Abstract: A telescoping base support having an elongated tube and an elongated slide coaxially and slideably nested therein is provided to form a secure support for a power ram used to deflect the entrapping structure. Ideally, the power ram is pivotably mounted to a carrige which is slideably disposed about the tube of the base support and longitudinally positionable thereon.

Abstract: A pull tower for pulling upon a chain and correcting damaged portions of a vehicle includes a combination chain height adjustment and pulley mechanism which is positioned on the tower and with a collar having opposite side plates facing opposite side surfaces of the tower. A front end of the mechanism includes a pulley over which a chain is trained and a front crossbar extending between the side plates and adjacent the tower front surface. The mechanism has a rear end including a rear crossbar spaced from the front crossbar to loosely straddle the tower and a U-shaped spring which extends between the rear crossbar and lugs which extend from the tower rear surface to urge the rear crossbar away from the tower. The mechanism provides an angled, wedging fit of the chain height adjustment and a pulley mechanism on the tower at selected higher locations. Preferably, the tower is mounted to a carriage movably positionable about a work rack, although it can be floor mounted if desired.

Abstract: A dual clamp for automotive frame straightening machines includes a first clamp assembly and a second clamp assembly both of which are slidably mounted to an elongated slide bar. The first and second clamp assemblies are identical and comprise respective first and second pivoting jaws pivotally mounted to corresponding first and second sliding jaws. A chain interconnects the lever end of the first pivoting jaw and the lever end of the second pivoting jaw, so that when a pulling force is applied to the chain, the chain simultaneously pulls on both clamps and increases the clamping force of each respective clamp assembly.

Abstract: Device for rectifying the shape of a unibody car having a misshapen unibody frame. The device is adapted as a trailer haulable by a conventional motor vehicle to a designated location to achieve the rectification thereat. It has a bar which can be set anywhere around said device for pulling a part of the frame, and may further define a drawbar.

Abstract: Apparatus is disclosed for straightening the frame of a damaged vehicle and includes a bed on which the damaged vehicle is located during the frame straightening operation. A plurality of towers are mounted on the bed and are adjustably movable in a horizontal direction relative thereto. Some of the primary towers include a pushing and holding mechanism, and a pulling mechanism; while other towers include only a pushing and holding mechanism. The pushing and holding mechanism of a tower is operable to selectively push or hold a designated location of the damaged vehicle frame, and is simultaneously selectively operable with a pushing and holding mechanism and/or the pulling mechanism of towers as applied to a separate designated location of the vehicle frame to effectively straighten the frame of the vehicle.

Abstract: The invention relates to a straightening device for a car body comprising a straightening table and therein sill fasteners or the like, from which the vehicle can be fixed to the straightening table. The straightening table can be lifted by means of a lifting device into a desired repair position. The joint between the straightening unit and the straightening table is realized by leading a beam connected to the straightening unit inside the beam of the straightening table. The equipment comprises in connection with the straightening unit such a beam structure that at least the second beam section can be moved relative to the first beam section, whereby said sections comprise a surface diagonal relative to the center axis of the beam structure.

Abstract: An apparatus for reshaping metal panels or the like of motor vehicles or automobiles, the apparatus comprising;a first internally threaded circular in perimeter nut, having two ends whereon one end thereof there is located a multiplicity of substantially circular grooves radially extending outward to the perimeter of said nut to grasp one side of a metal panel in use,a second internally threaded circular in perimeter nut, having two ends whereon one end thereof there is located a multiplicity of substantially circular grooves radially extending outward to the perimeter of said nut complimentary to said grooves radially extending outward to the perimeter of the first nut, to grasp another side of a metal panel in use,a hollow externally threaded shaft, having two ends, to receive the first and second nut, said hollow portion of said shaft to receive pulling means to be applied to said apparatus and to allow said nuts to rotate with said shaft about said pulling means in use,and two metal fingers projecting fro

Abstract: A generally horizontal vehicle supporting rack is provided for support from a floor surface and includes depending support means intermediate its opposite ends for support from the support surface and mounting the rack for oscillatory movement between a horizontal position and an inclined position with one end of the rack swung downwardly toward the floor surface. The rack is yieldingly biased toward the horizontal position and includes fixed leg structure positively limiting movement of the rack from the inclined position to the horizontal position. Further, an elongated pull tower base having a pull tower pivotally mounted from one end thereof for angular displacement about a vertical axis is provided and includes opposite end portion floor engageable support wheels.

