I just got done installing new rear sections of the sub rails on my sedan. my question is when i measure from the back corner to the back of the door opening i am a 1/4" out. wasnt sure if i need to get it a little closer to that before i weld the crosses in or not. the front of the subrails are welded up but i still have the back of them just sitting and not fasted down in case changes need to be made. any thoughts?
How does the door hang in the opening? Any compromises that you make now, might create problems later.
Square is square, no compromises in my book. Check diagonals if you can because if it isn't square now, everything that follows isn't going to right the wrongs no matter what you do later. Measure twice, cut once I say. Spend the time now, you won't regret it later because you'll never be satisfied and it will bug you and others may pick up as well.
Great answer! A 1/4" is still a 1/4", maybe some of us are perfectionist's but I couldn't live with it that much out!! Doc.
If you haven't welded in the cross member, then why wouldn't you take the time to square the frame? When you build a house always start with a square and level foundation.
I'd get it as close as you possibly can, It will help in the long run as far as the frame, get that right..flat square and level
The subrails should be easy to square up. One thing you might want to check is if your frame is flat, (no twist). I ***ume your using the frame to fixture the body and A frames are notorious flexible flyers without an X member. This can make squaring a body and fitup a nightmare. I usually clamp the frame in a fixture if I'm doing a stocker so I at least have a good starting point. How close you get it depends on how good you want the car to be. The biggest problem on A's is getting the rattles and squeeks out. Near impossible with an out of square car.
not sure of your particular situation, but a good ol' ratchet strap could pull the diamond out. go just a little past where your out now (to account for spring back) and put a couple tacks release your strap and check measurements again..... at least thats how i would go about it.
I should clarify that what I ment was. In the various model A bodies I have measured the tolerances between them are not that close. Just an observance. Obviously you should shoot for as close as possible in any particular car. But from car to car may be different.
Get it where the doors fit best, the doors may not even close with the body perfectly square. But, they may fit perfectly with the body a quarter out. The bodies where not square out of the factory.
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