Unibody Measurements...

[Brad01mc]

Hi!

A while back I posted some pictures of the damage I have on my P-car that I did not know existed until I tried to get it aligned.

I'll skip the details, but the end result is that the drivers rear wheel cannot be aligned properly. It's Toe'd in 1/2-3/4 inch and the nut on the spring plate is maxed out/in.

The damage has been estimated at a couple grand...based on pictures I posted here...

my bent "frame"...

Anyway, before I go any further, I want to have a better idea of what is going on.

So, my question is this...

What measurements should I make to explain the damage? Also, what "landmarks" should I use to measure between. For example, torsion tube to front ride height bolt, etc...

Any feedback/info would be much appreciated!

Thanks!
Brad

ps- I sold the Van-a-gon(e), so I'll have some $$ to fix the p-car!!
pss- I live in SoCal, 92373 (Redlands), so any close shops would also be useful.

[450knotOffice]

Brad, a friendly bump for you.

Also, if I were you I would still get a second opinion on the rear wheel alignment issue. If your toe were really that bad, it would have been noticeable to everyone looking at your car on Sunday and I'm pretty sure you tires would be toast by now. Honestly, do yourself a favor and find someone else to look at the alignment and give you his own assessment. I think it'd be money well spent. Either that or learn how to do it yourself and verify it that way.

[Zeke]

Did you put a straight edge on the tire (like a yardstick) and see this much toe-in?! If so, and this is real. I'd get under the car and look at the inner bushing mounts next to the trans. If things look reasonable there, measure the length between the center of the hub to the center of the spring plate bushing on both sides. (With the tires off, you can measure any distance that is easy to get a tape on and do the same on the other side.) If that turns out OK, it's beyond me and needs to go up on an alignment rack meant for these cars.

[911pcars]

[b"What measurements should I make to explain the damage? Also, what "landmarks" should I use to measure between. For example, torsion tube to front ride height bolt, etc..."[/b]

Looks like the chassis damage resulted in the driver's side being shorter than the other side. That's why the LR corner has excess toe in.

I'd think you could just show the pics to a chassis shop (or your car). They could give you a ballpark figure (didn't they already?). FWIW, the following image is from the factory shop manual; Vol. V1 Body Supplement, 72-on. These particular point-to-point dimensions are made with a measuring tram to determine the type and extent of any structural bendage.



Your options are to sell it, fix it or find a straight tub and swap parts. You'll have to determine the cost/benefits.

Sherwood

[Brad01mc]

Hi!

Scott, thanks for the bump, and I totally agree with you on this. I'm at the learning stage right now, so I just want to know what is going on before I spend any $$ on it. I don't want to get hosed, so I feel better if I'm well prepared.

Zeke, yeah, those bushings look fine. Nothing is bent, or out. I'll make the measurements that you mention to see if I can identify where the problem exists.

This is the problem, it doesn't make sense. The torsion tube looks fine on both sides, there doesn't seem to be anything binding, or wrong with any of the suspension, so I'm at a loss until I make some measurements.

Sherwood, thanks for the pic. Can you please send me an original, so that I can print a big copy on the plotter? My email is
Brad01mc@hotmail.com

thanks!
Brad

[Brad01mc]

Hi!

I've made a diagram that combines the technical measurements with a picture of the unibody. This is a first draft because I don't have access to high res images. If someone can send me high res. files of each (esp the chassis dimensions), I can easily create something like this...



If you can send me something better, I'll post the results.

Brad

[DG624]

Can minor body damage be straightened? I have had some rust that needs repair but also have a slight misalignment due to a minor crash to the nose (hood out of alignment by 1/4"). I am thinking when the rusted panel (under battery) is replaced the nose can be straightened.