Finally back to working on the vette after surviving a divorce. When I stripped it down to the frame I noticed the front end had obviously been in an accident. Took measurements and did not find anything out of factory tolerance. Also took the bare frame to a local restoration shop where they found no signs of the frame being bent. However as I put it together the gap between the frame and front sway bar is different between sides and when I went to solid motor mounts the transmission is about a quarter inch off from matching up with the crossmember from left to right. I did send the crossmember back to VBP and the new one was better but still not the same from side to side. I have been told by some that nothing lines up perfectly on these cars but find that hard to believe. Also none of the body shops around here will put the frame on a rack because they say they cannot do it until the car is completely assembled. The car currently has the complete suspension motor and tranny installed.

1. Does anyone know of a shop in NC where they can put it on a frame machine and check it out before I put the body back on?
2. Am I being over cautious and are all these cars slightly off as I have been told (I tend to doubt it)?

Thanks

 

Ok, just went out and did some more measuring. Frame has to be bent. Checked the gap on both side pipes and there is a noticeable difference from left to right. Need to know if anyone knows of a body shop preferable close to Raleigh that could tackle this one for me.

 

You should not use your exhaust as a reference......because that is basically 'saying' that they are perfect.

AND...if you are 1/4' off to slide the transmission over to get the bots into you transmission mount... IT all depends on how much tension it takes to do this. BECAUSE....it can be in your solid motor mounts. All these motor mount need is to be off just the slightest bit...and it will throw off the transmission mount when you take it back 3-4 feet. It is all in the 'angles of the dangles'.

Using an aftermarket part....and when you got a new cross member...it also can be in how it is made.

You lost me when you wrote: 'the gap between the frame and the front sway bar'. What gap are you referring to????

I know a great frame guy...but not in Raleigh. AND if you are wanting it prefect....then it really needs to be put on a bench and set-up and pulled to fit all key measuring points. It can be done on a frame machine....but...once again ...it depends on who is doing what. And for the record. I would prefer it NOT having the body on it. Frame dimensions are just that. IF they are right...then what else is there to do but put it together.

DUB

 

DUB,

I was referring to the distance from the crossmember to the sway bar. The tension on the transmission is way to much when I force it over to line up with the holes. If it was just one thing I would probably not worry about it however the tranny being off, the sides pipes not parallel to the frame and front sway bar not parallel to the front crossmember all point to the frame being bent. If the whole front end got pulled in one direction all three of these would then line up. Can you send me the contact info for you frame guy? I would rather have it checked out before I put the body back on.

Thanks

 

It is rather easy to do the measurements yourself. Just block the frame up level and start measuring to the data plane. I can lend you a set of tram gauges if you want, but I have sold my frame machine. I am about 50 miles from you. If a frame is within a quarter inch from spec. it is probably as close as its ever been.

Wayne

 

Try loosening the motor mount bolts and the bolts to the engine, then try lining up your transmission.....just as a test

 

Wayne,

Sent you a PM.

Thanks

 

Dropped in plenty of motors although have never used solid motor mounts before. Never seen a transmission not line up like this. Loosening the bolts will not give it enough play to line up.

 

did you measure the 2 motor mount horns? if car was hit and the straightened the box back to square, they coulda overlooked them.

 

I can send you that info of my frame guy...PM me if you need it.....I will wait and see how 'things' turn out.

Not knowing if you did....take Wayne up on his offer. Tram gauges are VERY USEFUL!!!

If you are describing what I think you are describing....where pulling one frame rail forward will fix this....In my mind ..this frame has a 'diamond' in it...but the extent of the 'possible diamond' will be shown when it gets the 'center box' measured out....and then go from there.

DUB

 

Found a frame shop. Does anyone have reference points for a 72 big block convertible?