Abstract: The apparatus disclosed is an attachment to be used in correcting misaligned rails in a unitized automobile chassis which includes a face plate to which is joined a three-piece wedge assembly. The apparatus allows as a result of wedging action, a sizable area of contact to be established between the apparatus and the interior of the misaligned rail so that when pulling force is applied to the apparatus, it is transferred to the rail through the broad area of contact thereby decreasing the chance of further damage to the rail during the repair process. Also disclosed is an embodiment featuring a two-piece wedge assembly. Methods for repairing a damaged rail using the wedge assemblies are also disclosed.

Abstract: Apparatus for the straightening of vehicles, comprising a straightening bench for the vehicle and a vertical beam with a cylindrical body (1) having a piston part (2) movable inside it. The apparatus comprises a mounting base (9) fitted to the upper end (8) of the piston part (2) and moving along with it. Attached to the mounting base is a lifting beam (10) for producing the lift required in the straightening operation.

Abstract: An apparatus for removing small dents utilizes two specially designed tools. The first tool comprises a metal rod which resembles a blunt tipped nail, and the head of the nail is coated with a heat activated adhesive to facilitate its attachment to the deepest area of a dent. The second tool comprises a cone shaped device having open sides with the blunt tipped nail tool being positionable through the cone's longitudinal axis. The larger end of the cone utilizes interchangeable disks having various diameter holes, and the entire assembly is attachable to a conventional pulling tool when used to pull out a dent.

Abstract: A pulling apparatus including a pulling head is arranged for reception of a slide hammer within a third bore thereof, wherein a first and second bore receives a respective shank and head of an associated fastener bolt, wherein the fastener bolt is directed through a sheet metal panel to be pulled. The second bore may be formed of a hexagonal configuration to complimentarily receive the head therewithin, and wherein the side wall of the pulling head is arranged with wrench flats to permit rotation of the screw head and pulling head in a unitary manner for projection of the screw shank into an associated sheet metal panel.

Abstract: An anchor force assembly mounted on a repair rack or on the floor in a spaced relation to a pull tower having a chain for applying a tensile force to the damaged vehicle, the anchor force assembly including a base plate assembly which is adapted to be mounted on the edge of the top of the rack, or on the floor, the base plate assembly including a base plate having a clamp mounted on each end, a pair of spacer blocks mounted on the base plate and a tower assembly pivotally mounted on said base plate assembly, the tower assembly including a pivot plate pivotally secured to the plate assembly, a tubular vertical member mounted on said plate, a tubular horizontal member mounted on said plate with one end abutting the vertical member and a tubular gusset mounted between said horizontal and vertical member whereby the chain can be attached to the vehicle with the end of the chain attached to the auxiliary tower whereby the force generated by the pull tower is doubled.

Abstract: A vehicle repair and alignment apparatus for correcting and aligning misshapened vehicle frames and outer body panels comprises a frame having a pair of elongate track members with slotted rails provided along the outer edges thereof, vertical pull towers pivotably mounted on a respective semicircular platen slidingly engaged on each rail enabling selective angular orientation of the pull towers with respect to the track members, and two pairs of vertical bolster cylinders powerably positionable in both horizontal directions within the track members each having clamp elements provided on the upper ends thereof for anchoring the vehicle to the apparatus. Horizontal displacements of the bolster cylinder pairs are effected remotely by actuating electric motors while vertical motion of the clamp elments are accomplished by fluid lifters. Proximity sensors on each clamp element automatically signal the limits of vertical motion when a body portion on the underside of the vehicle is within grasp.

