I've got a 1937 Pontiac coupe I'm working on for a customer, mainly I've only restored musclecars but I thought I would try a coupe. This was dropped off about two weeks ago in boxes, so I re***embled the body. The frame has a Nova stub welded to it, which is 2.5 inches too long or too short. The wheelbase is 119.5 not the 117 or 122 inches it should be! Now here's the question, I'm going to tub it (1)do I cut the stub off and reweld it and then tub it or (2) do I leave the stub on and cut/add 2.5 inches in the rear and redrill the ch***is to mount the body? The guy that started on the car said it was close to paint! I figure I have about 100 hours to get it close after I fix his attempt at body work. Thanks
The dif. in length is from the cowel forward. Id move the subframe and hang the front sheetmetal and get the rad support in place first. Then do the rear. I have a 37 pontiac and need running boards if he's not using them. Could use some grille pieces also. Thanks Archie
I would think the frame contours being moved forward (or body back, same thing) two inches or so would create FAR more work than it saves. Based on your info, I would think correcting the front clip position would be the easiest and most satisfactory in the long run. One other thought..........if there is a straight frame section near the cowl, it might be relatively easy to lenghten/shorten the frame rails there instead of cutting loose the clip at the kickup........ Ray
I would think making the stub right and getting the sheetmetal hung would be top priority. Once that is right, put your welder down and get it back on the wheels. This is not a muscle car.
What year is the nova stub?I have a 70 welded on a 39 and it is 4'' to wide.It came with the car but I will be removing it,unless I can figure out away to cut it down.
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