Require Measurement Top of Frame rail to bottom surface of..

[pdr1966]

Rad Core support

Getting into front body alignment now, Can somebody take a measurement for me from the top of the frame rail to the bottom of the rad core support - basically how thick is the rubber bushing there.

Based on my 1st trial fit of the fenders, it appears as if i need to take the rad core support up about 1" - this also agrees with the fan running too close to the shroud.

This is a 71' F250, but this dimension should be similar for all.

Thanks
Pete

[FORDification]

When lining up body panels, the one constant is the box, since there are no bushings between it and the frame to sag or rot. The bed bolts down solid to the frame. So you first bolt on the box, and then line the cab up with the box, and then line up the front fenders with them both.

The thickness of the radiator support bushing is intentionally shorter, and it's height can vary, so the factory used shims between the bushing and radiator support to raise it up. My '67 had 8-10 of these on each side:



This is why you can't just go with a measurement from someone else's truck. Not only will their factory bushings have probably collapsed a bit, but each truck is probably going to have a different number of shims between the bushing and radiator support....'cause each truck is gonna be just a little different.

[pdr1966]

Thanks

There were no spacers like that originally, my bed lines up nicely with the cab (this is a cab swap project).

Sounds like the 1" I need is not out of the question or odd.

Right now, the space I am talking about is roughly 3/4"

The aftermarket fenders also require some trimming in the rear lower corner, they interfere with the front corner of the cab - and the lower rear bolt will require a spacer as well. I have the original fenders to compare to, this may clarify some of the fender fit.

Thanks
Pete

[FORDification]

Yes, there were also shims between the fender and cab for the lower-rear bolt.

I'd estimate the total height of the radiator support bushing to be about an inch, maybe a tad more. They're slimmer than the cab mount bushings, so I'd say you're in the neighborhood. It'll just require a little fudging here and there, as you say, to get things to fully line up. Time-consuming, but worth it.

[fordman]

i have a used core support top bushing setting in front of me. its 7/8 of an inch tall. but remember its used. it doesnt looked sqished though. but it probably has some wear to it.