Head light mounting frame

[Rey S.]

OK Here goes ---- I need a qualified or an unqualified opinion. The bumper brace that bolts to the frame in the fender well is causing me many headaches. The driver side is interfering with the head light mounting frame. There is an angle brace that bolts to the headlight vacuum actuator and the headlight mounting frame. Its the spot where this brace is bolted to the headlight mounting frame is where my interference problem occurs.
What I need the opinion for is to (first 6 pack) cut this corner off and remount the vacuum actuator brace or not. I thought (second six pack)about just bending the brace to make it shorter and flexing the mounting frame to gain enough clearance but I'm a little leery about this as the frame is fragile pot metal and doesn't like being bent. My other thought (third six pack) was to place enough shims behind the bumper brace mounting bolts (2) to move it outward to gain enough clearance but then that creates other alignment issues with the front bumper. OH well another trip to the liquor store won't kill me !!!
I am asking the memberships opinion on this matter as I am no master mechanic and I'm running low on beer trying to figure this out.
A little help please !!!!
Thanks Rey

P.S. I you happen to be in my neighborhood I will gladly share some of the beer !!!!!

[Alan S.]

Re: Head light mounting frame

Hi Rey,
At this point, but left side?
Regards,
Alan

[Rey S.]

Re: Head light mounting frame

Hi Alan Yes on the location
Thanks Rey

[Bill C.]

Re: Head light mounting frame

if that is whats hitting the bumper extension then your body is not centered to the chassis.
its either to far left or right.

easy way to check -
measure the distance from the upper edge of the front tires to the wheel well lips.
probably very different side to side.


EDIT -
or
the header bar was glued/bonded off center
maybe there was old frame damage causing the bumper bracket to be to far to one side....

just guessing now.

[Rey S.]

Re: Head light mounting frame

Hi Bill,
Now you've hit on a real possibility with the header bar. The car had some left front corner body damage prior to my owner ship resulting in a VERY poor fibre glass repair. I have no idea who did the repair only some what "how" some 25 - 30 years ago.
The left front wheel well lip was curved inward some starting at the top and progressing down to the lowest point of the lip. As I mentioned in an earlier post via criss cross frame measurements and sting lines the frame is straight arrow. Also the two 5/8' body alignment pin holes are drop in slip fit so the body is straight to the frame at least from the firewall back !
Would there be any benefit to shifting the body on the frame ????

Thanks -- Rey
P.S. I appreciate your efforts and Ideas. I will keep guessing and trying and tearing out what little hair I have left !!!

[Alan S.]

Re: Head light mounting frame

Hi Rey
Before I considered moving the body I think I'd loosen the bumper bracket back at the frame extension and at the 3 small brackets at the corner of the body to see IF you can achieve the clearance you need at the headlight frame. This would help you determine how much 'shim' you'll need.
If it doesn't seem like you can achieve what you need then shifting the body might be the best move. (pun)
Regards,
Alan

Will there be enough adjustment here to allow you to shim the bracket at the extension.

[Rey S.]

Re: Head light mounting frame

Hi Bill --- Sorry to take so long with this response as I was out of town. The fender well lips are less than 1/8" difference side to side, so it looks as though my body is fairly well centered.