Understanding Frame Straightening and Structural Collision Repair
San Antonio, TX. A bent or damaged vehicle frame doesn’t always mean a total loss. With today’s advanced equipment, skilled technicians can often restore a vehicle’s structure to its factory specifications, but only when the repair follows OEM standards.
At Buffalo Customs & Collision in San Antonio, technicians use a Chief Impulse E/VHT frame machine and OEM digital measuring systems to realign damaged frames and unibodies precisely. These systems ensure repairs meet factory safety tolerances to within millimeters.
“Frame straightening isn’t just about making a car look right, it’s about restoring its ability to protect you in another collision,” said Chad Richardson, owner of Buffalo Customs & Collision. “We treat every vehicle as if our own family were driving it.”
What Frame Straightening Involves
During the process, a damaged vehicle is mounted to a specialized frame bench, measured using OEM control points, and pulled back into alignment with hydraulic precision. The repair concludes with digital verification to ensure the structure meets factory tolerances.
According to the Inter-Industry Conference on Auto Collision Repair (I-CAR), structural accuracy is essential for proper airbag deployment and crash safety performance.
Repair Type | Purpose | Safety Impact | Equipment Used |
Frame Straightening | Realigns structural points | High | Chief Impulse E/VHT |
Non-Structural Repair | Cosmetic correction | Low | Hand tools, paint booth |
Why Structural Accuracy Matters
The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) notes that even slight misalignment in a unibody structure can affect energy absorption and airbag timing.
Buffalo’s team verifies each pull using digital measuring data and performs post-repair inspections, including alignment, road testing, and ADAS diagnostic scans, to ensure full restoration.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) recommends that frame and structural repairs only be performed using OEM-approved procedures and welding standards, something Buffalo follows rigorously.
Local Driving Conditions Increase Structural Damage Risks
San Antonio’s busy highways, including I-35, Loop 1604, and Highway 281, see frequent front and side impacts that often bend frame rails or suspension points. Combined with Texas heat and weather exposure, proper frame straightening is critical for long-term vehicle performance and safety.
The City of San Antonio advises local drivers to seek certified repairers who document and follow OEM repair practices. Buffalo Customs & Collision’s team uses OEM data to ensure every vehicle meets pre-accident safety standards.
About Buffalo Customs & Collision
Founded in 2023, Buffalo Customs & Collision is an independent, full-service collision repair shop located at 13734 Lookout Rd, San Antonio, TX. Owner Chad Richardson, with over 23 years of experience, specializes in OEM-standard frame straightening, collision repair, and paint refinishing.
The shop offers structural repairs, paintless dent repair, paint and finish services, and glass replacement for all makes and models.
Every repair includes a Limited Lifetime Warranty for as long as the customer owns the vehicle.
Learn more or schedule an inspection at
?? https://buffalocustomsandcollision.com/
Media Contact
Chad Richardson
Owner, Buffalo Customs & Collision
?? 13734 Lookout Rd, San Antonio, TX 78233
?? (210) 773-4708
?? [email protected]
