new to site and (go figure) body alignment problems - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

sawyer · 01-06-2005, 02:10 AM

This site is great. Just reading through the previous threads has helped out quite a bit, made me feel a lot better in dumping 9 grand into a rusty 72. These things are addicting. One thing that I read about was shimming the body mounts to adjust the alignment on the doors. I'm not quite sure how this works and any information would be a huge help, as there are some serious gaps b/t the window and the frame. I'll try to post some pics, it comes home from the paint shop in a couple of days.

redz 1970 K5 · 01-06-2005, 02:14 AM

Pleased to meet you! Maybe when you get a chance, update your profile with where you hail from so we know if any members are your neighbors!

sb400 · 01-06-2005, 01:42 PM

The body tub is fairly flexible, especially if there is rust damage in the floors and rocker boxes. Shimming the mounts essentially bends the body. In gereral, shimming the mount at the front of the tub will have the most influence. To open the gap between the door and windshield post, add shims between the rubber mount and the body.

It is also possible to adjust the position of the door in relation to the body tub. Unfortunately you have to remove the fender to get to the bolts. Adjusting the door hinges has the most effect on the overall distance between the door and the rear 1/4 panel, and between the door and the rocker panel.

To really get it lined up well you need to shim the body and adjust the door at the same time.

Good luck, look forward to the photos.

sawyer · 01-06-2005, 01:53 PM

Hey SB thanks alot. The main gap that I have is b/t the window and the top, but I'll screw with it, I think I can get it to close. Maybe I should start a new thread but, I also just picked up some sweet seats from a conversion van that spin all the way around. I know that I have to chop the post a bit, but I was looking for an idea on how to mount the base on the floor. It's basically a 6" pipe attached to a baseplate that's about 12" square. My blazer's interior is basically a tub so anthing that will work. . . will work. The van has an electric bench/bed that's perfect too for only $15! Whaddya think though, a little cheesy right? Would be nice at the beach etc. though?

mastercraftkpk · 01-06-2005, 04:19 PM

Best tool to get consistant gap @ seams= paint stir sticks. They are made of wood, so they are easy on paint jobs...and they are cheap. They are also the ideal gap between door/fender.

LUV2XCLR8 · 01-06-2005, 05:04 PM

WELCOME 2 THE BOARD FROM WEST 10-UH-C

*ALMOST IMPOSSIBLE TO ALIGN THE DOORS W/O THE TOP ON

Huck · 01-06-2005, 05:07 PM

ON Blazers, the first gap to go after is the rear of the door to the front of the quarter panel. This needs to be perfectly parallel while having the leading edge of the door quarter window frame aligned to the windshield frame. This is all best done with a hardtop in place as this will hold the windshield frame/firewall solid. Everything else is easily adjusted (fender, rocker panel, etc.). The front of the rear quarter and the outer rocker are at right angles but if off, that's were the shimming of the body. The GM assembly manual refers to shims under the front two tub mody mounts. Easiest way to to slot some large washers and use them to adjust the flex of the body depending on the alignment problem.

**lolife99** · 01-06-2005, 10:18 PM

Welcome from Missouri! Post some pics when you get it home.

*dtlilly* · 01-07-2005, 02:46 AM

Welcome to the board from WI.

East End K5 · 01-07-2005, 11:44 AM

not to hi-jack this thread, but will you have to worry about the same thing when removing a 3" body lift and dropping down to the regular Poly mounts?

Blue Beard · 01-07-2005, 12:05 PM

Welcome from SW Washington State..

mastercraftkpk · 01-07-2005, 01:00 PM

East end K5-----assuming that your existing body mounts are ALL equally sized in relation to your urethane replacements, you will not have a problem. (ie: youe existing body pucks are all 3'' larger than your new urethane bushings.)

FRENCHBLUE72 · 01-07-2005, 07:50 PM

Welcome from southern oregon..

JayDubBlazer · 01-07-2005, 10:21 PM

Welcome to the board from the snow covered plains of Iowa

Red-Hawk · 06-16-2015, 11:09 PM

What if you have a windshield frame that's has rot cut out with top off. Since I can't put top on now until windshield frame is repaired what is the best approach for that?

**GMC-YA68** · 06-17-2015, 12:03 AM

Holy blast from the past!!! A 10 year old thread refresh!

No help with your question but congrats on the thread bump.

Red-Hawk · 06-17-2015, 11:44 AM

Been stuck for weeks now going through every thread i can fimd but no luck. Ugh!

LOLCI (laugh out loud crying inside)

Chulisohombre · 06-18-2015, 06:35 PM

Only thing you can do is get a piece of tubing and make sure the door opening on either side is square. Then tack well in the tube on either side of the upper door opening to keep the door gap from moving. Then adjust as needed. The tubing will do what the top does to hold the body in place. That's all I got. Good luck.

**GMC-YA68** · 06-18-2015, 10:27 PM

Or don't put the top on

Red-Hawk · 06-19-2015, 01:29 AM

Okay thanks. I think I got it.

