Mounting my '63 body

[Michael Gill]

Good day gentleman,
When removing the body of my early December '63 Coupe observed no shims at any of the mounting points. Whether the body had been removed in past is a moot point although I've never heard of a Corvettte not ever having any shims?? The information I'm needing is how does one determine how many if any shims are needed at any one postion. Also I understand the '63 mounting cushions weren't as good as compared to the '64 to 67. Can one use the '64 to '67 kits keeping mind my car has one extra mounting position near the rear differential?
Regards,
Michael Gill

[Joe C.]

Re: Mounting my '63 body

Michael:

I suppose that the first way to determine your present shim count is by looking at the body lines of your car, especially the front and rear door seams.
I believe Chevrolet used a rather complicated system to determine the shim count. I am sure that some of the more knowledgeable folks on the Board can elaborate on this procedure. You cannot, however, duplicate this procedure.

One accepted (although tedious) way to shim your body without a valid shim count is as follows:

Start with a minimum number of shims (1 or 2 each) at the #1, #2,#3, and inboard body mounts and set the body on the chassis. Observe any gaps at all 8 positions, and add/subtract shims as needed to eliminate all gaps. Tighten these mounts to specs. Now hang your doors and observe front and rear door to body lines. Add shims to rad. bulkhead mounts to close gap at forward door edge -top. Add shims at #5 body mount to close gap at trailing door edge - top. Tighten rad. bulkhead an #5 mount bolts to spec and re check door gaps.

Hope this helps.

Joe

[Duke W.]

Re: Mounting my '63 body

The '63 body mounting scheme is unique - no rubber cushions - just shims and bolts.

Duke

[Wayne C.]

You have email *NM*