[64GALAXIE514]

Hey guys, me again. Listen, I'm doing a frame off on my 64 fastback and finally putting things on. The fenders, rad support etc. When all is said and done, the rad support needs to be I'd say 3 inches from the frame where it mounts. I was just wondering if you ran into similar problems and what to do. According to the datum measurement, everything is where it's supposed to be. Also, my body is sitting higher on it's front mounts, but not by a lot. Otherwise the tranny rubs. Will I run into problems with bumper, stone guard issues due to this, or is the bumper pretty adjustable that way. I have a feeling my frame has a bend in the front, and already it's been to the frame machine twice. Any stories or suggestions?

 

[ford4v429]

I have no idea on a 64, but I'd be concerned about a few things here...do you have a shop manual you can get measurements from? shop manuals and old 'crash sheets' were available from ebay for my 65, yet both had a couple variances...I ended up sketching all the heights from the charts in cad, then just went out with graphpaper and a tape to measure from garage floor to underside of frame(had to make new rear arches,4 torque boxes, and side rails) every inch to get coords, just typed in the actual measured points, connected the dots, and superimposed frame drawing lines over for best fit...did all this before pulling body loose, and luckily the frontend fit pretty good- 1/8 and 1/4 inch shims on core support- I was scared to death stuff wasnt going to bolt up. If you can find someone local with a similar 64 willing to help, Id suggest some chalk, a plumb bob and tape measure and measure heights at any corners, then compare yours. Diminsions will be whacked to ground with weight/spring differences, but you could either sketch it in cad or simply jack up front or rear of yours until all heights from ground are off by same amount- if front/rear pretty close, but middle is out , its gonna be back to the frame shop- but at least you would be able to tell them the problem. Another, maybe more likely issue could be mixed up donuts causing body to sit wrong on frame- again if you can find one to graph out, just also note rocker end heights(depending on the construction, you might be able just to measure frame to body gap in a couple places). The tranny hitting I got a hunch might be a wrong rear mount? That or does the crossmember bolt above or below the frame side rails- Ive seen some cars that sit on top, some that hang under...depends on manufacturer. Good luck- and be careful to pay attention to mount bolt torque- I used urethane mounts except for one 'special' one that needed reused, and ended up blowing out the rear glass...just try finding rear glass for a 65 4 door hardtop(small window)...Good luck with yours- its a boatload of work, but pretty cool to see it all come back together!

<font size=-1>[ This Message was edited by: ford4v429 on 3/18/06 5:49am ]</font>

 

[64GALAXIE514]

I do have all the measurements from the shop manual, and aparently we're good (uh huh!)? My idea the more I think about it is maybe because it was sitting on stands (the body itself) 2 in front and 2 in back for so long, the body curved, yet it is ok except for the front end. I'm really confused and wonder how it will all turn out. Body work is crap, long, expensive and not for me. Next car will be different, I'll do more and take things off smarter. Body work has been going on since may 2001! Time I start learning the trade.

 

[Galaxie_406]

Not sure on the 64, but are you talking about the center support stud??? the one that's centerline of car just below the radiator support and attaches to frame?

 

[64GALAXIE514]

I guess the frame guy measured off that point and everything is A OK! The fact that there is about 3 rubber mounts stacked supporting the rad support is a little odd looking. I know there were some based on the amount from when I took it apart, but maybe half the height. Then all the fenders would be out of line. Trust me, it's crazy.

 

[Brent Renton]

Hey there guys im from New Zealand and I have found the same problem. I have put two mounts in the front and it seems to be ok. I suppose I will have to adjust the front bumper as I go along. A real pain that the kit doesn't come with all the steel hardware.