The Ford Barn

duke36 · 07-05-2017, 10:24 PM

Is there a suggested torque value to use for the body bolts ? Most of the threads suggest "snug". Would like to translate that into ft.#'s if possible so as not to compress the shims too much.

richsfords · 07-06-2017, 05:14 AM

there is a torque chart in Les's how to book for each dia bolt. then back off 5 or so lbs.\ good luck.

Bob Bidonde · 07-06-2017, 08:01 AM

There are rubber pads and or wood blocks in the body mount connections. These flexible materials will compress, take a set over time and loosen the connections. So do what the mechanics did on the Ford assembly lines, just tighten nuts enough to flatten the lock-washers.

RonC · 07-06-2017, 09:29 AM

There are no Ford published values. Originally Ford Torqued fasteners by designing their assembly and repairs tools to provide the proper torque values. You could use one of their tools and then check it with a modern torque wrench to come close to what Ford used for torque values.

Dick So. Cal. · 07-06-2017, 10:45 AM

When restoring my 30 Cabriolet, I found that different torques changed the way my doors fit. As mentioned, the flexible materials and rubber pads were the culprit. This may be unique to the Cabriolet, but slightly different tensions on the body bolts helped with my alignment. Food for thought.

Dick

hardtimes · 07-06-2017, 01:40 PM

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Quote:

Originally Posted by duke36

Is there a suggested torque value to use for the body bolts ? Most of the threads suggest "snug". Would like to translate that into ft.#'s if possible so as not to compress the shims too much.

Don't see how a 'set torque' could be given or had where soft materials are used (rubber/wood/canvas web)

.
As said, tightening/loosening of various anchor points...affects the body alignment.

I think that all would agree in that these soft materials ...'take a set' over time when under compression/torque. My follow up question is, with this knowledge, how often do Model A owners readjust the tightening/torque of these body mounts ? The set must give looseness eventually and regularly ?

Kevin in NJ · 07-06-2017, 05:22 PM

Tight enough to compress the lock washer and pull the body together. Then where does it need to be to make the lines right on the body.

If you think you need a torque wrench then you are overthinking the build of your car.

Brian in Wheeling · 07-06-2017, 08:43 PM

Kevin, you are right. Just snug them up compress the lock washers... no monkey fist. Just use common sense.
Brian W.

07-05-2017, 10:24 PM	#1
duke36 Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2015 Posts: 1,414	body bolt tightness Is there a suggested torque value to use for the body bolts ? Most of the threads suggest "snug". Would like to translate that into ft.#'s if possible so as not to compress the shims too much.

07-06-2017, 05:14 AM	#2
richsfords Senior Member Join Date: Oct 2015 Posts: 140	Re: body bolt tightness there is a torque chart in Les's how to book for each dia bolt. then back off 5 or so lbs.\ good luck. __________________ *Richard in New Bern.* *When everything seems to be going against you, remember that the airplane takes off against the wind, not with it” - Henry Ford***

07-06-2017, 08:01 AM	#3
Bob Bidonde Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Long Island, NY Posts: 3,463	Re: body bolt tightness There are rubber pads and or wood blocks in the body mount connections. These flexible materials will compress, take a set over time and loosen the connections. So do what the mechanics did on the Ford assembly lines, just tighten nuts enough to flatten the lock-washers. __________________ Bob Bidonde

07-06-2017, 09:29 AM	#4
RonC Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Rhode Island Posts: 1,868	Re: body bolt tightness There are no Ford published values. Originally Ford Torqued fasteners by designing their assembly and repairs tools to provide the proper torque values. You could use one of their tools and then check it with a modern torque wrench to come close to what Ford used for torque values. Last edited by RonC; 07-06-2017 at 09:35 AM.

07-06-2017, 10:45 AM	#5
Dick So. Cal. Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: El Segundo CA Posts: 181	Re: body bolt tightness When restoring my 30 Cabriolet, I found that different torques changed the way my doors fit. As mentioned, the flexible materials and rubber pads were the culprit. This may be unique to the Cabriolet, but slightly different tensions on the body bolts helped with my alignment. Food for thought. Dick

07-06-2017, 05:22 PM	#7
Kevin in NJ Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: South East NJ Posts: 3,398	Re: body bolt tightness Tight enough to compress the lock washer and pull the body together. Then where does it need to be to make the lines right on the body. If you think you need a torque wrench then you are overthinking the build of your car.

07-06-2017, 08:43 PM	#8
Brian in Wheeling Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Wheeling, WV - U.S.A. Posts: 241	Re: body bolt tightness Kevin, you are right. Just snug them up compress the lock washers... no monkey fist. Just use common sense. Brian W.