Tool for Measuring Body

[9fourteen]

Ok, I just about got my chassis all stripped and I'm ready to start making repairs. I have a slight sag so I will need make sure everything is straight before I do any welding. I have been reading the factory manuals on body repair and it refers to using a 2 meter caliper to check body demensions. Anybody know where to get a caliper that long? I found a 60" but it was $700+. That's a little more than I want to spend because I can't think of any other use for the tool once I finish working on the car. Is there any other tool that will work and is cheap? I guess I could use a tape measure but I don't think it will be very accurate.

[Zeke]

The best way to check a car out and set it up for welding is to have it on a frame machine. Short of that, if you're any kind of carpenter, you know how to use a tape measure and a straight edge to layout anything. A 3 point laser is helpful. Forget the huge caliper and do it with the tape.

If you're on an absolute level workspace (very helpful), you can also use a drywall square to come up from the bottom plane of the car to measure to the corners of the winshield frame and such. This is what the 3 point laser is good for.

[Dave at Pelican Parts]

You can also make a set of calipers. Just get something large that doesn't bend, but it in two, and install a hinge...

--DD

[Zeke]

Originally posted by Dave at Pelican Parts
You can also make a set of calipers. Just get something large that doesn't bend, but it in two, and install a hinge...

--DD

That's very true. And, you can do wonders with a piece of 1/4" plywood. What are we measuring with calipers anyway. I never saw a need for them. A contour gauge, yes.