C1 Body to Frame procedure Help

[Garry Barnes]

We have a '57 that was purchased with the body and frame already separated so we don't have "shim" history. We need to know the following: Before getting the chassis all back together we would like to position the body on the frame and shim to attain proper fit and alignmnet of body panels. Once completed, remove the body for completion of body work and reassemble the chassis. Is this process correct? If so, is there a main starting point on the body fit that allows us to complete as close to the way they put them together in the factory? If this is not the right way, please tell me where I can obtain the proper procedure information. Thanks.
Garry

[Mike McCagh (14)]

Re: C1 Body to Frame procedure Help

drop body on frame then shim to attain door to body gaps of equal widths.mike

[Roy Braatz (182)]

Re: C1 Body to Frame procedure Help

First install all (8) shims in the cap area and tighten them.
Set the two rear donuts and shims under each rear fender
Set the front radiator frame shim in
now adjust the doors leading edge gaps as you set both inward or outward body line.(front edge) and up or down.
with the door strikers out you raze the front body area a little and the back fender area a little adding shims till you close the door rear gap to about 3/8.
at the rear fenders you may have to add more or less shims to ether side to aid closing the gap.
( The front or rear door gaps could be adjusted equal if closing the rear area cant be comprised) OR
I never extent the door skin , but add cloth matting to the body edge where it meets the rear door skin to AID closing a bad gape.
Next move to the trunk and soft top lid and by adding shims under the hinges you raze them to meet the body line and if the leading edge is to high adding a shim under the top ONE bolt will bring the line down.
Once the hood is adjusted ( correctly) all around having a good gap again adding shims under the hood bolt towards the rear will also bring the hood front line down.
Now when you have all this completed and body and paint done you will know how to put the body back on using the shims and were they go.
Your last adjustments will be the door posts and windshield when the body is tightened down for good.

[Garry Barnes]

Re: C1 Body to Frame procedure Help

Thanks guys! This is just what I was looking for.
Garry

[Dennis Ambrose (32228)]

Roy...Excellent write-up *NM*