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UNDERBODY
3-1
SECTION 3
UNDERBODY
INDEX
Subject
Page
Underbody Alignment - Corvair
General Construction
3-1
Underbody General Service
3-1
Alignment Checking
Body Tram Gage
3-2
Reference Point Dimensions
3-2
Horizontal Dimensions
3-3
Vertical Dimensions
3-5
Underbody Alignment - Chevy II
3-5
General Construction
3-5
Underbody General Service
3-6
Alignment Checking
3-7
Body Tram Gage
3-7
Subject
Page
Principles of Tramming
3-7
Car Preparation
3-7
Tramming Sequence
3-8
Reference Point Dimensions
3-8
Horizontal Dimensions - Front End Skirt . .
3-9
Horizontal Dimensions - Body
3-10
Vertical Dimensions . . .
3-11
Cowl and Dash Dimensions
3-12
Underbody Alignment - " F " Body Styles
3-12
Description
3-12
Reference Point Dimensions
3-12
Horizontal Dimensions
3-12
Vertical Dimensions
3-14
UNDERBODY ALIGNMENT
All Corvair Styles
GENERAL BODY CONSTRUCTION
The body design used on the 10000 series is of an
integral, all steel, welded construction, commonly
known as "unitized" body construction. The over-
all rigidity of the body is drawn from each of the
individual metal components which, when welded
together, comprise the body shell assembly. Panels
forming the underbody area incorporate attachment
provisions for the power train and the suspension
systems. These panels, therefore, contribute the
greatest amount of strength to the body assembly.
UNDERBODY
GENERAL SERVICE INFORMATION
The underbody assembly is comprised of frame
side rails, frame cross rails, floor pan cross bars,
inner and outer rocker panels and other floor panel
components. The underbody is of all-welded con-
struction. The slightest misalignment in the under-
body can affect door, front compartment lid, and
engine compartment lid fits. Most important, how-
ever, underbody misalignment can influence the
suspension system, thereby causing many of the
problems that arise from a suspension misalign-
ment. It is essential, therefore, that underbody
alignment be exact to within 1/16" of the specified
dimensions.
In the event of collision damage it is important that
underbody alignment be thoroughly checked and, if
necessary, realigned in order to accurately estab-
lish suspension, steering and engine mounting lo-
cations. There are many classifications of tools
that may be employed to correct the average colli-
sion damage situation including frame straightening
machines, lighter external pulling equipment and
standard body jacks.
Frame tools are not considered as essential equip-
ment for average collision repair operations; how-
ever, there will be many situations with this
unitized type of construction as with other types of
frame construction, where frame equipment will be
required. There are also areas of repair where,
even though not essential, frame equipment may
prove beneficial.
IMPORTANT:
Since each individual underbody
component contributes directly to the over-all
strength of the body, it is essential that proper
welding, sealing and rust proofing techniques be
observed during service operations. Underbody
components should be rust-proofed whenever
body repair operations, which destroy or damage
the original rust-proofing, are completed. Par-
ticularly critical are the enclosed box areas.
When rust-proofing critical under body com-
ponents, it is essential that a good quality type of
air dry primer be used (such as corrosion re-
sistant zinc chromate). It is not advisable to
use combination type of primer surfacers.
To assist in checking alignment of the underbody
components, repairing minor underbody damage or
locating replacement parts, the following underbody
dimensions and alignment checking information is
presented.
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