Aligning the body
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Nov 2002
Posts: 141
Likes: 0
From: Hillsborough NJ
Aligning the body
Recently I've noticed that my body is not centered on my frame. The rear tires are not even in the wheel wells (yes, it is properly aligned) and the gas tank cap is not centered in the lid opening. The frame does not appear to be bent and there is no evidence of repair work on the car. It is my opinion that the body was either placed on improperly or that it shifted at some point in time.
Looking through the AIM, it looks like there are alignment holes in the body and the frame at the door sills. What do I need to do to straighten the body on the frame? Can I just loosen the body mounts and use a pair of jacks to move the body?
Looking through the AIM, it looks like there are alignment holes in the body and the frame at the door sills. What do I need to do to straighten the body on the frame? Can I just loosen the body mounts and use a pair of jacks to move the body?
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jun 2002
Posts: 8,339
Likes: 24
From: I can walk to MA
If you are able to loosen all 8 body mounts a bit, you should be
able to slide it over by hand. Probably need to loosen your rear
bumper brackets that connect to rear frame, too.
Being from NJ, you might need a can of penetrating oil to soak the bolts.
This could be fairly easy, or it could get ugly fast. Good luck.
able to slide it over by hand. Probably need to loosen your rear
bumper brackets that connect to rear frame, too.
Being from NJ, you might need a can of penetrating oil to soak the bolts.
This could be fairly easy, or it could get ugly fast. Good luck.
Last edited by NHvette; Apr 4, 2005 at 12:36 AM.
Drifting
Joined: Nov 2002
Posts: 1,676
Likes: 197
From: Loveland, CO
I've had luck with placing a 1/2" round pry bar down the alignment holes and forcing the body to where you need it. By looking down the holes you can easily tell if the body frame is aligned with the frame holes. Good luck. 
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jun 2002
Posts: 8,339
Likes: 24
From: I can walk to MA
Body mount holes are roughly an inch. Bolt is 7/16" ... so
theoretically - 1/2" or so side-side is possible.
Wait - that is for the chrome bumper crowd. For rubber
bumper cars with rubber body mounts - you won't get that
much since the rubber mounts fit inside the hole.
theoretically - 1/2" or so side-side is possible.
Wait - that is for the chrome bumper crowd. For rubber
bumper cars with rubber body mounts - you won't get that
much since the rubber mounts fit inside the hole.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Mar 2002
Posts: 3,193
Likes: 0
From: Pittsburgh PA
Originally Posted by NHvette
For rubber
bumper cars with rubber body mounts - you won't get that
much since the rubber mounts fit inside the hole.
bumper cars with rubber body mounts - you won't get that
much since the rubber mounts fit inside the hole.
Drifting
Joined: Mar 2003
Posts: 1,608
Likes: 3
From: Canberra AUSTRALIA
St. Jude Donor '05-'06
Originally Posted by NHvette
Body mount holes are roughly an inch. Bolt is 7/16" ... so
theoretically - 1/2" or so side-side is possible.
Wait - that is for the chrome bumper crowd. For rubber
bumper cars with rubber body mounts - you won't get that
much since the rubber mounts fit inside the hole.
theoretically - 1/2" or so side-side is possible.
Wait - that is for the chrome bumper crowd. For rubber
bumper cars with rubber body mounts - you won't get that
much since the rubber mounts fit inside the hole.
Didn't know that. Learn something new every day.
