AIM Question ( Mid America 1963)

[John K.]

I am in the process of a frame off on my 1963 coupe. I am having a problem understanding the body checking dimension charts on page C40 of the aim. Can someone offer some help. Thanks John

[John H.]

Re: AIM Question ( Mid America 1963)

I am in the process of a frame off on my 1963 coupe. I am having a problem understanding the body checking dimension charts on page C40 of the aim. Can someone offer some help. Thanks John

John -

Those charts show the GM 3-dimensional body checking grid, which was used by the plant for their once-daily body dimensional check, with the body set up to design datums on a surface plate equipped with precision traveling height gages. The charts are of little to no use to anyone unless they have a surface plate with height gages or a CMM machine.

[Jack H.]

Re: AIM Question ( Mid America 1963)

The big picture is the drawings depict 'center lines' (one for fore/aft, one for up/down) and then cite distances from those reference points to other key areas of the vehicle which can be measured and checked/verified...

If there's a specific question you have (a particular checking dimension), then you need to cite it so we know what we're to focus on.

[John K.]

Re: AIM Question ( Mid America 1963)

Jack, The problem is the left front corner of the fender surround. It is down about 3/8th of an inch. I discussed this problem with Wayne Womble, he recommended changing the inner fender skirt. My issue is I would like to know what is the correct height of the surround. I know that I need to test fit the hood and adjust as needed before bonding the new skirt to the fender. I was looking for a way to measure the upper body to make sure it is within design specs. If test fitting before final bonding is the answer I am OK with that, however I was looking for a way to measure the upper body.

Thanks John

[Gary C.]

Re: AIM Question ( Mid America 1963)

John, those dimensions might be covered in a Mitchell's Collision guide for '63? Gary....

[John K.]

Re: AIM Question ( Mid America 1963)

Gary, I will try to find the information from the Mitchell's Collision guide, I did take a look at the Car-O-liner data set and it does not go back that far. I spoke to a Car-O-Liner field rep and he suggested mounting the car on a frame machine and doing electronic comparison from the left side to the right side. He indicated that may pin point where the problem is. With this method you establish a datum line and using that as a electronic reference you can reference "point (A) on the right side against point (A) on the left side and so on" To do to this I will have to find a shop willing to mount and measure the car. At this time the car is apart so this method is out of the queation until it is reassembled. It would be great if NCRS could approach a company like Car-O-Liner about measuring a known good C2 and entering it in the data base. If this was done it would make assassing the entire car -- Frame and Upper body-- a much easire process. Again Thanks John

[John H.]

Re: AIM Question ( Mid America 1963)

John -

We do the same thing today, but technology does the work for us in less than an hour with no people involved (vs. two people for 8 hours on the old surface plates).

Photo below is the environmentally-controlled CMM (Coordinate Measuring Machine) room I had built at the Viper plant; the car is set up to design datums on a granite block floating on air bearings, and the two computer-driven CMM arms touch on several hundred points on each side and the upper surface of the body and compare that data directly against the design CAD math data model and notes any deviations to develop dimensional trend data. Cost about $1.5 million; every modern assembly plant has one.