DIY frame dimension check...
Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 2,441
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DIY frame dimension check...
Have any of you guys put you car up in the air and checked your frame dimensions? I'd like to go through this process and check mine. Any how-to tipsor advice on doing this (lasers, plumb-bobs, water levels?) at home would be appreciated. 
Last edited by shafrs3; Oct 29, 2007 at 12:16 PM.
Intermediate
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 43
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From: sellersville pa
there is a tool called a tram gauge, i bought one to build my pro street car.its good for checking squareness. there are actual measurement from the factory for all the holes on the bottom of the frame.i bought mine from an outfit i believe was something like us autobody supply.it was about 150 dollars.I have an old factory corvette manual i'll check and see if there are measurements in it ,i kind of doubt it though
Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 2,441
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That's a possibility, I'm thinking about using a plumb-bob to transcribe the frames centerline points to the concrete floor, then use a laser to check them for straightness. If this looks good I can work out from there.
Does anyone know what the tolerances are for the factory frame, like + or - 1/16", if any?
Does anyone know what the tolerances are for the factory frame, like + or - 1/16", if any?
Intermediate
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 43
Likes: 0
From: sellersville pa
they are the measurements for using a tram gauge.like it says you go from the center of the holes, the tram gauge i have has a cone attachment that goes in the hole works really nice.i tried the plum bob string route just didn't get a comfortable feeling with it.If your frames off the car take it to a body shop and have them put it on a rack shouldn't be to expensive.
Tech Contributor
Joined: Jun 2004
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From: I tend to be leery of any guy who doesn't own a chainsaw or a handgun.
I'm interested in the same thing. I've looked at several sources trying to find the build tolerances, but have struck out so far. All I've seen is the nominal dimensions.
Team Owner
Joined: Jul 1999
Posts: 65,492
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From: Orange Park Florida
I would be more concerned with the side to side vertical dimensions being the same....the weld seams are correct, and the metal is unbent, that the diagonal measurements are the same from similar corners....indicating squareness off the frame....
seeing the wheels are same centerline distance from each other on each side....front to rear....
seeing the wheels are same centerline distance from each other on each side....front to rear....
Intermediate
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 43
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From: sellersville pa
a 1966 chevrolet chassis manual i have says "that when checking for frame alignment in case of damage,the first step is horizontal x checking with a tram from similar given points on opposite side of the frame.frame alignment checks on all models should be made with the tram points set at the centers of each locating points indicated and the cross bar level to insure accuracy.when x checking any section of the frame,the measurements should agree within 3/16".if they do not,it means that corrections will have to be made." hope this is a help
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Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 2,441
Likes: 0
....If your frames off the car take it to a body shop and have them put it on a rack shouldn't be to expensive...
a 1966 chevrolet chassis manual i have says "that when checking for frame alignment in case of damage,the first step is horizontal x checking with a tram from similar given points on opposite side of the frame.frame alignment checks on all models should be made with the tram points set at the centers of each locating points indicated and the cross bar level to insure accuracy.when x checking any section of the frame,the measurements should agree within 3/16".if they do not,it means that corrections will have to be made." hope this is a help
a 1966 chevrolet chassis manual i have says "that when checking for frame alignment in case of damage,the first step is horizontal x checking with a tram from similar given points on opposite side of the frame.frame alignment checks on all models should be made with the tram points set at the centers of each locating points indicated and the cross bar level to insure accuracy.when x checking any section of the frame,the measurements should agree within 3/16".if they do not,it means that corrections will have to be made." hope this is a help
Yes, the suggestions do help, I'll take all I can get.
