Hello all,
I read the recent post by 68 BLKBRD concerning rubbing tires, and said "hey.. same problem I have!". So I checked the alignment holes and sure enough.. I'm way off. The only problem is that my sheetmetal alignment is so sweet and I hate to see it all "cattywampus"... so can I loosen the inner fender mounts (to the front subframe) and hope to shift the subframe without screwing up the sheetmetal?

Thanks, Kevin

maybe so if you loosen all the front fender mounts but leave the ones that go to the body and firewall bolted tightly....

I think a lot of people have done subframe bushings without it screwing up fender alignment, or even drop bushings. I have not so really cant say for sure. (i had my front clip off and did subframe repair... still trying to get the fenders lined up a tad better)

You might do a little more homework before you go changing the subframe alignment. They are called alignment holes because they are areas that pry on/in to align the frame.

I'm not positive, but the alignmen of the holes as to how they relate to each other doesn't nessessarly mean that the frame is out of alignment.

I belive they call it the x-y measurements, and you do the aligment by measuring given points, not by aligning the holes.

Again, I'm not positive, but it seems that they wouldn't give alignemt specks if one simply aligned the aligment holes.

Here's a couple of pictures from my 69 service manual. By the way, the book says that to align the frame, check the measurements and adjust. But it says nothing about simply aligning the aligment holes as the way to align.

Heck yes it will foul up the adjustment of the sheetmetal.

Definitely agree with doing more homework. Dont just assume the tire is rubbing because of subframe alignment. Measure at the proper points. It could be another problem.

Amervo, alot of that info is already available online, so dont go ruining your binder for it

http://www.1968firebird.org/68sm/frmt/frmt6.jpg
that is from a '68 manual, but the measurements and diagram appear the same.

I still think if you kept the rear fenderbolts tight it would not change the sheet metal at the doors much, but it would definitely affect bumper alignment.

Thanks men..I'll def. investigate a bit more.. but I'm pretty much out of options..

I know that the pass. front wheel is def. further back in the wheelwell than the driver's. I also know that the previous owner had pulled the body off the frame and reassembled it just prior to my purchase. I have noted that the alignment holes are in different positions side-to-side.. with the driver's side subframe apparently further forward.

I feel that my options are somewhat limited at this point.. unless I get smaller tires and live with it(?) I currently have Rally IIs with 215/65/15s on the front. They rub the pass side fender bolt when cut to the right.

Thanks again for any input.

Kevin

Amervo.
Yes.. I agree with your strong recommendation to perform the measurements prior to any "action". You are indeed correct, and I will def. do so.

Thanks much.

I used the same sheet that Amervo pasted in to verify that my subframe was off a bit. My F measurement was short by a minimum of 3/8". Thus, pulling the drivers side wheel in a bit.
For you problem just measure F and E on the opposite side.
I suggest that you fashion up some plumb bobs by sticking a needle into the eraser of a pencil then hanging them by thread. Just duct tape them into place. This really helped a lot and made sure my measurements were accurate.

68BB.

Thanks..That's a good tip. Will do..
Yours come out ok?

I haven’t done the repair yet but I will let you know how it goes.
Are your body bushings good or not? That is want I believe to be the cause of my rubbing woes.
There has been a lot of great discussion in the past on that topic if you do need to change them.
Also CDJr (your the man Charlie!) sent me a great procedure on how to do it with pictures. Let me know if you need it and I will email it to you.

68 BB,
My bushings are fine. They were replaced by the previous owner when he remounted the subframe. I bought the car from him at that point, and finished the reassembly (including recent paint). Wish I'd have been smart enough to check the alignment back then...

Kevin

You and I both, I probably could have haggled for an even lower price. Oh well, live and learn.
I have a buddy that is in the process of buying a 69 camaro, so maybe, if he asks nice I will help him inspect it.
Just maybe