Stovebolt.com Forums The Shop Area The HiPo Shop Finding the front center line

On my '49 AD do you find the center line with the wheels hanging or sitting on the ground? or dose it matter? the way I did it was got it all level with the wheels hanging from the frame (my jack stands were just under the cab) then I leveled the hub on two lug studs then clamped it in place to keep from moving. Then found the center of the hub. Then I placed a long streight edge across the frame. Then place the level vertically on the mark on the hub got it level and butted the streight edge to the level and clamped the streight edge. Then did the same on the other side and made my marks. I came up with 21 3/16 inches from the longest tip on the frame. the outside end is longer then the inside. I measured from the outside. Did I do this correct??? And is the 21 3/16 about correct???? I read Boyo's info on his and he came up with 20 19/32 inches. Thanks!

I'll tell you this, I wouldn't mount it in permanent till I had the front sheet metal on and stood back to look at it. I did all the same measuring on mine when I put the clip on. I trial fit the sheet metal and the wheel looked like it was back some. I'm talking VERY little but it looked like crap. I cut loose the clip (it was jsut tacked) and moved it forward about 1/2". It looks great now, and if there is anywhere you want it is forward too much, instead of back too much.

Some times the eye is more important than the measuring tape.

I took my center line from the straight axle,I used a small torpedo level and placed the edge of it center of the axle with the top of the level touching the frame above, when the bubble is center make a mark on the top of the frame, this is your center line, if you then use a square with the edge of the square on the frame you can draw your line accros the top of the frame from your mark you made with the level. I did it this way to install my Fatman mustang 2 crossmenber and it came out dead nuts.........looks great......