[C2] Need a bit of Newbie guidance...
08-21-2016, 08:15 PM
#1
Drifting
Thread Starter
Need a bit of Newbie guidance...
...so as a few of you may have seen i bought an old 63 roadster Drag Car.
I am going to revitalize it.I have to go over every aspect of it.
Starting with the body...
The firewall and body are still complete,but sitting loosely on the frame,the majority of the original floor is gone.
I will be taking the body off the frame at some point.
Should i be re-shimming the body on the frame now to do the body work?
Or,should i get the body on a dolly?
Thanks Dom
Vette in question
I am going to revitalize it.I have to go over every aspect of it.
Starting with the body...
The firewall and body are still complete,but sitting loosely on the frame,the majority of the original floor is gone.
I will be taking the body off the frame at some point.
Should i be re-shimming the body on the frame now to do the body work?
Or,should i get the body on a dolly?
Thanks Dom
Vette in question
08-21-2016, 08:34 PM
#2
Team Owner
You might have bigger issues if it sat like that for many a year...
Check the birdcage before you get too involved...
But if you sure its good i would get an AIM and look over the measurements for body mount locations and build the dolly according them...beings you said most of the floor is missing...that way you can be sure the panels/flooring and all fiberglass repairs are close to correct as can be...
Check the birdcage before you get too involved...
But if you sure its good i would get an AIM and look over the measurements for body mount locations and build the dolly according them...beings you said most of the floor is missing...that way you can be sure the panels/flooring and all fiberglass repairs are close to correct as can be...
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ChopperLoco (08-21-2016)
08-21-2016, 08:40 PM
#3
Drifting
Thread Starter
You might have bigger issues if it sat like that for many a year...
Check the birdcage before you get too involved...
But if you sure its good i would get an AIM and look over the measurements for body mount locations and build the dolly according them...beings you said most of the floor is missing...that way you can be sure the panels/flooring and all fiberglass repairs are close to correct as can be...
Check the birdcage before you get too involved...
But if you sure its good i would get an AIM and look over the measurements for body mount locations and build the dolly according them...beings you said most of the floor is missing...that way you can be sure the panels/flooring and all fiberglass repairs are close to correct as can be...
AIM?
Thanks
08-21-2016, 08:43 PM
#4
Team Owner
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AIM= assemble instruction manual. It's best to do all the body work on the frame it's going to be on. But more pictures can help others help you more
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ChopperLoco (08-21-2016)
08-22-2016, 08:09 AM
#6
Melting Slicks
I always repair the body on the bare frame. That way it will fit!
I have seen the dollies that some people use and they are about as flexible as a snake!
Do as much as possible on the frame to stabilize it, and then take it off for the rest.
It will take several remounts to get it right.
Just make sure the frame is stright and level and don't worry about dripping resin on it or accidentally hitting it with a sander. Because, of course, you are going to sandblast and paint the frame before final assembly.
Shim as necessary when complete.
Ps. Have a trans. in place when you fabricate the floor panels. (ask me how i know)
I have seen the dollies that some people use and they are about as flexible as a snake!
Do as much as possible on the frame to stabilize it, and then take it off for the rest.
It will take several remounts to get it right.
Just make sure the frame is stright and level and don't worry about dripping resin on it or accidentally hitting it with a sander. Because, of course, you are going to sandblast and paint the frame before final assembly.
Shim as necessary when complete.
Ps. Have a trans. in place when you fabricate the floor panels. (ask me how i know)
Last edited by Roger Walling; 08-22-2016 at 11:52 AM.
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ChopperLoco (08-24-2016)
08-22-2016, 07:11 PM
#7
Race Director
Good advice. The dolly just supports the body. It's not accurate at all. For example, my car is on jack stands right now and I can't even shut the doors.
I do body work first. Then frame if possible. It doesn't matter as much if you are mostly doing standard door gap adjustments - but if you are adding or subtracting material I'd do it on the frame.
You will also want to confirm your frame measurements are to spec. These frames sag over the years. I built a frame jig based on a 1/2" sheet of steel using laser levels to bring my frame back into spec.
Probably overkill but in my case I was putting a new frame in that needed modifications to fit.
I do body work first. Then frame if possible. It doesn't matter as much if you are mostly doing standard door gap adjustments - but if you are adding or subtracting material I'd do it on the frame.
You will also want to confirm your frame measurements are to spec. These frames sag over the years. I built a frame jig based on a 1/2" sheet of steel using laser levels to bring my frame back into spec.
Probably overkill but in my case I was putting a new frame in that needed modifications to fit.
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ChopperLoco (08-24-2016)
08-23-2016, 04:52 PM
#10
Team Owner
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Yes it can be done. But your months from finale body and paint work. You said your missing most of the floor. Have you sourced the floor yet? They do not reproduce the floor or tub. So used is your only option
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ChopperLoco (08-24-2016)
08-24-2016, 12:27 PM
#11
Drifting
Thread Starter
08-24-2016, 12:29 PM
#12
Drifting
Thread Starter
Yes i have found two sources for a floor but have not determined if that is doable yet with present chassis mods...
08-24-2016, 12:31 PM
#13
Team Owner
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Your chassis sounds like it's a stright line only. If you want to drive it comfortable on the street a stock or aftermarket one would be a better choice
08-24-2016, 12:58 PM
#14
Race Director
08-24-2016, 07:58 PM
#15
Drifting
Thread Starter