How to Replace the Entire Vehicle Frame?
2 Answers
《Motor Vehicle Change Registration Application Form》、《Application for Motor Vehicle Change Verification Form》、Motor Vehicle Registration Certificate、Driving License、Standard Vehicle Photos. Submit the required documents to the Vehicle Archives Room on the second floor of the Vehicle Service Hall for file verification. Proceed to the Vehicle Inspection Hall to confirm the vehicle's compliance with regulations and obtain the 《Approval for Change Notification》. Submit the required documents to the Vehicle Service Hall for processing. If there is no Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) or frame number, you must go to a repair shop to engrave the original frame number and take a rubbing.
Replacing the entire car frame is no small matter. I've seen mechanics do it a few times while helping out at the repair shop. The whole process is incredibly complex—first, the car has to be hoisted in the air to dismantle every single component: the engine, transmission, suspension system, seats, even the seatbelts can't be overlooked. Then, the old frame is carefully removed with a crane, and the chassis is inspected for any deformation before installing a new matching frame, which must align with the original car's specifications. Reassembling the parts requires patience, with each bolt torqued to precise specifications, followed by testing equipment to check suspension and wheel alignment. Finally, a thorough road test is conducted. This job is time-consuming and expensive, beyond the capability of an average shop—it requires a professional overhaul facility, costing at least 7,000 to 8,000 RMB. But the risks are high: even a slight misalignment can make the car unstable. Personally, unless the car has been in a severe accident or it's a classic car with sentimental value, I'd recommend preventive rust maintenance to avoid the hassle and potential safety hazards down the line.
