Body Mount Spacers?

[Gary G.]

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As shown we are working on our 1981 coupe # 8803. We have the body off and have found the chalk marks that verify the amount of spacers required. Note that the drivers side was 4 spacers for each mount. The passenger side was 3, 3 and then 6 for the rear lower. The number of spacers at each location matched the number chalked on the frame. In reading the Technical Manual it states to look for excessive shims as a indication of frame damage.
Would 6 spacers be considered excessive? Double the amount of the others on the passenger side in one location. Knowing that we did find the original chalk markings I believe it to be a frame assembly error. Looking at the welds on the frame, quantity definitely was further up the list leaving quality a distance second place.
We are tossing the idea of painting the frame v/s leaving it. Just looking for opinions and judging thoughts.
On a happy note we did find the frame stencil as well in yellow.

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[Tom R.]

Re: Body Mount Spacers?

Technically they are shims and it was the replicator that assessed the shim count at each location. John Hinckley published an article describing the process but I have no idea where it is or what magazine it was published in...Restorer, Corvette Enthusiast or something else like the forum. But to your point. Shim counts merely leveled the body to the frame and if you have (as shown) the original shim mark, I would trust it. Especially if in your survey for frame damage, unable to see anything that suggests damage. Look at the backside of the body panels as well for repairs.