Abstract: The invention relates to a car body rectifying means (10), comprising a rectifying table (11) to which a vehicle (A) can be attached with the attachments (12) of the rectifying table (11). The rectifying means (10) comprises a rectifying unit (15) secured to the rectifying table (11), comprising a base frame (16) and a slide unit (17) movable relative thereto. The slide unit (17) comprises a rectifying boom (19) turnable about a vertical axis (Z) moving along with the slide unit (17), said rectifying boom (19) being securable in optional positions relative to the slide unit (17). The invention also relates to a procedure in car body rectifying.

Abstract: Device in which each clamp is mounted at the top end of a support consisting of a vertical screw which, mounted in a horizontal slideway projecting outwards from the repair stand at right angles to the latter, is adjustable vertically and transversely relative to the repair stand by means of nuts engaged on the screw and bearing respectively against the top and bottom faces of the slideway.According to the invention the slideway consists of two parallel bars fixed on a plate at their end situated on the repair stand and associated at their other end with removable connection means.

Abstract: A brace for use in a door frame of a vehicle to brace an hydraulic ram in order to move the front interior portion of the vehicle away from the seats of the vehicle is disclosed. The brace includes a frame for fitting over the horizontal portion and "B" post of the door frame. The brace includes a brace mechanism that is self-locking with the brace frame through means of opposing sets of openings formed in the sides of the brace frame. The brace has a handle and brace pin which is inserted into the openings. The brace pin has a notch at the end farthest from the handle portion. Notch openings are formed horizontally on each of the openings on the sides of the frame. Accordingly, when the pin portion is inserted through the side openings, the notch fits through the notch openings and then gravity rotates the handle downward thereby locking the notch against the farther side of the brace frame.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a clamping apparatus for securing to and pulling upon an enlarged end of a longitudinal member of an automobile or vehicle chassis. The clamping apparatus has a pair of facing jaw members each having a bearing portion, a pulling portion, and an intermediate portion therebetween. The bearing portions each have a groove that cooperate to substantially surround the periphery of the longitudinal member perpendicular to its longitudinal axis such that the clamping apparatus may not slide off the longitudinal member, while the hearing portions bear upon the enlarged end as an axial pulling force is transferred from the clamping apparatus to the automobile chassis.

Abstract: A chain liner for guiding a chain through a passage, the liner including a pair of brackets mounted in a parallel spaced relation, a chain sprocket mounted on a shaft at each end of the bracket, a pair of blocks mounted in the space between the brackets in close proximity to each of the chain sprockets, each pair of blocks defining a channel for guiding each alternate link of the chain past the chain sprockets.

Abstract: A bench ramp including a plurality of mutually perpendicular and movable bars provided with a coupling member arresting the bars in a selected position and having two threaded bars engaging one another in a locking position and a pair of rocker members swingable about a common axis extending parallel to the threaded bars.

Abstract: A pneumatic hammer for use on auto body surfaces to remove bumps and dents. The hammering force is developed by a piston that operates in an air cylinder; a compression spring drives the piston on its return stroke, such that the piston reciprocates rapidly back and forth to develop a hammering force. Interchangeable hammering elements are selectively retained on a non-circular head structure formed on the outer end of a piston rod. Ball detents extend from side faces of the head structure to lock the hammering elements onto the head structure.

Abstract: A stud puller comprises a body that can be attached selectively to a hand pulling tool or to a slide hammer for removal of dents. A small bore at the forward end of the tool receives a pulling stud and a slot at the top of the tool at the leading end extends in communication with the stud passageway. An eccentrically mounted wheel in the slot may be turned forward to clear the stud passageway for insertion of a stud and then pulled back to engage the shank of the stud in a firm grip for pulling. The stop prevents the wheel from being turned too far and block the stud passageway until the stud is inserted.

