Help on bracing for installing new body mounts

[swyfor5]

Done some research here, but looking for help. Need to replace my body mounts, and have a new poly kit with new hardware. My rocker /torsion boxes are there but pretty rough. I know I need to leave the top on to set up for this project, before I start. Seen a couple threads that showed door, top, etc, dimensions. Seen some welded up braces to support the door areas and the tailgate area. Anyone got any help in this area as far as actual measurements for the braces, so I can get them fabbed up and ready to go ? Any thoughts?

[turp mcspray]

With the top in place, your fire wall will stay put. How do your doors fit now? I wouldn't worry about bracing anything. Get all of your bolts loose, then start replacing mounts. Note any shims that the factory used. Once all the mounts are in place (don't tighten any bolts yet) see if your doors fit the holes. you will have to jack up the body in places to make the gaps right. Once your doors and gaps look right, fill in any gaps between the body and your bushings with shims. Tighten up your bolts. If you have a gap and just tighten the bolt it will move the body around and mess up your gaps. Look in the factory assembly manual. It has good pics and a description on how to make adjustments. Don't try to overthink it and make it difficult. If the doors and gaps are looking bad, you just have to do some shimming. Not a hard job at all.

[swyfor5]

Thank's Turp. That info helps, but I still want to fab up some braces for when I pull the tub off for the frame resto. Years ago, before I had a "clue", I took the top off and went wheeling. In rough terrain, the doors kept popping open. No major damage, as the top went back on with no problems. Planning on rocker/torsion box resto and full rollcage setup, to allow soft top use. Anybody got pic's of door/tailgate braces they have used?

[swyfor5]

Thinking maybe I started this thread out wrong. Possibly looking for bracing to pull the tub and etc., from the frame. Gonna do the frame off resto, and want to brace the doors and etc. Any pic's guy's?

[turp mcspray]

Are you going to put it on a rotisserairy, or just remove it from the frame?

[swyfor5]

Roto would be nice, but probably just pulling the frame out from underneath.

[turp mcspray]

I welded a couple pieces of 3/4" tubing from the windshield posts to the floor behind the front seats. Nothing too serious. Before it goes on the rotis I will probably add some more. I would do all of your rocker box work with the top in place. That way you know everything is where it should be. Whatever you do for bracing, I would recomend that you can still put the doors back on to check things such as gaps etc. You could make some bolt in bracing that goes from the hinge area to the striker in the jamb, but that wouldn't allow you to install the doors. Does that make any sense?
As long as the body isn't being twisted around, you shouldn't need a lot of bracing. I very seldom brace anything, other than convertibles on the rotisery. Just don't do any structural replacement (1/4 panels, rocker panels, etc.) with the body in a stressed type of situation, such as on the rotisery or with the vehicle sitting on jack stands somewhere besides the suspension. I've been doing this a long time, so what I may see as a simple job may scare you to death. LOL! If I can be of any help don't hesitate to ask. One thing about having lots of experiance, it not only means you've done a lot. It also means you've screwed up a lot of stuff and learned how to fix it and not do it again!

[swyfor5]

Thank's Turp, good advice. That helps alot!

[Twisted78SS]

I was looking a few months ago, and found this thread.
http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=232519



Here is a picture of a door bar brace that i think i might make when i go to take my tub off again.

[swyfor5]

Yea, twisted that brace on the drivers door is what I'm gonna fab up. Doors, tailgate, and possibly windshield frame.