I have quarter panel off for repair.. I'll bolt it back on and square everything up and tack in bracing.
Then repair rockers and cab floor with repair panels
Remove tub for sand blaster.

.....oh and I never planned on putting top back on. Good point GMCYA68.

Thanks guys.

01-06-2005, 02:10 AM	#1
sawyer Registered User Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Boston, Mass. Posts: 8	new to site and (go figure) body alignment problems This site is great. Just reading through the previous threads has helped out quite a bit, made me feel a lot better in dumping 9 grand into a rusty 72. These things are addicting. One thing that I read about was shimming the body mounts to adjust the alignment on the doors. I'm not quite sure how this works and any information would be a huge help, as there are some serious gaps b/t the window and the frame. I'll try to post some pics, it comes home from the paint shop in a couple of days.

01-06-2005, 02:14 AM	#2
redz 1970 K5 OBS guy Join Date: Jun 2004 Location: SoCal Posts: 1,060	Pleased to meet you! Maybe when you get a chance, update your profile with where you hail from so we know if any members are your neighbors! __________________ 88 Suburban Goodies- Alpine, Auto Meter, BDS, Bilstein, B&M, BFG, Borgeson, Bushwhacker, Cowl hood, Flowmaster, Genuine Gear, Holley, Infinity, JVC, K&N, MB Wheels, MSD, Pioneer, Skyjacker, Sony, Thorley, Walker + more

01-06-2005, 01:42 PM	#3
sb400 Registered User Join Date: Nov 2003 Location: Superior CO Posts: 32	The body tub is fairly flexible, especially if there is rust damage in the floors and rocker boxes. Shimming the mounts essentially bends the body. In gereral, shimming the mount at the front of the tub will have the most influence. To open the gap between the door and windshield post, add shims between the rubber mount and the body. It is also possible to adjust the position of the door in relation to the body tub. Unfortunately you have to remove the fender to get to the bolts. Adjusting the door hinges has the most effect on the overall distance between the door and the rear 1/4 panel, and between the door and the rocker panel. To really get it lined up well you need to shim the body and adjust the door at the same time. Good luck, look forward to the photos. __________________ '79 SWB 4x4 Scottsdale 350/4 speed '70 Nova 406/M20 4 speed '02 Subaru WRX wagon

01-06-2005, 05:04 PM	#6
LUV2XCLR8 The LuvShack Garage Join Date: Jan 2004 Location: Maple Grove, TN (West Side) Posts: 30,468	WELCOME 2 THE BOARD FROM WEST 10-UH-C *ALMOST IMPOSSIBLE TO ALIGN THE DOORS W/O THE TOP ON __________________ Owner/Op: "TN Classic Transport Carriers" The Toy: "Square Vette" 72 Hybrid Blazer Toy Barn: "LuvShack" 40 x 60 x 20 Shop Tow Piggy:"Maddy" 88 Silverado 3500 Hauler: "Feathers" 14 Aluma 8218T

01-06-2005, 10:18 PM	#8
lolife99 67-72 parts collector,… Join Date: Nov 2002 Location: Mid-MO Posts: 22,700	Welcome from Missouri! Post some pics when you get it home. __________________ Keith Convert to disc brakes. http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=444823

01-06-2005, 01:53 PM	#4
sawyer Registered User Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Boston, Mass. Posts: 8	Hey SB thanks alot. The main gap that I have is b/t the window and the top, but I'll screw with it, I think I can get it to close. Maybe I should start a new thread but, I also just picked up some sweet seats from a conversion van that spin all the way around. I know that I have to chop the post a bit, but I was looking for an idea on how to mount the base on the floor. It's basically a 6" pipe attached to a baseplate that's about 12" square. My blazer's interior is basically a tub so anthing that will work. . . will work. The van has an electric bench/bed that's perfect too for only $15! Whaddya think though, a little cheesy right? Would be nice at the beach etc. though?

01-06-2005, 04:19 PM	#5
mastercraftkpk Registered User Join Date: Nov 2003 Location: houston,tx Posts: 333	Best tool to get consistant gap @ seams= paint stir sticks. They are made of wood, so they are easy on paint jobs...and they are cheap. They are also the ideal gap between door/fender.

01-06-2005, 05:07 PM	#7
Huck Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2001 Location: Shelbyville, KY Posts: 3,261	ON Blazers, the first gap to go after is the rear of the door to the front of the quarter panel. This needs to be perfectly parallel while having the leading edge of the door quarter window frame aligned to the windshield frame. This is all best done with a hardtop in place as this will hold the windshield frame/firewall solid. Everything else is easily adjusted (fender, rocker panel, etc.). The front of the rear quarter and the outer rocker are at right angles but if off, that's were the shimming of the body. The GM assembly manual refers to shims under the front two tub mody mounts. Easiest way to to slot some large washers and use them to adjust the flex of the body depending on the alignment problem.

01-07-2005, 02:46 AM	#9
dtlilly Account Suspended Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: Shadow of Lambeau Field Posts: 5,597	Welcome to the board from WI.