Abstract: A tower assembly for applying a force to a damaged part of a vehicle mounted on a work rack having upper and lower plates with inner and outer flanges, the assembly including a carriage mounted on the inner and outer flanges of the lower plate and a beam extending radially outward from the carriage, a tower mounted on the outer end of the beam with a vertically adjustable bracket mounted on one side of the tower and a guide member pivotally mounted on the bracket, a rail assembly mounted in the bottom of the tower for guiding a chain through the tower, a chain dog assembly mounted for reciprocal motion on the opposite side of the tower, a chain aligned with the chain dog assembly, rail assembly in bracket and being connected to the damaged vehicle and a force applying hydraulic piston and cylinder assembly mounted in the tower for moving the dog assembly to apply a force to the damaged vehicle.

Abstract: A frame pulling apparatus for applying multiple pulling forces to a damaged structure such as an automobile, and including two or more pulling stations slidably mounted on, and adjustably positionable between a pair of vertically extending parallel support posts extending upwardly from a base. Each of the pulling stations includes a hydraulically actuated cylinder disposed within a telescopically extending power post and a load chain directed about a pulley at the end of the power posts, wherein actuation of the cylinders causes telescopic extension of the power posts thereby applying a pulling force equally on two independently extending legs of the load chain, the legs being separately attached to the damaged structure.

Abstract: The apparatus disclosed is an attachment to be used in correcting misaligned rails in a unitized automobile chassis which includes a face plate to which is joined a three-piece wedge assembly. The apparatus allows as a result of wedging action, a sizable area of contact to be established between the apparatus and the interior of the misaligned rail so that when pulling force is applied to the apparatus, it is transferred to the rail through the broad area of contact thereby decreasing the chance of further damage to the rail during the repair process. Also disclosed is an embodiment featuring a two-piece wedge assembly. Methods for repairing a damaged rail using the wedge assemblies are also disclosed.

Abstract: A sliding and locking system is adapted to be mounted around a vehicle straightening bench for supporting a force applying structure. The sliding system includes a pair of spaced rollers adapted to ride on lateral flanges of a vehicle supporting beam, the wheels being mounted at the end of a transverse beam supporting the force applying structure. The transverse beam supports a locking system provided with lever arms adapted to tighten the truss beam on the transverse beam while releasing the roller from the truss beam. The truss beam is subdivided into two superposed transverse beams adapted to pivot relative to one another, one of which pivots relative to the truss beam.

Abstract: A stripping device for enlarging an opening in sheet material and possibly for initially forming and then enlarging the opening. A hydraulically operated cylinder has a cylinder housing around it. A piston in the cylinder is connected to move a shoe that is guided on the cylinder housing. A clamping jaw is attached to the cylinder housing. An axially displaceable stripping jaw is connected to the piston either by a rod on the piston or that jaw is attached on the shoe and moves with the shoe. The shoe may have a plurality of spaced attachment points for the stripping jaw. There may be an extension of the piston on which the stripping jaw is carried or on which an additional sripping jaw is carried. There may be an extension of the cylinder housing on which an additional clamping jaw is carried.

Abstract: An apparatus for securing vehicles to a rack, frame or bench, the apparatus including a universal base assembly for supporting various type attachment heads, the base assembly including a base which is adapted to be mounted on the rack and a slide mounted on the base for longitudinal movement relative thereto, the slide including a mounting plate for supporting the various types of attachment heads.

Abstract: A frame pulling bar and tool system for use in clamping to the body of an automobile or other vehicle as a means of anchoring pulling devices to the frame or body in the pulling and stretching operations necessary to restore and repair damaged automobile or vehicle bodies. The system includes a clamping bar and a plurality of threaded bolts for engagement in threaded holes in the clamping bar. Auxiliary bars may be included to expand the capability of the systenm.

Abstract: A body clamp for an automobile body straightener, consisting of a main body which can be fastened to a straightener frame beam and has a pair of jaws attached to it. One jaw is fixed to the main body and the other jaw is rotatably mounted on a shaft attached to the main body. The body clamp is provided with a cam closing devices to press the rotatable jaw against the fixed jaw. The cam closing device is rotatably mounted on a shaft attached to the movable jaw so that when the cam closing device is pressed with a force (G) against the frame beam, it will generate a clamping force (F) between the jaws, with the result that the body clamp is simultaneously fastened to the straightener frame beam when the jaws are closed.

