Body allignment questions......HELP!!!! - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

69 air cab · 03-04-2008, 02:37 AM

Ok, I did a frame off and I am trying to align the body parts.
Anyone know how to ensure your cab is in the right position? and......How tight do you snug the cab to frame bolts?
Same question on the radiator support........how tight?
thks

cdowns · 03-04-2008, 03:54 AM

did you measure the frame to see if it was square and straight? all your torque values are listed in the factory manuals

69 air cab · 03-04-2008, 06:25 AM

how do youi measure...........from the back end of the frame?

suville · 03-05-2008, 10:58 PM

There are frame dementions in the Factory Assembly Manuel, and to check for "square" you measure ( a helper is critical here!)from a point on right or left corner location in an X pattern front to back. You will need to use a reference point that is the same for each side front to back, your measurement should be within 1/16-1/8 inch if more than that your frame is what is refered to "diamond" and you will need a frame shop to rectify this condition. When assembling from frame off you need to loosley mount cab,box,core support and front fenders. Start with the cab as centered in its mounting holes as close as possible and go from there, once the cab is mounted everything else aligns with it and you may need to shim in areas to get everything to line up,dont worry about the core support until you have the fender and door line ( align the door gap to cab latch pillar and along rocker) as you want it and then you may need to shim the core support mounts. PAITENCE is the key here and nice even body lines is what seperates a good job from a hack job and if youve ever looked at the top builders you will notice that is very evident in their product. I have spent many hours cutting,welding and fitting to get as close to "perfect" as humanly possible. Unfortunately when many people see these"copperhead" trucks and think they will build or have one built they have NO concept of the many hours spent to get nice body lines that they NEVER came with from the factory. As an example just look at the fit of the cowl cover like socks on a rooster.Hope this helps ya somewhat.

03-04-2008, 02:37 AM	#1
69 air cab Registered User Join Date: Oct 2003 Location: Maryville, TN Posts: 477	Body allignment questions......HELP!!!! Ok, I did a frame off and I am trying to align the body parts. Anyone know how to ensure your cab is in the right position? and......How tight do you snug the cab to frame bolts? Same question on the radiator support........how tight? thks

03-04-2008, 03:54 AM	#2
cdowns Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: daytonabeach Posts: 22,956	Re: Body allignment questions......HELP!!!! did you measure the frame to see if it was square and straight? all your torque values are listed in the factory manuals __________________ 71c-10 350/2004r/4:11 lowered3/4 longbed/dead by hurricane MEANING OF DEATH::::: SOMEBODY ELSE GETS YOUR STUFF DONT BELIEVE EVERYTHING YOU THINK TAKE MY ADVISE;I DON'T USE IT ANYWAY

03-04-2008, 06:25 AM	#3
69 air cab Registered User Join Date: Oct 2003 Location: Maryville, TN Posts: 477	Re: Body allignment questions......HELP!!!! how do youi measure...........from the back end of the frame?

03-05-2008, 10:58 PM	#4
suville Registered User Join Date: Jun 2003 Location: Mtn. Home, Idaho Posts: 906	Re: Body allignment questions......HELP!!!! There are frame dementions in the Factory Assembly Manuel, and to check for "square" you measure ( a helper is critical here!)from a point on right or left corner location in an X pattern front to back. You will need to use a reference point that is the same for each side front to back, your measurement should be within 1/16-1/8 inch if more than that your frame is what is refered to "diamond" and you will need a frame shop to rectify this condition. When assembling from frame off you need to loosley mount cab,box,core support and front fenders. Start with the cab as centered in its mounting holes as close as possible and go from there, once the cab is mounted everything else aligns with it and you may need to shim in areas to get everything to line up,dont worry about the core support until you have the fender and door line ( align the door gap to cab latch pillar and along rocker) as you want it and then you may need to shim the core support mounts. PAITENCE is the key here and nice even body lines is what seperates a good job from a hack job and if youve ever looked at the top builders you will notice that is very evident in their product. I have spent many hours cutting,welding and fitting to get as close to "perfect" as humanly possible. Unfortunately when many people see these"copperhead" trucks and think they will build or have one built they have NO concept of the many hours spent to get nice body lines that they NEVER came with from the factory. As an example just look at the fit of the cowl cover like socks on a rooster.Hope this helps ya somewhat.



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