01-07-2005, 11:44 AM	#10
East End K5 Registered User Join Date: Nov 2004 Location: Long Island NY Posts: 293	not to hi-jack this thread, but will you have to worry about the same thing when removing a 3" body lift and dropping down to the regular Poly mounts? __________________ I feel sorry for people who don't drink....because when they wake up in the morning, that's the best they're gonna feel all day long!---Frank Sinatra RIP [B]1972 Chevrolet K5 Blazer RIP 1986 GMC Sierra K3500 1TON, Long Box, V8350 RIP 1980 Chevy Silverado C30 Cab and Chassis, 454 TH400HD. RIP [B] 1995 Chevrolet Tahoe 2D [B]

01-07-2005, 12:05 PM	#11
Blue Beard Registered User Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: Washington State Posts: 8,831	Welcome from SW Washington State.. __________________ 1970 Chev CST 2003 Harley Fatboy 1975 Chevrolet Step Van 1956 Chev Bel Air 1977 Blazer 2WD For Sale $3000.00 1978 Blazer 2WD For Sale $7000.00 1978 Silverado 2005 Monte Carlo

01-07-2005, 01:00 PM	#12
mastercraftkpk Registered User Join Date: Nov 2003 Location: houston,tx Posts: 333	East end K5-----assuming that your existing body mounts are ALL equally sized in relation to your urethane replacements, you will not have a problem. (ie: youe existing body pucks are all 3'' larger than your new urethane bushings.)

01-07-2005, 07:50 PM	#13
FRENCHBLUE72 PROJECT 7DEUCE Join Date: Dec 2002 Location: GRANTS PASS OR Posts: 21,606	Welcome from southern oregon.. __________________ GO BIG GREEN GO DUCKS MEMBER #6377 72 k-5 daily driver 6'' lift 35'' 350-350-205 slowly getting rust free. Project "7DEUCE" check out my build http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=267665 Tim Powell..R.I.P EastSideLowlife..... R.I.P..

01-07-2005, 10:21 PM	#14
JayDubBlazer go cyclones Join Date: Jun 2003 Location: Ames, IA Posts: 1,883	Welcome to the board from the snow covered plains of Iowa __________________ Wes PROJECT OLE GREEN 1972 Blazer 4X4 350/700R4 2017 Silverado LT

06-16-2015, 11:09 PM	#15
Red-Hawk Registered User Join Date: Jun 2014 Location: Denver Colorado Posts: 25	Re: new to site and (go figure) body alignment problems What if you have a windshield frame that's has rot cut out with top off. Since I can't put top on now until windshield frame is repaired what is the best approach for that? Attached Images



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06-17-2015, 12:03 AM	#16
GMC-YA68 Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2004 Location: Lee's Summit, MO (KC) Posts: 742	Re: new to site and (go figure) body alignment problems Holy blast from the past!!! A 10 year old thread refresh! No help with your question but congrats on the thread bump. __________________ -Keegan- '72 Jimmy 4x4 - 5.3/4L65E/NP205 swap http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=663780

06-17-2015, 11:44 AM	#17
Red-Hawk Registered User Join Date: Jun 2014 Location: Denver Colorado Posts: 25	Re: new to site and (go figure) body alignment problems Been stuck for weeks now going through every thread i can fimd but no luck. Ugh! LOLCI (laugh out loud crying inside)

06-18-2015, 06:35 PM	#18
Chulisohombre Registered User Join Date: Sep 2013 Location: Bangor pa Posts: 1,223	Re: new to site and (go figure) body alignment problems Only thing you can do is get a piece of tubing and make sure the door opening on either side is square. Then tack well in the tube on either side of the upper door opening to keep the door gap from moving. Then adjust as needed. The tubing will do what the top does to hold the body in place. That's all I got. Good luck. __________________ 72 3/4 ton blazer. 5 inch lift on 35 inch tires. 355 corvette engine with crane roller rockers, rv cam, edelbrock carb and intake with one inch spacer. Thrush Headers with flowmaster 40 duels. 4speed sm465 manual. 4 wheel disk brakes with Inboarded rear shock prerunner style mounts and shocks.

06-18-2015, 10:27 PM	#19
GMC-YA68 Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2004 Location: Lee's Summit, MO (KC) Posts: 742	Re: new to site and (go figure) body alignment problems Or don't put the top on __________________ -Keegan- '72 Jimmy 4x4 - 5.3/4L65E/NP205 swap http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=663780

06-19-2015, 01:29 AM	#20
Red-Hawk Registered User Join Date: Jun 2014 Location: Denver Colorado Posts: 25	Re: new to site and (go figure) body alignment problems Okay thanks. I think I got it. I have quarter panel off for repair.. I'll bolt it back on and square everything up and tack in bracing. Then repair rockers and cab floor with repair panels Remove tub for sand blaster. .....oh and I never planned on putting top back on. Good point GMCYA68. Thanks guys.

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