58 Body Alignment + Shimming Procedure

[Jason P.]

I was hoping someone has done a write up on how to properly shim and align the body to the frame for a 58 Corvette. I realize now and after a lot of reading that I most likely don't have it shimmed correctly since I am having issues with the fan shroud holes aligning up with the rad support.

Not to thrilled about having to undo the body mounts and everything so I was hoping someone has this process documented (maybe with pictures lol). One can hope!

Does someone have this documented and can share?

Thanks,
Jason

[Richard M.]

Re: 58 Body Alignment + Shimming Procedure

Jason, Yes I have it documented in threads here and CF, but it's too late. You already did it.

I once got a '60 in from a friend with painted body on restored frame to finish up. It was buttoned up tight. I cringed when the first thing I tried was the fan shroud. 58-60 has this issue.

You're going to have to loosen ALL body mount bolts. Remove the nuts on the four forward ones in the cabin at the firewall. Lift the bolts up and lay them aside on the floor.

Then, with a helper(lucky you, I did this one alone, arghhh!), you'll have to use 2 padded crowbars and pry between the body and the frame to raise(then add shims), or...(lower it by removing shims) at the four firewall mounts. Do this while lining up the fan shroud vertical bolt holes to the core support vertical mating holes. Then recheck the rest of the mounts, including the funky core support lower sandwhich shim pack with those stupid carriage bolts.

It'll take maybe a hour or two.

You will never make that boo-boo ever again.

Call me if you're not sure of my instructions.

Rich
Ps phone typing so maybe tyyyypooos...lol

[Jason P.]

Re: 58 Body Alignment + Shimming Procedure

Thanks Richard. I'm going to also have to do this alone as I don't have any helpers.

I plan on using my cherry picker/engine hoist. Is this how you did it?

[Richard M.]

Re: 58 Body Alignment + Shimming Procedure

There was no engine in the one I did.

Yours?

[Jason P.]

Re: 58 Body Alignment + Shimming Procedure

My engine is installed along with steering column