Abstract: A force applying structure is made to be fixed on the periphery of a frame straightening bench for a vehicle for simultaneously pushing and pulling on a part of the vehicle. The structure includes an upstanding post rigidly fixed in spaced relationship with the straightening bench. A device is mounted on the post for pulling on a chain and pushing with a hydraulic cylinder. The device comprises a base plate vertically fixed on the post and partition plates mounted edgewise on the base plate for forming a horizontal and a vertical channel forming a cross-shape recess. A first hydraulic cylinder is secured in one of the channel parallel to the base plate and has a piston projecting away from the intersection of the channels. At the intersection of the channels adjacent the first cylinder a pair of guide member having a partly circular contour extends inside the channels.

Abstract: A car body frame straightening apparatus consisting of a frame jig and a rim clamp having an adjustable attachment to the jig frame and comprising of a pair of jaws clamping to the body rim. One jaw (3) of the rim clamp is permanently fixed to a body piece (5) of the rim clamp (2) while the other, an adjustable clamp (4), is clampable by means of an eccentric clamping member (6) against the other jaw (2) in such a way that the rim clamp is clamped by virtue of an other set of eccentric elements (7, 8), which exert a clamping effect on the jig frame 1, to attach to the beam frame.

Abstract: The apparatus includes a base frame 10; an assembly of carrier beams 17, 18 pivoted on the base frame 10 for rotation about an upright axis; clamps 19, 23 adjustably mounted on the carrier beams 17, 18 for clamping a vehicle supported on the carrier beams; retaining means 34 for releasably locking the assembly of carrier beams 17, 18 in rotatably adjusted position; a standard 36 on the base 10; and tensioning means 48, 50 mounted for vertical adjustment on the standard 36, for connection by a chain 51 direct or via a beam 52 and a further chain to parts of a vehicle clamped on the rotatable carrier beam assembly 17, 18. The tensioning means 48, 50 comprises a hydraulic cylinder 48 swingable about the standard 36 and an associated yoke 50.

Abstract: An ovate vehicle support rack is provided and equipped with a plurality of carriages guidingly supported from the rack for movement along the outer margin thereof and with the carriages projecting outwardly of the rack outer margin. Each carriage supports an upstanding pull tower therefrom for angularly displacement relative to the associated carriage about an upstanding axis and each pull tower upper end includes pull structure for exerting a pull in a direction extending away from the rack and toward the pull tower with the direction of pull being angularly displaceable with the tower relative to the carriage.

Abstract: A bench mounted puller support to hold and adjust a puller that is utilized to straighten bent auto bodies that are supported and held on an adjustable bench with said support mounted thereto. The bench mounted puller support is comprised of two longitudinal bars with each bar having receiving members on the inner side to receive and connect to the side of the bench, and inserting members on the outer side to insert and connect to a flange assembly that is secured to a tubular support member that supports the puller. The flange assembly has multiple apertures around the perimeter to allow the tubular support member to rotate 360 degrees around the end attached to the flange assembly. The tubular support member has multiple apertures spaced apart longitudinally to allow the puller to adjust to any desired position along the entire length of the tubular support member.

Abstract: The apparatus comprises a horizontally-extending base (2) mounted on wheels (3) and providied at one end (4) with anchoring means (5) locking it to a repair bench (6) and at the opposite end (9) with a pair of double-acting hydraulic jacks (11, 12) hinged thereto and joined together at a junction point (P) which is raised relative to the base (2). Connected to the junction point (P) is a third double-acting hydraulic jack (16, 33) which is intended to carry out a pulling or thrust action in order to straighten the deformed part (21) of a damaged vehicle body. The junction point (P) defined by the intersection of the pair of jacks (11, 12) hinged to the second base end (9), can be shifted in space without discontinuity and can therefore take any appropriate position for a correct and quick straightening of the deformed body.

