1965 Front Frame Shim Finish

[John H.]

Re: 1965 Front Frame Shim Finish

John, If the shims were tack-welded onto the frame while on the frame line, does that mean they were painted black along with the frame--regardless of whether it was an A.O. Smith, versus St. Louis, car?

Michael -

I suppose some of those shims at the radiator support mount location might have gotten some Chassis blackout, and some didn't. Whether the car had a St. Louis or A.O. Smith body made no difference - we're talking about the frame, not the body.

[John H.]

Re: 1965 Front Frame Shim Finish

Bill/Gene,

You are probably right but I don't know how the shim count affects the hood to surround fit. When you add/remove shims the complete inner fender moves up/down as it's bolted to the core support. The shims under the hood hinge add or reduce hood height relative to the surround panel.

As far as the fan inside the shroud, I can see that. A few pics I have looked at show approx the same shims as what I see marked at the firewall mount so I am curious.

Tim -

The hood to surround vertical relationship is controlled by the bond joint between the top edge of the inner fender and the underside of the surround.

[Timothy B.]

Re: 1965 Front Frame Shim Finish

John,

I agree 100% but when you add/remove shims to the core support at the frame the complete assembly moves up or down. The core support is bolted to the inner fenders and the inner fenders are bonded to the surround so everything moves together.

I agree that it's adjustable before the inner fenders are bonded though, maybe that's what Bill is suggesting.