Re-assembly problems

nova69
10th-September-2007, 01:05 PM
I have been lurking for a long time, but this is my first post. I am putting my '69 Nova back together after paint. I am having some trouble aligning the fenders, but they will go with some persuasion. My real issue is the fender well to tire gaps. The left side is square, same distance from the tire to front and back of the wheel well. The right side has a considerably smaller gap on the back side compared to the front. Probably about an inch. I did replace sub-frame bushings in exactly the same spot from where they were originally located.

I guess my question(s) are is there enough wheel alignment adjustment to do this, or was the sub-frame out of whack to begin with? I guess I could take the fenders off and take some measurements to start, but then what?

Sorry about the length of this missive, but I'm at a loss right now. Any help is much appreciated.

Necro
10th-September-2007, 03:56 PM
Sounds like your talking about the caster adjustment on the alignment. i dont know if you put any shims in the upper control arm yet. but that is how the alignment is set. the car and subframe may have some sag and bends you cant see , and the result is the difference from side to side.
if your fenders and subframe are square , then when it comes time for a alignment they will be able to fix it.
unless you have a seriously bent a arm or spindle.

CDJr
10th-September-2007, 04:28 PM
My guess is the frame-to-chassis is mis-aligned. Are the fenders maladjustments indicative of this? Th easiest way to check is to use a 5/8" rod or bolt and slide it up into the alignment holes next to the frame mounting holes under the firewall. If they are indeed lined up, then check the harder things as Necro said.

nova69
10th-September-2007, 05:47 PM
Thanks for the info. I took a bunch of measurements to see if anything was out of whack, but they were all right on or within 1/4" on the long criss-cross measurements. That could even be attributed to where the plumb bob marks were placed. The Alignment holes were a little different side to side. The LH holes were a little off. The rod wasn't vertical, but the RH holes were right on. Should I take the time to get that side lined up straight? The sheet metal lines up very well. Thanks again.

CDJr
10th-September-2007, 05:53 PM
Yes, the first thing Id do would be to line up the frame to chassis. But thats just my personal opinion :)