Move body on frame?
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 274
Likes: 0
From: Fairview TX
Move body on frame?
I've got my larger wheels/tires now and am getting ready to flare the car.
One of my issues to resolve before getting started is getting the panels aligned properly.
Turns out that the body is not centered over the front wheels. This was not obvious when the tires where tucked in the wheel wells, but now that they stick out a bit it's clear. The front end needs to move to the right (passenger side) 1/4" to 3/8". This car has a replacement front end so I'm not terribly surprised.
Suggestions on how to accomplish this?
One of my issues to resolve before getting started is getting the panels aligned properly.
Turns out that the body is not centered over the front wheels. This was not obvious when the tires where tucked in the wheel wells, but now that they stick out a bit it's clear. The front end needs to move to the right (passenger side) 1/4" to 3/8". This car has a replacement front end so I'm not terribly surprised.
Suggestions on how to accomplish this?
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 8,117
Likes: 104
From: charlotte north carolina
the frame may be bent, but more than likely, the body is properly positioned on the frame, and the problem is with the replacement front clip. have a friend help you pull a string along side the sides of the car, it may give you a very rough idea of what's going on when compared to the doors and rear glass. also, pull the door sills, and you'll see two holes (should have plastic caps) that should line up with holes in the frame, you should be able to drop a 3/8" rod straight down thru the sill and frame.
if you try to shift the body, possible problem areas could be drive shaft hitting the tunnel, upper rear shock bolts hitting the battery and spare tire compartment, clutch linkage and the rear wouldn't look correct.
if you try to shift the body, possible problem areas could be drive shaft hitting the tunnel, upper rear shock bolts hitting the battery and spare tire compartment, clutch linkage and the rear wouldn't look correct.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jun 2004
Posts: 872
Likes: 3
From: Cortlandt Manor New York
I don't think shifting the body over is the solution to the problem. It may help the looks but little more. Misaligned frame and/or front end can result in some serious handling problems perhaps leading to unsafe operation.
You need to check the frame to make sure it is properly aligned and not bent. Then you need to get the front end measured to make sure it is properly installed. If the frame and front end are OK then you can look at it as a body problem. More than likely a frame or front end problem.
You need to check the frame to make sure it is properly aligned and not bent. Then you need to get the front end measured to make sure it is properly installed. If the frame and front end are OK then you can look at it as a body problem. More than likely a frame or front end problem.
Team Owner
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 40,408
Likes: 792
From: Redondo Beach, California
If the body was never removed from your frame, the misalignment can be a bent frame, but most likely the front clip wasn't accurately installed.
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 274
Likes: 0
From: Fairview TX
I am confident that it's a poorly installed front clip. This car has had both quarters, both doors and the front clip replaced. I have checked the frame carefully as I was dumfounded for a while on why the back of the car did not sit level. To make a long story short, the bodywork was cleary done someplace they were just cranking out 'that looks close enough' work. The front end is aftermarket and I assume they very in fit as well.
The body is centered at the front of the doors (and back from that point).
Frame is fine (including square), suspension is fine (and all rebuilt).
However, the core support is dinged up on top. As if the front of the car ended up under a pickup at some time. It appears to be square, but I've not checked it carefully.
Body mounts are new and all of the mounting wholes do line up directly with the frame mounts.
So, no real way to simply shim the nose body over, correct?
The body is centered at the front of the doors (and back from that point).
Frame is fine (including square), suspension is fine (and all rebuilt).
However, the core support is dinged up on top. As if the front of the car ended up under a pickup at some time. It appears to be square, but I've not checked it carefully.
Body mounts are new and all of the mounting wholes do line up directly with the frame mounts.
So, no real way to simply shim the nose body over, correct?
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 8,117
Likes: 104
From: charlotte north carolina
no, there isn't a way to simply shim the front clip over. it's fastened at the cowls, inner fenders, inner splash shields and the bumper(and associated brackets).
but from what you describe about the rear fenders, doors, and the front clip, this old beast may have been i one too many wrecks and might have a frame that's out of square.
but from what you describe about the rear fenders, doors, and the front clip, this old beast may have been i one too many wrecks and might have a frame that's out of square.
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 274
Likes: 0
From: Fairview TX
But, good news I have absolutely no misgivings about any and all mods!
At least there is no rust.
Guess I will be cutting the front loose.
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