Cadillac 60 Series 1963 Shop Manual page 18

FRAME
3-1
GENERAL DESCRIPTION
The frames used on 1963 model Cadillac auto-
mobiles are of the tubular center, X-type con-
struction. They have been designed with shallow
front extensions to provide a low front floor pan.
Braced dual front cross members are used to ac-
comodate the front suspension. The rear section
of the frame used on the 6389 body style is modi-
fied to accomodate the reduced body overhang.
The frames of all series cars are similar in
design, with differences in dimensions and other
details to meet body requirements. Main frame
members are of box-type construction to provide
strength and rigidity. Extended brackets welded
to the main frame members provide body mounts.
The frame on the 1963 commercial chassis is
similar to the passenger car frame, but it has
heavier construction features and incorporates a
lower rear kick-up to meet the requirements of
the flat floor used on commercial vehicles.
The heavily reinforced tunnel section in the
center frame that joins the front and rear frame
side rails also supports and houses the propeller
shaft with center bearing and bracket assembly.
The bottom of this tunnel section has been lowered
on all models except the 75 and commercial
chassis to facilitate necessary movement of the
propeller shaft.
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SERVICE INFORMATION
1. Body Bolts
Locations of body bolt holes in the frames of all
1963 series cars are shown in Figure 3-1. Cross
sectional views of the parts required for instal-
lation of body bolts, showing the order of as-
sembly, are illustrated in Figure 3-2. The code
letters in the frame diagrams and their corre-
sponding cross sections indicate the proper
installation required at all body bolt locations for
each 1963 body style.
The actual number of shims used may vary with
each installation, Figure 3-2. Use the quantity
necessary to fill the gap remaining between the
body and frame after the mounting pads are in-
stalled. The correct number of shims required at
each bolt location may be determined by attempt-
ing to rotate the pad between the body and the
frame. If the pad can be rotated with the fingers,
add body shims until pad can no longer be rotated.
2. Checking Frame for Twist
1. Place car on section of level floor, and
inflate tires to proper pressure.
2. Measure distance from bottom of extreme
front end of left side bar to floor. Repeat meas-
urement for right side bar.
3. If front ends of right and left side bars are
not the same distance from floor, raise low side
bar with a jack until distances are equal.
4. Measure distance from extreme rear end of
bottom of left rear side bar to floor. Repeat for
right side bar.
5. Any difference in these dimensions greater
than one-half of an inch is an indication of a
twisted frame.
6. If frame is found to be twisted after check-
ing the overall dimensions, measure distances
from similar points on each side bar to floor,
starting from front of frame. The twist is between
the first points where a difference is found and the
last equidistant points measured.
3. Checking Frame Dimensions
See frame checking dimension on Page 3-4, and
frame checking locations, Fig. 3-3. The car
should be on a flat level floor to assure accurate
measurements when either of the following
methods are used.
The easiest and most accurate method of check-
ing frame dimensions is by use of tram gages.
When using tram gages, be sure to keep the cross
bar level to insure accuracy in all measurements.
The plumb bob method may be used if tram
gages are not available. When measuring the dis-
tance between two points, place the free end of the
cord at one point, and the distance between chalk
marks on the floor may then be measured.
TORQUE SPECIFICATIONS
APPLICATION
All body bolts on all series except convertibles
No. 1 body bolts on convertibles
MATERIAL
NO.
260-M
280-M
SIZE
7/16 x 14
7/16 x 14
FOOT
POUNDS
30
50