Cab & body panel alignment - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

Richard Dobson · 07-30-2003, 01:08 PM

I have heard that in order to get all the body panels in proper alignment gap wise that the cab alignment can affect all of the alignment process. Any advice on how to shift a cab around and how adjustments can be made.

**1971Stepside** · 07-30-2003, 03:29 PM

You should leave the cab loose and adjust the front clip starting at one side and chase to the other. It takes several beers and a lot of patients!!! LOL

Z-72 · 07-31-2003, 09:15 AM

It doesn't say a thing in the Haynes manual about serveral beers, I wish they wouldn't leave these steps out. Things go alot smoother when you have all the steps in order.

**Bernie** · 07-31-2003, 10:03 AM

The argument runs as follows: beer kills brain cells, but not all of them. Evolution theory suggests that it only kills the weaker ones leaving the stronger cells to multiply. This is why people feel smarter after a few beers.

Southpa · 07-31-2003, 10:07 AM

Cheers! There is a certain order to installing/aligning everything too. First doors, then fenders, hood and cowl. Good luck with that, its a real PITA.

ChevLoRay · 07-31-2003, 02:52 PM

I think you have to start with the chassis sitting perfectly level. Then, the cab has to be level on the chassis. Let's see; there's the cab mounts (which rust and become weak), the cab mount rubber (which becomes weak with age). Then, there is the fact that when these trucks were built, the gap between the adjoining parts didn't have to be as precise as Lexus and Acura have gotten us accustomed to seeing. Door openings have to be square, but the windshield posts may have to be tweaked. It is a PITA, for sure!

07-30-2003, 01:08 PM	#1
Richard Dobson Registered User Join Date: Apr 2003 Location: Easley, South Carolina Posts: 491	Cab & body panel alignment I have heard that in order to get all the body panels in proper alignment gap wise that the cab alignment can affect all of the alignment process. Any advice on how to shift a cab around and how adjustments can be made. __________________ Richard Dobson

07-30-2003, 03:29 PM	#2
1971Stepside Almost Satisfied Join Date: Mar 2002 Location: Springfield, MO Posts: 2,932	You should leave the cab loose and adjust the front clip starting at one side and chase to the other. It takes several beers and a lot of patients!!! LOL __________________ 1971 C10 Stepside. LSx 6.0 with BTR Stage IV, Speed Engineering Headers, 4L80e transmission w/3200 Circle-D Stall. 3.73. Posi. Purchased this truck when I was 17. I started the rebuild (or take apart) in 1993. I have drug it around all over the country in pieces. Finally back on the road in 2021. "I can't complain, but sometimes I still do. Life's been good to me so far."

07-31-2003, 09:15 AM	#3
Z-72 Registered User Join Date: Dec 2002 Location: south-east kansas Posts: 68	It doesn't say a thing in the Haynes manual about serveral beers, I wish they wouldn't leave these steps out. Things go alot smoother when you have all the steps in order. __________________ 72-C-10-LWB-Big Block-TH400- PosiTrac Leaf Springs- A Dark Green Ford Eaten Machine. And those are not rust holes, there cooling vents..

07-31-2003, 10:03 AM	#4
Bernie Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2001 Location: Northern Illinois Posts: 516	The argument runs as follows: beer kills brain cells, but not all of them. Evolution theory suggests that it only kills the weaker ones leaving the stronger cells to multiply. This is why people feel smarter after a few beers. __________________ Bernie

07-31-2003, 10:07 AM	#5
Southpa Registered User Join Date: May 2000 Location: Victoria, BC, Canada Posts: 2,409	Cheers! There is a certain order to installing/aligning everything too. First doors, then fenders, hood and cowl. Good luck with that, its a real PITA. __________________ 1970 GMC 1500 Custom Original 350/TH350 Victoria, BC, Canada You can wish in one hand and crap in the other. See which one gets filled first.

07-31-2003, 02:52 PM	#6
ChevLoRay Old Skool Club Join Date: Jun 2001 Location: Benton, AR "The Heart of Arkansas" Posts: 10,880	I think you have to start with the chassis sitting perfectly level. Then, the cab has to be level on the chassis. Let's see; there's the cab mounts (which rust and become weak), the cab mount rubber (which becomes weak with age). Then, there is the fact that when these trucks were built, the gap between the adjoining parts didn't have to be as precise as Lexus and Acura have gotten us accustomed to seeing. Door openings have to be square, but the windshield posts may have to be tweaked. It is a PITA, for sure! __________________ Member Nr. 2770 '96 GMC Sportside; 4.3/SLT - Daily driven....constantly needs washed. '69 C-10 SWB; 350/TH400 - in limbo The older I get, the better I was.

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