True or False - How to tell your commodore has been in an accident?

[manvr]

I have been told before that you can tell your car has been in an accident by looking at the K-Frame. If the distances between the two bolts(either side of the K-Frame) and the K-Frame are different, then the car has been in an accident.

Has anyone heard this before?

[Shounak]

Hmm, I'll let someone else tackle that one..

But you can often tell my new panels or very new paintwork.. Are all the panels the same colour and feel? Can be a dead giveaway..

Also check under the car. A panel like the reo (reinforcement) bar is usually worn. If it's brand new compared to the rest of the components, it's a good chance it's been in an accident..

But yeah, the paint's usually a good giveaway. Look at in the light, see if the whole car looks the same colour..

[vt1538]

Ive never heard of the k frame bit either. Where the panels are joined with seam sealer can give you an idea. Ive also noticed different textures of the paint finish like the amount & size of orange peel.

[Full Spectrum]

Also look at the Finnish gaps between parts, Some might have left badges and stuff off, Like a friends got a VP bonnet it was smashed.
I 12 months ago before i got the VP was looking around at cars and i seen this VNII nice looking car to low km's. Had a soft suspension needed shocks but it's body was clean and km low as i said. Had weld marks under both rear guards like it had it's rear cut off and replaced.

[Pretender]

Usually broken glass, dented panels, leaking fluids, radiator wrapped around the motor etc will confirm it has been in an accident.
Sorry.
As Shounak said but also look for welds in the engine bay and underneath the car, new sound deadening in the guards, new rims, check panel gaps for consistency, misalinged roof gutters and new front end components (steering etc).
Some are very easy to spot others, well, we could all be driving one now.

Edit: I need to learn how to type faster. Two posts made whilst writing my dribble.

[lukedog]

ive heard that if u look at the VIN plate, and it doesnt have the factory rivets (they r like hex shape as apposed to round ones) then u know they have replaced the crossmember following a pritty big hit in the front

[vnberlwagon]

One deadset giveaway is obvious signs of panel beating performed on the number plate, or check the bolts/ screws attaching number plate to car.:my:

[Full Spectrum]

Or go to a panel beater, If your Lucky like i was your brother or someone might know one who owns a panel beating place, And get them to jump under it and give it the all clear.

[Spike79]

Edit: I need to learn how to type faster. Two posts made whilst writing my dribble.

LOL, don't you hate it when that happens, Especially when they say what you where about to say.

[Hairy Eater]

can someone post a pic of factory hex rivits here pls...

[mouce]

Yeah, an example of a factory VIN plate would be good to see...I'm starting to think that mine isn't 'factory'. I don't care if half the letters are blurred out, I'd like to see one or two of the characters though. Please?