632ci engine installation in 78 camaro
#522
05-08-2015, 03:10 PM
Really kinda late now. But you should have taken measurements prior to disassembly, and written them down for later reassembly. Now you'll need to assemble it loosely, and measure wheelbase length and compare to factory specs. Then cross measure from a corner point at the opposite rear, to front on both sides, and square it up. Still you'll most likely have to loosen and make final adjustments once the front fenders go on, as it might need some adjustment for panel gaps. There are alignment holes that will get you close, but you'll need a "story pole" to get it perfect. These are usually just made up from a long piece of stiff tubing that you can clamp a pointer on each end to match a specific place on each corner. Then corner to corner comparisons to determine how much needs to be moved to align it perfectly.
I recommend you get the book on restoring Camaros, for some help in numerous areas you'll face.
Trans Am & Firebird Restoration: 1970-1/2 to 1981 by Melvin Benzaquen | 9781613251720 | Paperback | Barnes & Noble
You'll have an added issue with the new 4 link you've chosen, as it wont be set in place like the stock leaf spring setup. So your measurements will have to be to mounting holes at the rear for now, and then the new 4 link can be set to determined places at the front later. You'll be making lots of measurements on the same things over and over! Then readjusting as needed the further along you get!
I recommend you get the book on restoring Camaros, for some help in numerous areas you'll face.
Trans Am & Firebird Restoration: 1970-1/2 to 1981 by Melvin Benzaquen | 9781613251720 | Paperback | Barnes & Noble
You'll have an added issue with the new 4 link you've chosen, as it wont be set in place like the stock leaf spring setup. So your measurements will have to be to mounting holes at the rear for now, and then the new 4 link can be set to determined places at the front later. You'll be making lots of measurements on the same things over and over! Then readjusting as needed the further along you get!
Yes I should have done that before I disassembled the frame. But I did not know about it at that stage.
Thanks for the book. Will buy it.
#523
05-08-2015, 03:17 PM
The front subframe mounts have alignment holes. Get 2 dowels the diameter of the holes and slide them through the mounts and up into the holes in the body. When the dowels on both sides are straight up and down (front to back, side to side), you should be pretty close. Then you can do your cross measurements from there to fine tune the fit, if necessary.
Hi, did the dowels for both sides of the frame and worked perfectly.
As well took some measurements from the front frame hole (near the aft frame mount) to the aft weld frame 3/4 alignment hole. Checked both left and right dimensions and managed to bring them within 1/8" close together.
I have placed pictures of the dowels. The dowels helps you align but does not actually align it to the centre. But helps a lot.
#524
05-08-2015, 03:27 PM
Don't think I took any mistakes in my measurements but will check it again. It is pretty easy and well explained in the manual and there is nowhere to get confused.
All the other measurements came within the 1/8 of inch.
One way to confirm is if someone can check this and come with the figure.
#525
05-08-2015, 03:40 PM
I am very concerned about the installation of the radiator support bushings and washers. The bushing kit is for the 78 Camaro from Classic Industries. My concern is that the top washer (2 1/2" outside diameter) is bigger than the black top bushing. This is showed in the pictures attached.
Any suggestions? Is this how it should be?
Any suggestions? Is this how it should be?
#527
05-09-2015, 10:01 AM
Ok Thanks for that. I found the old bushings and as well the original pictures before disassembly. And yes the washer was larger.
#528
05-09-2015, 10:07 AM
Today was a nice day at the garage. Installed the radiator support panel, installed the inner fender and the outer fender. below is pictures of today's work. Finally I am seeing it going together again after 3 years.....
At the moment all the bolts are not tightened so much for the adjustments to align the body panels.
At the moment all the bolts are not tightened so much for the adjustments to align the body panels.
#530
05-09-2015, 05:01 PM
Join Date: Aug 2008
Location: Portland, Or
Posts: 9,097
Are you getting ahead of yourself? Assembling parts that aren't painted means they'll have to come off again for paint, and then back on!