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03-04-2016, 11:07 AM | #1 |
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Restorers: Did your body metal parts assemble easily?
-or did you find, like me, you had to use line-up tools, smaller-diameter bolts, enlarge holes, and otherwise tug and struggle to attach fenders, running boards, splash aprons, etc., regardless if the parts were repro or original?
It makes me concerned about what kind of tension the restored bodies end up in, and whether that leads to other issues. or maybe you guys feel the bodies were originally awkward to fit together.... |
03-04-2016, 11:22 AM | #2 |
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Re: Restorers: Did your body metal parts assemble easily?
Every thing you have described and more i have done! Line up tools,filing and tweaking to make fit is (to Me) BODY WORK, and fitment and tweaking are pretty much the norm,
I have a 58 Chevy Cameo truck that has a world of fitment issues,Due to at the time trucks down the assembly line were not given the love that you would find on the Cars during that time! Model A's on the other hand probably fit well during their Birth but look how old they are now and were they probably have been and how many times they were rode hard and put away wet, I know the older i get i personally have fitment issues!!! LOL... Allen |
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03-04-2016, 11:40 AM | #3 |
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Re: Restorers: Did your body metal parts assemble easily?
Much of it comes down to the frame and how years of flexing in various directions causes the bolt holes all over the car to be slightly off even after a restoration. Then consider that the body parts are stretched and patched as well. Even if the frame were riveted again there might be some bend in the steel. It is hard to make it like new after 85+ years.
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03-04-2016, 12:57 PM | #4 |
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Re: Restorers: Did your body metal parts assemble easily?
Wow, can I relate! I have learned with my '29 RPU, that you have to be very observant when parts dont fit. Meaning, patience in finding the origin of the fitment problem takes time and extreme patience. Fitment problems cascade about many parts and can be madning to solve. My journey has given me a tremendous respect for those who do these cars proffessionally. Getting fitment without paint damage takes a lot of talent and experience.
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03-04-2016, 01:46 PM | #5 | |
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Re: Restorers: Did your body metal parts assemble easily?
Quote:
Last edited by ian Simpson; 03-04-2016 at 01:47 PM. Reason: Forgot introductory clause. |
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03-06-2016, 11:46 AM | #6 |
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Re: Restorers: Did your body metal parts assemble easily?
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John Poole |
03-06-2016, 11:55 AM | #7 |
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Re: Restorers: Did your body metal parts assemble easily?
As far as "been there done that" all fitment should be done with parts in bare metal or primer. Trying to fit painted parts is just asking for trouble. Bob
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03-06-2016, 12:15 PM | #8 |
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Re: Restorers: Did your body metal parts assemble easily?
Other than the repair of the back panel and panel formers, so far so good. Quarter panel replacement went OK after I figured out that you needed to bend the lip around some and then let the bolts bring it back to square. Cowl panels were the biggest challenge, but not real bad. Rod
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03-06-2016, 02:01 PM | #9 |
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Re: Restorers: Did your body metal parts assemble easily?
Here's a story. I was on a waiting list for 2 new rear fenders for my 31 Tudor. I was told by a reliable vendor that when they get enough orders he will start stamping them (well ok) 2 years later I received a phone call saying he has enough orders and going to start stamping. Of course I said I'll take a pair. About 2 weeks they were delivered to my front door for $350.00 great! Primed the fenders removed the old fenders and the new ones didn't fit not even close! So l can't return them, sold the pair less than what I paid for to a friend of mine with the same year and model and guess what they didn't fit eather. Reproduction parts Haha so now I'm stuck with fenders that maybe I can sell to a hotroder
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03-06-2016, 02:11 PM | #10 |
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Re: Restorers: Did your body metal parts assemble easily?
Interestingly enough, the corner panels and upper and lower back panels on the '29 CCPU in my avatar fit perfectly. The irony is that these parts were made by Howell down in Texas!
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03-06-2016, 04:43 PM | #11 |
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Re: Restorers: Did your body metal parts assemble easily?
When I assemble, I leave all of the bolts loose till everything that takes a bolt, has one, then tighten a bit here, a bit there till it is all pulled together.
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03-06-2016, 04:49 PM | #12 |
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Re: Restorers: Did your body metal parts assemble easily?
For me, tugging, mild bending, hammering and pushing have been need on two cars, with original and reproduction sheet metal alike. I, too, have used the same method as Synch909. Welcome to the fun!
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03-06-2016, 04:58 PM | #13 |
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Re: Restorers: Did your body metal parts assemble easily?
Put me down for alignment problems too. The sedan on the left was a bear but after it went together it seems fine.
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03-06-2016, 05:38 PM | #14 |
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Re: Restorers: Did your body metal parts assemble easily?
Hi Eric, You are not alone. Mine fought me every inch of the way...
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03-06-2016, 06:33 PM | #15 |
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Re: Restorers: Did your body metal parts assemble easily?
If they went right together it wouldn't be any fun. It's much better sweating it out
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03-06-2016, 06:39 PM | #16 |
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Re: Restorers: Did your body metal parts assemble easily?
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03-06-2016, 07:06 PM | #17 | |
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Re: Restorers: Did your body metal parts assemble easily?
Quote:
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03-06-2016, 08:45 PM | #18 |
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Re: Restorers: Did your body metal parts assemble easily?
The biggest problem I had was with a couple of repo rear fenders on my 31 sport coupe. But after a couple days of pushing and tugging, they're on and look good. Patience and persistence works every time
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