1956 tr3 body to frame tips?

[Debbie Wilson]

Getting ready to add a newly restored body to its frame. Any tips for best installation?

[foster461]

Hello and welcome.

 

There are a few different aspects to this question:

 

1. The mechanics of lowering the tub onto the frame. with or without the engine already installed

2. Initial configuration of shims, pads and rubber strips

3. Final alignment to achieve the best door gaps.

 

 

The tub drops onto the frame pretty easily and can be done by one person with a 2 ton (longer boom) engine crane. If the engine is installed already it is easier to lower the rear end of the tub first and then lower the front, taking care to clear the engine. On LHD cars It is a good idea to install the accelerator pedal assembly before installing the tub as doing that afterwards is harder due to the restricted access. If the engine is installed, removing the carbs and dipstick will ease the process.

 

The factory manual shows the initial shim and pad configuration and that is a good start. The long rubber strips can be glued to the frame as they tend to move about during this process. My personal preference is to put the strips and pads/shims that go under the tub floor in place then use a long screwdriver or four to keep things aligned as the tub is lowered. If you have to insert a shim/pad afterwards it is not a big deal as long as the tub is not bolted down yet. The shims/pads at the very front and rear and the ones in the engine bay are easy to install after the tub is in place, just pick up a corner and place the pads/shims. Just dont bolt anything down until all the pads and shims are installed and all bolts finger tight.

 

You cant test door gaps until the tub is fully assembled and bolted down. If there is a small discrepancy in the gap at the top of the door after assembly you can add or remove pads (bearing in mind the various pivot points) to mitigate door gap issues. Dont shim the front of the tub too low though or you will start to have problems with the radiator braces hitting the horn covers.

 

Stan

Edited October 4, 2014 by foster461

[billg]

Hi, make sure you have fitted the actual wheels and tyres you intend using regularly before bolting up the fixing bolts. Perhaps you are using spare old wheels to move the chassis about?

 

You may find the the rear body does not always sit equally across the rear axle! Especially troublesome if you fit 72 spoke wheels as there is not much spare space track wise.

 

Don't ask me how I know this!

 

Bill G@ NB