List of suggestions before re-mounting body to frame

Post by: **bluesbrother30** » Mon Jan 28, 2013 5:32 am

Just got back from checking on progress at the body and paint shop for my Coupe, 36/5706. A bit behind schedule but my guy says he should have the car finished in about a month. I will bring the body home and fit it onto the chassis for assembly. Here is my request from members. I would like to put together a list of 10 or so things to do before fitting the body to chassis. Things that you have improved, modified, deleted, added, replaced, cursed at, want to do on the next one, wondered about, stared at or gave up on. I would like to avoid the "sounds like a great idea, wish I would have done that before I put the body on". My chassis is painted and on wheels. All suspension is on and mocked up. Engine is in (no cylinder head), as is the gearbox, driveline and starter. I am using a mechanical fuel pump. Brake line is fitted in the tunnel, emergency brake cable in attached in the rear and routed to the front. Fuel line is in with excess hanging out in the fuel tank end. This will give me some time to order or source parts.

Thanks in advance

Mike Summers
California

Post by: **fatboyoz** » Mon Jan 28, 2013 5:52 am

Mike,
I'll start the ball rolling:

Make sure you have the rear 'A' frame, inner mounting bolts fitted the right way around so that you can get them out with the body fitted. I have the bolt heads towards the rear.

Regards,
Colin.

bluesbrother30 wrote:Just got back from checking on progress at the body and paint shop for my Coupe, 36/5706. A bit behind schedule but my guy says he should have the car finished in about a month. I will bring the body home and fit it onto the chassis for assembly. Here is my request from members. I would like to put together a list of 10 or so things to do before fitting the body to chassis. Things that you have improved, modified, deleted, added, replaced, cursed at, want to do on the next one, wondered about, stared at or gave up on. I would like to avoid the "sounds like a great idea, wish I would have done that before I put the body on". My chassis is painted and on wheels. All suspension is on and mocked up. Engine is in (no cylinder head), as is the gearbox, driveline and starter. I am using a mechanical fuel pump. Brake line is fitted in the tunnel, emergency brake cable in attached in the rear and routed to the front. Fuel line is in with excess hanging out in the fuel tank end. This will give me some time to order or source parts.

Thanks in advance

Mike Summers
California

Post by: **gjz30075** » Mon Jan 28, 2013 12:00 pm

Be sure to fill the diff and trans now. Much easier with the body off.

Greg Z

Post by: **MickG** » Mon Jan 28, 2013 12:26 pm

Hi Mike
Fatboyoz wrote

Make sure you have the rear 'A' frame, inner mounting bolts fitted the right way around so that you can get them out with the body fitted. I have the bolt heads towards the rear.

I personally would ensure that the bolt heads are on the inside of the A frame facing each other.
Regards Mick G

Post by: **oldelanman** » Mon Jan 28, 2013 1:38 pm

Check the reverse light switch is adjusted and working - it is accessible with the body on but much easier when it's off.

Post by: **512BB** » Mon Jan 28, 2013 1:52 pm

It is my understanding as well, that the bolt heads should be on the insides of the A frames, facing each other. That is how I have them on my cars.

From past experience, using the original matting or similar, over the backbone, is a no no. It retains moisture and that is not desireable on a steel chassis, no matter how protected.

Use a closed cell foam mat of the appropriate thickness, and if you trim it 3" above the 90 degree sill, it cannot be seen. Job done

Leslie

Post by: **types26/36** » Mon Jan 28, 2013 1:58 pm

512BB wrote:It is my understanding as well, that the bolt heads should be on the insides of the A frames, facing each other.

Yep....that's what Lotus said

Post by: **bluesbrother30** » Tue Jan 29, 2013 2:54 am

Fill the diff, CHECK

Check the brake light switch, CHECK

Check the direction of the bolts on the rear wishbones..........yup both were backward, CHECK

Keep the ideas coming, thanks

ms

Post by: **StressCraxx** » Tue Jan 29, 2013 4:24 am

Invite some friends over to watch and help you line things up as you lower the body to the chassis. Extra eyeballs can help.

Post by: **bluesbrother30** » Tue Jan 29, 2013 5:12 am

Are you volunteering?? Only 45 minutes away............

m

Post by: **MickG** » Tue Jan 29, 2013 9:29 am

Hi Mike,

Check the direction of the bolts on the rear wishbones..........yup both were backward, CHECK

Please check previous posts in particular Types 26/36 regarding the A frame bolts. Wouldn't want you to get it wrong at this stage.

Mick G

Post by: **bluesbrother30** » Wed Jan 30, 2013 6:22 pm

Mick, I think I got it.........both bolts inserted from the "center" of the wishbone, threads facing front and back of the car. CHECK

m

Also gonna add a remote bleeder for the slave cylinder.

Post by: **StressCraxx** » Wed Jan 30, 2013 7:41 pm

bluesbrother30 wrote:Are you volunteering?? Only 45 minutes away............

m

Yep, if you're inviting...

Post by: **bluesbrother30** » Wed Jan 30, 2013 9:42 pm

K, pizza for lunch but limited beer........I want to make sure the body if facing the correct direction.

I have your number

m

Post by: **jono** » Fri Feb 01, 2013 3:50 pm

A big source of regret for me was not setting the bump steer (rack height). I would have been so much easier with the body off the car.

Jon

List of suggestions before re-mounting body to frame

Total Online:

Recent Forum Topics

Support LotusElan.net!

Recent Wiki Articles