So right now I am really frustrated with my 32 ford 5w crappy project. I am trying to mount my 32 5w body to a 32 frame that was built in a jig. So I can ATTEMPT TO DO SOME BODY WORK. Anyway, as you can see in the pic, the most forward body mount that attaches right by the firewall does not line up. The picture shows the body outboard of the hole. And it is that way on both sides. I know it does not look like a lot, but when I push on it, I am kind of pushing up against the firewall too. Is there a trick? Am I missing something? Please help me. Thanks in advance.
My after market TCI frame did the same thing. I think the hole is supposed to be at an angle so the firewall is pulled in board as you tighten the bolt. If it pulled straight down then it would not seal as well. That's my story anyway.
Yep, the aftermarket rails dont have the angled cowl bolt, the original frame had a angled notch for it.
You can drive yourself nuts trying to figure it out or realize that there's nothing you can do about the frame setup and maybe not be able to move the foot over enough without tweaking something else so ream the firewall foot that 1/16" and move on.
That bolt is supposed to be angled ...orivonal frames had a angled notch in the frame to match. Nothing to worry about...bolt is there to tighten body against firewall seal.
I myself would yank the body and fix it, it will just be a pain down the road when everything is painted, fix it now and save the trouble.
I believe that bolt is used for lining up the door gaps. Pull down on it and the back of the door will come up. It never tightens down to the frame.
Thats not a body mount hole. Buz is correct that hole is used on the lower cowl for lining up the door gap if needed so you only tighten the bolt enough to pull the outer skin down its not to be tightened all the way. If the body work is done correctly you will not need to put a bolt in that hole. On my Choped Deuce five window theres no bolt in that location. The forward body mount hole is located inside at the base of the front door post in the subrail area.
Hey Brady, We used a stud instead of a bolt in the hole that pinches the body and frame, which made it easier than trying to get a bolt started. Hopefully the pictures make more sense than my description! -Ryan .
Well technicall it still is a body mount bolt, it just has some purpose to it. The stud is a great idea but it still needs to be at an angle, im sure other bodies could get away with a strait but but they all are a little different. When im done adjust the doors i measure the gap and cut a piece of dom tubing and then tighten it against that. kinda solid mounting it but being adjusted correctly JEFF
If you can get a sbc rocker fulcrum on the inside of the frame and run the bolt through it with the nut on the bottom, the angle won't be a problem.
Cut the frame and angle the nut to match huge cowl side. When I use repo frame rails, that is the first thing I do to them. -Danny
Make sure to put the proper rubber seal between the body and firewall, and the proper welting on the frame, when you are setting up the body. BEFORE you do your bodywork. Otherwise you will really be surprised when nothing lines up correctly after paint and polish. The virgin '32 tudor I worked on had a slightly thicker rubber pad under the firewall legs than the woven welt that was under the rest of the body.
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