Why is there such a big gap

[David H.]

[David H.]

Re: Why is there such a big gap

David,

Was any work done to your birdcage? In particular, were birdcage #2 (hinge pillar) mounting locations restored? If yes, was that location repaired using pillar inserts?

David

[Paul S.]

Re: Why is there such a big gap

Did you replace the frame with a different frame ?

[Tom B.]

Re: Why is there such a big gap

Was the frame picked up by a forklift from the rear I have that cause this problem.

[Russ S.]

Re: Why is there such a big gap

Is there something holding the back end from setting completely down?

[John L.]

[Joe L.]

Re: Why is there such a big gap

David
Sometimes when removing the body from a frame the old rubber cushion(s) sticks up in the birdcage channels and it is not noticed......until resetting the body to the frame -.....I’ve seen this happen

John------


1968-72 Corvettes did not use rubber cushions for the body mounts. All-aluminum "pucks" were used.

[Peter B.]

Re: Why is there such a big gap

David that gap is filled in using the aluminum body mount puck and shims necessary to aid in the door gap between the rear of the door and the door jamb. I see you have approximately 1 1/2" gap. This does seem excessive but if there is no door the rear body can have an amazing amount of movement. I experienced this on my 68, pretty much the same as your 69. If body mounts #1-3 on each side are correct and you can see no evidence of the #4 mount be relocted down on the frame and the upper portion of #4 against the body is correctly positioned against the body all you can do is shim to achieve the door gap. Remember all body mounts should be torqued to 45-55 ft.lb. please refer to your AIM for proper torque spec.

[Timothy B.]

Re: Why is there such a big gap

If the frame is up on a lift and the weight is not on the tires the front and rear will sag down causing what you are experiencing. Get the weight on the tires and all should be ok.

[David H.]

Re: Why is there such a big gap

Sorry for the delay.
Yes pillar inserts were used.
However they were left loose in order to settle the car and align the convertible top before welding solid.
When we put the car on the floor it closed a little but only about a quarter inch. Not enough to bring the gap together.

[David H.]

Re: Why is there such a big gap

The channels have been blasted, painted and new channels installed.
No old spacers remained

[David H.]

Re: Why is there such a big gap

No. Same frame. No changes to it.

[David H.]

Re: Why is there such a big gap

Sorry for the delay.
Yes pillar inserts were used.
However they were left loose in order to settle the car and align the convertible top before welding solid.
When we put the car on the floor it closed a little but only about a quarter inch. Not enough to bring the gap together.

David,

Question (True/false): Pillar inserts were welded onto pillar AFTER body was dropped on frame (with tires resting on the ground).

Question: Is #1 body mount bolt tightened?

Questions: Did you use full length of rocker panel inserts, that is does rocker insert include #3 body mount? Is your birdcage ok at the #3 body mount location or is the new insert required?

Background: Pillar inserts should be welded onto pillar only after full body weight is on the frame AND all body mount bolts are torqued down.

Background: On my car, #2 pillar insert also attaches/held in place with #1 body mount bolt. Problem was my new #2 pillar stamping did not align well with my birdcage. If #1 bolt was tight, then #2 pillar insert was cockeyed in pillar channel. When insert was properly positioned in pillar channel, then a 5/8 inch gap was present at bolt #1 position. Insert is too thick to bend, and certainly weight of car is not enough to bend insert.

Background: Full rocker channel insert on my car did not fight tightly into birdcage channel. Rocker channel insert thickness alone is about 3 shims thick. Add to that another 2-3 shims for a rocker insert to birdcage gap and #4 gap becomes large.


David