70 inner fender issue

[Dennis D.]

Finally got around to repairing the inner fender on the passenger side. The lower rear 2 holes that the splash shield attaches to were broken off. Now I know why. The lower part of my repair rubs the rear edge of the upper control arm.
Not sure where to start checking for misalignment. The upper arm shims were always there. Don't know if relocating shims won't create other issues. I guess the inner fender could go a little rearward, but don't know if that will effect the radiator support or anything else attached to it. Don't think the frame's bent. Tires track OK. Any ideas? Thanks in advance

[Stephen W.]

Re: 70 inner fender issue

Check the height of the car. I repaired some in the shop that had bottomed out really bad during an offroad accident. It cause the frame rails to move up and slightly in because the center x-member had collapsed. Now before I go too far let me say that a number of body mechanincs looked for any sign of damage and could not see it. No visible distortions to the frame. only telltale was the ride height of the front was low. Body fit was great. When they put it on a frame machine it showed the rails were high and tipped in. They supported the center x-member and pulled both upper control arm towers down to their correct positions and frame specs. Ride height went back to stock and problem was solved.

[Dennis D.]

Re: 70 inner fender issue

Steve

Are there reference points for checking the height? Is the frame machine only used on a bare frame?

[Stephen W.]

Re: 70 inner fender issue

You should be able to have others here with c3's give you some good measurments from the ground to the bumper with a +/- to see if your car falls in this range. visual observation such as the way the tire sits up in the wheelwell might be a clue. Does the car sit level or nose down attitude? If you can get the car up on a lift you can take some simple measurements with a tape measure. You will want to x-measure from equal reference points. Both sides of the "X" should be equal. If one side is shorter you have a problem.
A frame machine will measure your cars frame the way it is now. They will remove the wheels and place it on "fixtures" to mount it to the bench. Then it can be measured at many points to verify if you have a frame problem.
I mentioned my experience because that car had us all baffled. The body panels all fit so nice you would not suspect a bent frame. In that situation the owner drove off the road and landed in a field. He went airborn with the car and rebounded very hard. When both front wheels were driven up to their stops the force was so great it bent the frame rails up and in. The length of the frame was still in spec because the rad support and all panels fit with good gaps.
Your situation makes me wonder why your control arm would be that far in to interfere with the inner skirt. If the body didn't move the frame had to.
Keep us posted when you find the problem.

[Dennis D.]

Re: 70 inner fender issue

thanks steve

Found the frame chart in my gm restro package. Going to check some points to ground. Are the vertical measurements to the ground? The front spec is 14+". I measure 11.5" Hope I'm reading that wrong.

Also going to look for a shop that can check the specs on the frame. Did put a level across the high point on the fenders, roughly centered over the front wheels. Found 1/2 -3/4" higher on the passenger side. Methods a little crude,but the floor's level and the end of the frame horns are out a 1/4" as well.

As far as the upper arm, it's really to far to the rear. Or the inner fender's too far forward. (I think?) Thanks again Dennis

[Stephen W.]

Re: 70 inner fender issue

Yes the arm or rail can move back as it moves up. This is because of the shape of the rail as it rises up from the rockers to the control arms. Tha natural bends make it "Knee" back. Measurements from your garage floor will not be exact but 3" seems like a lot. No older car will sit perfectly level either. Hopefully your friend with the frame machine can shed some light on your problem. Good luck