Abstract: A vehicle chassis clamp for clamping a selected chassis part (7) which presents a throughpassing bolt joint (13a-c). The clamp comprises a U-shaped stirrup bracket (6a) having two legs so spaced as to straddle the chassis part (7). Each limb has a bush (14, 15) which can be tightened against a respective side surface of the chassis part, and each bush has a cavity (14d, 15e) which embraces a respective end of the bolt joint.

Abstract: An electromagnetic dent remover having a tapped work coil (36) is provided. A first current pulse, I.sub.S, is applied to an inner and outer coil (48 and 46) to produce an electromagnetic field that exerts a repelling force on a conductive part (24). A second current pulse, I.sub.F, having a polarity opposite that of the I.sub.S current pulse and a rise time shorter than that of the I.sub.S pulse, is applied to the inner coil (48), which collapses the electromagnetic field associated with the inner coil (48) and causes a pulling force to be exerted on the part (24) by the inner coil (48). The work coil (36) is positioned over a dent in the conductive part (24) so that the pulling force produced by the inner coil (48) is concentrated on the dent and pulls the dent from the part (24). Simultaneously, the pulling force is counteracted by the repelling force produced with the outer coil (46). The repelling force stabilizes the part ( 24) to facilitate the removal of the dent.

Abstract: A rack is disclosed for the assembly, inspection, and repairing of vehicle bodies. The rack is formed primarily of rectangular tubing and has two side members which are joined by two cross members. The side members have guide rails and grooves which allow quickly adjustable positioning of various supports and accessories. The side members and cross members have a plurality of formed holes at spaced intervals to accept locating dowels for the proper positioning of supports and base plates. The supports and base plates are mounted with a quick clamping mechanism. Also provided are clamps for holding the bodywork which have a simple height adjustment mechanism. Removable transverse ends allow good access to the interior of the rack and to the vehicle bodywork.

Abstract: The apparatus comprises a quadrangular frame on which a vehicle to be repaired can be fixed by means of appropriate templates. The frame is rigidly associated with a pantograph mechanism capable of raising and lowering it to the required distance from the ground. Longitudinal guide elements for at least one movable carriage are fixed to the frame, and a support for a device for tensioning the damaged bodywork is pivoted to the carriage and can rotate on a substantially horizontal plate. At least one pair of wheeled vehicle-holder crosspieces are slidable on the frame and are associated with adjustable-height wheeled elements. Each crosspiece has two jacks for lifting and positioning a vehicle on the templates.

Abstract: A support for mounting a vehicle chassis on an alignment bench. The support has a threaded bushing telescopically received in a sleeve fixed to a carrier arm. In use, the axial length of the bushing and sleeve assembly can be adjusted so that when received between the side walls of an attachment bracket for a vehicle suspension component, they lie closely adjacent to and preferably bear on the side walls. In use, the shank of a bolt is inserted through the side walls of the attachment bracket and the bushing and sleeve assembly received between them and is preferably retained therein by a nut received thereon. When desired, this mounting support permits the vehicle to be pivoted relative to the bench while still secured thereon by the support.

Abstract: A jack for opening locked or barricaded doors has a first hydraulic single acting piston and cylinder actuator mounted on a casing by which holding claws are forces into engagement with a door frame to hold the jack in place. An arm is pivotted on the casing and an end opposite the pivot forced against the door by a second hydraulic single acting piston and cylinder actuator to open the door, reaction to the opening force being transmitted to the door frame through the casing and claws. The reservoir for the hydraulic fluid is provided to the rear of the piston of the actuator. The jack is readily portable and self-contained, and does not present a significant obstacle to entry through a door which has been forced using the jack.

Abstract: A vehicle repair and straightening apparatus, including a lower framework forming a cage for receiving a damaged vehicle. Structure is provided for restraining the damaged vehicle within the lower framework and a tower structure is movably attached to the lower framework for applying a force on a portion of the damaged vehicle. An upper framework is movably attached to the lower framework and structure is provided for permitting the upper framework to be selectively movable with respect to the lower framework between a lowered transport position and a raised working position. A tower structure attached to the apparatus has hydraulics associated therewith for pulling damage from a damaged vehicle but this structure is also useful to selectively move the upper framework between the transport position and the raised position thereof.

