The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area Paint and Body Shop Cab alignment

I started this thread in the driveline forum when I found my steering column did not line up centered on the fire wall hole but decided it may be more of a body problem. I have a "52" frame with a "48" cab, changed the rear cab mounts to the two shackle type in place of the center mount on the "48". If I have the rear of the cab to high, even by only a 1/2", will that throw off my front fender alignment to where it all ties into the radiator mount. What I am trying to figure out is this. Should I start to assemble the front clip to figure out if the rear cab height needs changed or will it make much difference. If I bring the rear of the cab down the steering column will line up better but I can do the same by adjusting the gear box mount to the frame.

You can measure check the cab height prior to putting on the front clip. The front cab mounts when assembled correctly are a known reference point. In the Salesman Data Book it gives a top of frame to top of floor as 1-7/8" you can check that at the rear. It should get you very close. The most shims I have ever seen on cab shackles were two which is about an 1/8" thick.

Shackles with shims.
http://www.flickr.com/photos/advance-design_parts_co/8129510232/in/set-72157631868452754

That was the measurement I could not find. I will check that and see where I am at. Are you saying that the front of the cab should be the same from frame to floor as the rear of the cab.
The number of shims does not work here since I drilled the holes for the cab mounts but like you said, the front mounts could not change. I did make sure the old rubber piece was removed so I know the front is setting right. Thanks for your help.

The salesman data book shows that measurement as common for the cab from front to rear. I can scan the page tomorrow if you would like it for reference? With the cab level and the front clip off you can then set your column correctly. It is not uncommon for these to be off a bit, but unless it is bent it should line up. The thing to remember when fitting these trucks back together is leave all connections loose until you have all the bolts started, then tighten things up.

http://chevy.oldcarmanualproject.com/shop/1948_51truck/51ctsm0103.htm

step 9, 11

I measured the top of frame to floor, front was 1 7/8", back is 2 3/8", there is my problem. It will be an easy fix to bring the back of the cab down 1/2". That should make a fair difference where the column meets the dash bringing them closer to each other.

Sounds like you are halfway home, good luck with the truck!

Hello--I have a 1954 Chevrolet 3100 1/2 t short box and having a tough time with the front fenders, hood ,ect to line up...ith e measurement 1 7/8" on the frame to cab foolr the correct measurement for the 1954 also for proper cab alignement? Thanks!

I worked on the cab tonight and got it lowered to 1 7/8" but this made little noticeable difference with my steering column where it meets the dash. I did notice that the horn wire is comming out the bottom of the column. Is that correct or should it come out the top. I can't see how it would matter functionally but it looks like the wire calmp could slice someones knee open. I am wondering if rotating the column shaft 180 degrees on the gear head could change change where it meets the dash.

Top
...pic...

Did you leave the bolts loose where it attaches to the frame? After you run it through the floor can you clamp it in under the dash (with the rubber isolator in place)? If the cab is set to spec and it still does not fit run a straight edge along the column, is it bent? This does happen sometimes. When everything is clamped in place it is a pretty rigid set-up who knows what might have happened in the last 60+ years. The horn wire should come out on top as pictured not to the side where a knee could hit it.

I made all the adjustments talked about including turning the steering column 180 degrees so the horn wire was up and everything lined up as close to right as I could expect. When I got to the the gear box to tighten it down the cab side of the box was not even far enough away from the frame to get a washer in between the box and the frame. In reality I dont think I was off as far as I thought to begin with but now everything appears to be correct.

Nice, you really have to leave all bolts loose on these trucks when fitting components. At he end of the day the are pretty forgiving. Glad it worked out.