Question: How do I align radiator core support and fenders?

[devildog]

I am in the latter stage of frame off on a 64 convertible. I am installing cooling system but radiator support and fenders do not align: the bolt holes in the fenders are about 3/4" below the holes in the radiator support. How do I correct this?

 

[JohnZ]

I am in the latter stage of frame off on a 64 convertible. I am installing cooling system but radiator support and fenders do not align: the bolt holes in the fenders are about 3/4" below the holes in the radiator support. How do I correct this?

Is the front clip and inner fenders the same parts you had when you took it apart, or have they been replaced?

 

[devildog]

They are same as when I took it apart.

 

[magicv8]

Unless you added shims under the rad support, my guess is that the front end is sagging due to getting no support from the rad support - it does weigh quite a bit

 

[crowvet]

The front fenders will sag down. Just pull upward until they align and stick the bolt in. one person on each side is better, Go slow and easy. Also did you record the body mount shims and replace the same as it came apart? I believe the left side of the radiator support on these should have about a 1/16th shim under it.

 

[devildog]

OK, I will give the "...front end lift..." a try (next week when I return from vacation). I didn't know that lifting the fenders was standard practice, didn't want to break any fiberglass. I agree that the front end has sagged: the body was off for several years although I did have a body dolley built per Nolan Adams guidance on the matter. In retrospect, I apparently did not have the body properly seated on the dolley. Re the body shims, yes I made a record of original shims when I separated the body and the frame. But the radiator support has shims installed (welded) at the factory and normally does not require changing (per the Assembly Manual). Thanks for the help.

 

[crowvet]

When I had my body off I built some 2x4 supports that bolted to the fenders and then back to the dolly. I could see that it had sagged a lot in just a little time. I was worried I would crack my fenders and new paint as well.