Abstract: Apparatus has a forming die on a boom with the boom being positionable so that the forming die can be urged outward against the damaged wall of a container. Hammering on the outside of the container against the forming die reshapes the container wall to its original contours.

Abstract: A clamping system for use in supporting automotive vehicles in secured relation above a floor surface includes an adjustable height pedestal having a base member with a ram member entered in sliding relation therein. Laterally inclined convergent internal side walls serve as guides to keep in mutually centered relation a pair of vertically extending mating faces of the base member and the ram member. These mating faces have laterally extending tooth members standing proud of their surfaces in mutually interengageable relation to lock the members together against vertical displacement. Clearance within the base member sufficient for the lateral disengagement of the respective tooth members permits vertical adjustment of the ram member relative to the base. Jacking screws extending laterally within the base serve to hold the ram member in tooth engaged relation with the mating face of the base, in a locked, pre-set position of a predetermined height.

Abstract: An assembly of components and a method of using such components for straighening and repairing vehicle bodies, frames or for bending various metal components in an efficient manner. The present invention includes the use of hydraulically actuated rams to provide a force to straighten or bend metal components and a chain or similar structure to transfer the force produced by the hydraulic ram to the metal component to be straightened or bent. Unique base plates are provided for supporting one end of the hydraulic ram from a vehicle runway, platform or other stationary surface. A unique socket and stop assembly is provided for supporting the hydraulic ram from a transverse beam and also to form a stop for precluding movement of the transverse beam.

Abstract: A sheet metal bending tool is disclosed uniquely adapted for bending and repairing automotive sheet metal parts. The tool includes at least a shank and a hook end portion designed to facilitate holding and bending of sheet metal edges in a variety of applications. In a preferred embodiment, the tool also includes a "V" shaped inner surface specially adapted to grip metal pieces. Alternate constructions of the tool may include a useful ring-end portion or a second hook end portion to increase the range of applications for the tool.

Abstract: A vehicle repair support rack is provided for support in elevated position relative to a repair shop floor and includes support structure therefore whereby one end of the ramp may be raised and lowered relative to the floor. Opposite longitudinal side portions of the rack and the aforementioned one end thereof include peripheral track structure extending thereabout and at least one carriage is mounted for the track structure for movement therealong and projects considerably horizontally outwardly of the periphery of the rack. A portable, wheeled pull tower for use in conjunction with a repair shop floor anchored track is provided and is loadable onto the rack by the carriage (which includes an upper platform surface) when the one end of the rack is lowered and the carriage is supported therefrom to enable the platform thereof to define a loading ramp for the pull tower.

Abstract: A vehicle aligning apparatus has a support platform and means for securing a vehicle thereto. The platform has a transverse front end that is releasibly engageable by a stress bearing plate, a portion of which overlies the platform. An elongated flexible member is affixed at or adjacent one of its ends to the stress bearing plate and its other end is adapted to be fixed to the vehicle. A tensioning ram is mounted at one end to the stress bearing plate and its other end bears against the flexible member at a point intermediate the ends thereof to apply pulling force to the vehicle body or frame.

Abstract: An autobody door latch alignment tool comprising a lever arrangement including:a strike pin engaging slot adapted to engage, and be rotatable about a strike pin mounted on a first door post of an autobody opposite a second door post arranged apart from and generally parallel to the first door post;a door latch engaging pin adapted to engage a door latch on a misaligned door that is hung by hinges from the second door post of the autobody, with the door latch engaging pin being arranged in mutually spaced apart relation from the strike pin engaging slot at respective points defining a chord along an arc subtended by an angle of the doors rotation about its hinges; and,a lever arm;with the door latch engaging pin and strike pin engaging slot being interconnected through a connection extending transversely to the chord, and being adapted to be secured in fixed relation with the lever arm, in which arrangement the strike pin engaging slot is operable to act as a fulcrum when securely engaged in rotatable relation