your car while you are driving. That is why most mechanics and auto workshops would advise you to go ahead and have the car frame replaced. But for most people, it could be a really expensive deal.

So, knowing about the damage repair, factors of cost, and more can help you plan through your costs of the car frame replacement and get a better deal. But before moving to that part, let’s talk about what car frame damage is, how serious it is, and why you should replace it instead of repairing the frame.

It becomes necessary to replace the car frame when your car has been in a major accident where its frame was badly damaged beyond repair. Also, if your car’s old frame is rusted and has been considerably worn out, it will be necessary.

On average, it can cost up to anywhere between $600 – $1500 for car frame replacement labor costs alone. Car frame replacement considerably costs more than repairs but it is a permanent solution to the framing problem. 

Can You Repair A Damaged Car Frame?

It is possible to repair the frame of a damaged car but it takes a lot of money, resources, and time. It can cost more than $800 for the straightening and repair of the frame in case of minor damages. You will have to leave your car in the body shop as they work on the frame repair and once they are done, you pick it back up for your own inspection. Although, this can cost you more money than expected and your repaired frame may not last as long as you expected. 

To avoid that problem, body shop workers advise the drivers to get a new frame and get it completely replaced.

Factors That Impact Car Frame Replacement Costs

Car frame replacement costs vary greatly depending on various factors. Each of these factors can cause the cost of replacement to go up or down.

Knowing about these different factors will help you get a better deal if you ever need to consider getting a car frame replacement. Let’s take a look at these factors and how they impact the overall prices and costs.

1. Brand and Model of Car

The brand and model of your car greatly impact the price of frames. The price for almost every car frame is different depending on the variant, model, and brand. For example, the price of an old Chevrolet Caprice model frame is different from the new Chevrolet Caprice variants.

Because of these differences, the price of each frame will vary from shop to shop. Not only model and year, but also different brands use different types of connectors, and bodies while making a frame. This impacts the overall price as well.

 Also, the type of vehicle impacts the overall price of the car frame. For example, the average price for a Ford F150 Frame ranges from $482 – $1,105, depending on the year of the model.

The frame of a truck will cost more than the frame of a car, and the frame of an SUV will cost even more than both combined. This is because of the body size of a vehicle. A car is smaller and has a smaller body, compared to a truck or an SUV which are bigger and have a larger frame size. Bigger models require more metal to create the frame and shape it accordingly. For that reason, the price of every brand model, and type of car frame replacement is different from the others.

2. Availability of the Frame

Availability of the frame is also a major factor that contributes to higher prices and increases in replacements for car frames. There are cars whose frames can be easily found, such as one for the Ford F150, while there are other car brands whose frames are harder to find. This availability of the frame impacts the price of the frame hence contributing to the increased demand for frame replacements.

If the frame is available near your location, it would cost you less on shipment and getting it delivered to the body shop, otherwise, it can increase the charges for the job to be done.  

3. Labor Costs

Another factor that impacts the total cost of frame replacement is the labor costs. Labor costs are different in each area. On average, the cost of labor for car frame replacement starts around $1500 if you are going to an expert mechanic.

This is one of the largest costs except for the price of frames in this overall process. Many mechanics and body shops charge for the frame replacement by the hour.

So, if they work on the frame for a longer period of time, you could expect to pay around $10,000 overall. Make sure that you negotiate the best deal with mechanics to avoid paying more than the average price.

4. Additional Costs

Additional costs such as shipment cost of a new frame, and paint repairs on the car that can get damaged while replacing the frame of your car.

There is also a chance that while replacing the frame, the mechanics or body shop workers may find other problems, such as loose or broken connections of the body and frame. It can require additional repair work which can also significantly add to the overall cost.

Why are Car Frame Replacements Expensive?

Car frame replacements are expensive for multiple reasons. First of all, the frame is the largest part of the car and when you need to get it replaced, you should know that it would cost you more than everything else.

In some cases, it can cost you up to half of the price of your car’s value. Also, the car frame replacement parts are rare, and finding the right frame for your car, getting it shipped, negotiating the prices of replacement, and labor costs for the procedure are what is included in the pricing. All of these things add up to the final cost, making the frame replacement process an expensive option.

How Can You Reduce The Car Frame Replacement Costs?

From the above discussion, it is clear that the replacement of car frames is an expensive process that can cost you more than $10,000. Even the repairs of the car frame can cost you more than $2000 if you are not aware of the tips that can help you save money while getting the car frame replacement. Here is what you should do if you want to save money on car frame replacement.

First, you need to make sure that you need a replacement. In most cases of frame damage, people only need a frame repair instead of a replacement. Simply going from frame replacement to frame repair can lower the overall cost from $10,000 to about $2000.

But if the replacement is necessary and you have to get the frame replaced, you should try to find the best body shop mechanics to negotiate a deal with them for the whole process. Some mechanical shops have their own payment plans to make sure that you are getting the best options in paying for the costs of the frame, labor, and shipping charges.

State by State, car frame replacement can be comparatively cheaper than the other and you will also be able to save on shipping charges and labor costs if the mechanic shops near you are not offering any discount or asking for prices that may exceed your budget, you can seek help from freelance mechanics who advertise their own services online. Be sure to be aware of the level of expertise and always check reviews to decipher legitimacy.

Conclusion

Navigating options for keeping your car in check is a huge step in the right direction. Car frame replacement is something that can go deep in your pockets, but it can enhance the overall safety and life of your car.

It can also impact the performance of your car in different weather and conditions. The overall cost of car frame replacement in different areas can be between $10,000 to even $20,000 depending on what type of car you have, the model, body type, and where you are located.