Body drop shimming

[Chuck R.]

When dropping a different body onto the frame for the first time, is there a trick of the trade so to speak in getting it shimmed and squared up with a minimum of on again/off again jigging around?

Again, just trying to plan ahead on what I'm going to need to get it done with a minimum on effort and cost.

Thank again,

Chuck

[Mike M.]

Re: Body drop shimming

chuck: there isn't any formulae for arriving at the # of shims needed when installing a body on a different frame or vice-versa. I'd insert about 3 shims at every body mount site, drop body gingerly, then observe the fit of the doors to the body jambs. It will be a trial and error experience but the bottom line is getting the gaps between doors and fenders consistent and you do this by adding or subtracting shims.Good luck, mike

[Chuck R.]

Re: Thanks Mike

That's what I figured, but wanted to hear it from another angle.

Thanks again,

Chuck

[Chuck R.]

Re: Body drop part two for Mike

What if the nose has been removed?

Does the nose have to be re-attached to the body to get true door/fender gaps?

How does that work?

I planned on dropping the body and THEN re-attaching the nose being using the core support for a starting reference point.

Thanks again for you help,

Chuck

[Terry M.]

Mike, and a lot of others, are in Nashville *TL*

I'll try to hook Mike up with the laptop, but we may be too busy to get near a land line. I haven't gone wireless yet. A lot of folks will be off line this weekend. HAPPY BIRTHDAY.

[Tracy C.]

Re: Body drop part two for Mike

I replaced the frame and front clip on my 63 using the method you descibed. I didn't use any shims to start with and "dry fit" the front end. I just backed away 15 - 20 feet and "eyeballed" the body line from the front to back of the entire car. Adding shims where required. You'll want to look from several view perspectives.

Also find a GOOD example of a complete car and burn a roll of film taking Quality photos from various angles as a reference for the correct alignment.

Good luck,
tc