[drewm]

Finally got the body off the frame and took measurements to check for square, etc. Based on the chassis manual description of the frame and the use of decimals in the measurements, I was assuming that these measurements are precise. However, after measuring and remeasuring several times, it is clear that my frame is not so precise. For example, if you look in the chassis manual for reference, my Y and Z measurements are about 1/4 inch off. However, my X measurement is dead nuts on. Also, the manual states that the measurement between the middle body mounts is 65.19. Even accounting for the fact that I am using a tape measure and not a device capable of measuring something that precisely, The distance between the 2 mounts on the drivers side is about 1/8 of an inch different than the measurement of the same 2 mounts on the passenger side. There is also about 1/16 of an inch difference of body mounts 2 and 3 on the drivers side and passenger side. Even if the frame was damaged, I find it difficult to comprehend how it would change the measurements between the body mounts.

For those that may have experience with these frames, am I chasing my tail here? Should I just chalk it up to manufacturing variances that fall within acceptable ranges?

[Tom Vaught]

I took the rust free Georgia (1966) frame to a very good frame shop, and they 'adjusted it' to specs prior to Tieman installing it under the 64 convertible. He said the body dropped perfectly on the frame.

So do not be disappointed on the dimensions.

Tom V.

[61-63]

If you take the '61-'64 big car factory chassis books and compare the dimensions of the bolt to body and other distances shown in the books and listed in the tables you will see that while there 1/8" or so differences here and there all four year's frames are basically the same. If you've messed with those cars much you know that there is enough slop in the bolt holes drilled in the frames, fenders, and body mount locations that any one of those years cars could be bolted to any one of the frames. I realize your post deals with an a body rather thana b body frame but the degree of exactitude is the same with either way. Had every hole, etc. having to do with slamming the bodies/frames together been dead nuts on they wouldn't have been able to assemble them at the rate they did. So +2 what Tom says.