Doing a little research on the '59 and it appears all front sheet metal alignment stems from a single bolt on the radiator support. This controls the front fender to door alignment (of which mine are saggy). I know the washer spacing is critical (certain number top an bottom) and as you can see mine are missing completely and explains the poor alignment. I am bout to tackle the rust repair to fix the radiator support and I cannot seem to find an aftermarket source for this bolt and washer set up. As I'm finding the aftermarket for '59 is small as most I see are for '57-'58. Any one have a source for aftermarket or have a set up in good condition they want to get rid of? Here is what I'm referring to: Here is is what I'm currently dealing with: Here is what it should look like: Current State:
@Sky Six , absolutely! I've been following his thread and it's where I got the shop manual photo! Thanks for the suggestion!
If you can save the main bolt, try to. but you might have to have a copy machined, the rest can be made with flat stock. The bolt itself is weak where the threads hit the step. So PB blast that and let soak. After looking at your the bolt looks like toast too- but not that it also acts as a alignment pin. I actually saved a whole front cross member with the mount off a parts car I cut up. Shipping might be kill it though.
@abe lugo , I appreciate the info on the bolt acting as alignment pin. This area of teh car was in the dirt unfortunately and many parts are toast! I've started searching close to home, but if I can't shake anything loose I may have to discuss a scenario of buying/shipping. Thanks for the input!
Owens Salvage may have the pieces. I know he has or had 3 or 4 cars around when I was buying parts for my car. How about a standard carriage bolt? Lucky all my parts were good when mine was apart.
Update: I found a '59 wagon at my local yard that appears to have what I need in semi decent condition...Bonus is the front windshield is decent and will be coming home with me as well!
I forgot to post this. I have a 57-58 front crossmember cut out already sitting in my backyard. If anyone in Los Angeles needs one. Let me know.