How would you attach a 28 sport coupe body to the sub rails? Would you ***emble the rails on a bench then add the body one section at a time ?? Or Would you attach the sub rails to the frame and then add the body one section at a time?? Anyone have any tips for this? I might have to bend one rail inward just a tiny bit too.
I think most guys fasten the sub rails to the frame and then set the body on the subrails to make sure that everything is aligned the way it should be. That is the plan I have for my Model A Vicky that had an all wood subrail system and is getting metal.
If your frame measures out to be strait & true, all you need it a set of the body mount pieces and start building it up on the frame. I use screws instead of rivets until I know I have everything in good alignment and fit. It is a big advantage to have original parts to reference when replacing members. Most members don't come with holes drilled to it is a good idea to use as many clamps as you can find to puzzle it back into OEM shape. You can always weld holes back up if they are in the wrong place so sometimes it's a good idea to use small holes and cleco fasteners to hold stuff where clamps are impractical. Clecos come in fractional sizes but I mostly only use 3/32" (silver), 1/8" (copper), 5/32" (black), and 3/16" (gold) clecos and a good pair of cleco pliers. These can be purchased from any aircraft tool supply company like ATS or Aircraft Spruce & Specialty.
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