The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area Paint and Body Shop Body panel assembly dimensions?

The factory assembly manuals don't have the info I'm looking for... Is there a book out there that has the actual cab dimensions so when I start cutting stuff out, I know where to put it back? I can brace it before cutting, but who says it's square and within spec now?

Tj

who says it was "within spec" when it left the factory? the assembly manuals show the general dimensions of the finished product, being cheap consumer goods these ol working trucks weren't assembled with micrometers, measure what you start with [and take lots of pictures], and put things back to functioning properly and you'll be as close to specs as original

Bill

I guess by within spec. I mean close enough to function properly.
I don't care what the number was but I'm sure they had some sort of standard for dimensional accuracy. maybe it was plus or minus an inch, maybe it was .100" but im sure there was something.

I'm wondering if im looking at the same manuals you're talking about. there really isn't any dimensions for things like door openings or between cab mounts. only very high level stuff like wheel base and overall width etc.

TJ

everything is relative to everything else, if the cab mounts aren't correctly positioned, it's not likely the cab will fit on the frame - and the reverse as well .... if the truck is basically functional now, you have the measurements .... if you need to know how to fit the doors, see the shop manual 'Body' section, where you'll find final 'suggested' positioning relative to the openings

you'll find every one of these trucks is an individual, it's common to have to fiddle to make parts from one truck fit on another, and aftermarket patch panels are generalities that have to be massaged to suit your individual - document the condition now and be ready for some frustration

Bill

I agree completely. The questions is is it square now? My doors are hanging off. Gaps are uneven. Front cab mounts rusted through so the hood doesnt line up right. etc etc.

I guess I just start cutting and welding and make it work...

The best set of cab dimensions are in the salesman data books. I don't know if they are online anywhere but they give all the critical references you seek.

Have a full title?

You're not talking about this are you?
1954 Chevy Specs

No the salesman data book was provided for each year of truck model. They are 200+ pages anything you ever wanted to know about that year of truck. Can be expensive and rare, reprints of the 49 and 54 are available from vendors.

http://good-times.webshots.com/photo/2367818020102454676GuqQUk

As stated above, don't worry so much about the dims. Instead you might want to try to get the hood and doors to fit before you start taking the panels apart. With the cab on the frame use the existing holes in the firewall and screw(lag bolts) a 2x4 or two on to the engine side of the firewall. Use a jack to raise the firewall and thus the floor to help align the panels. Once the panels "look about right weld in some electical conduit at the door jambs, firewall to cab back, and side to side. There, your cab is now within specs

Great Suggestion!
Thank you!

Tj

Is there good reference to level the cab besides the floor ( since it's mostly gone ) ?

Is the seat riser supposed to be level? Maybe a good place to set a level side to side and front to back and bring the cab up square?

Tj