mark67ss
Apr 8th, 01, 03:07 AM
Got a 69 that looks like it got hit in the front passanger side. The panels are all good no dents or filler. The problem is they dont line up right.All the lines are off and the passenger front tire rubs against the fender well when I take a turn. What should I look for to let me know whether this problem can be fixed or not. Or if it can be fixed whqt should I look for to tell me if its gonna be a big involved job or not. Any help would be greatly appreciated. Thanks Mark
GeorgeZ28
Apr 8th, 01, 04:12 AM
I'd probably take it to a reputable body/frame shop and spend a few dollars for an assessment. Not only will you know if there is a problem, which it sounds like there is, you'll know exactly how much to fix it. Usually if the frame is bent or twisted you can see it looking from the back of the car on a level surface. I've followed cars before that you could see where going down the road funny, the rear wheels not lining up with the front wheels. If you are careful, you can take diagonal measurements from the right front tire to the left rear and the left front to the right rear, they should be exactly the same if the frame isn't out from left-to-right, vv. Also, usually you can tell if a car like this has had a serious hit in the front-side area from the firewall sheet metal. Since the firewall isn't externally visible it is rarely replaced and usually just pounded back into something close to original shape and painted. Hope this helps.
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George Thomas
1969 Camaro Z28 X77
gst@cox.rr.com
http://home.cox.rr.com/gthomas/gt.htm
MARTINSR
Apr 8th, 01, 05:34 AM
You should do as George says and have it checked out but You can check for body twist with a little home made tool.
Get a piece of one inchor so tubing about three feet long. Put a level in the middle and a couple of long bolts clamped to the ends, well not exactly the ends, you have to find a place on the rear of the car in the trunk area like right where the rubber bumpers from the lid hit the jamb. Put it at the exact same spot on both sides. The tube will be going across the back of the car being held up off the trunk jamb with these bolts like a bridge. Put the level in the center and shim it some how to make it level. Even if you are on a perfect flat surface you will probably still need to do this because of suspension lean and so on, so just level the level. Then take it to the front of the car and find a suitable place to set it, you will have to move the bolts to a different width but as long as the level stays the same as it did in the back and remains in the CENTER you can see if the Level shows that it is off from the back. Don't bridge it across something that can move like the hood bumpers. A bolt on the top of the radiator support is usually the best place. And mark the bolts as to how long they are! If you move the bolt down the tube and change the length, you of course will mess it up, the bolts have to stay the same length, the tube can't bend, the level needs to stay the same and in the center. I have a tool made for this so it's a lot easier but it will show in a second if you have a body twist
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Fan of anything that is interesting and moves human beings.
1965 Buick Gran Sport Convertible
1965 Buick Skylark H/T
1948 Chevy PU with 401 Buick