I'm staring at the frame

[Brian]

Looking for help on the frame, if anyone has hints, I'd appreciate it.

First question: There are 10 rubber mounts, or cushions, that are basically under the cockpit. (actually one was missing, but I can see the imprint). However, there appears to be other holes in the frame surfuce for more of them. Where there more than 10? or where there as many as required to insulate the floor boards from the frame?

Second question: has any one ever tried an insulating shield above the muffler to reduce floor board heat? Obviously not "correct", but it seems a shield of some type wouldn't interfere with anything.

Well, have to rent a steam cleaner this weekend, and start to dig thru the grime!

[nomadbird]

Brian,
Good Show! It's good to see you taking your time to prevent a lot of extra work.

Your first question: from memory, 10 "biscuits" or insulators sounds about right. I will do some digging and let you know if that is not the correct number. Make a diagram to show their location. I'm not remembering any documentation showing their proper location. Most frames have extra holes to confuse you.

Second question: Yes, an extra sheet metal thermal baffle has been tried and there is a marginal change. It seems the most significant heat source is the exhaust pipe at the toe board. There is little that can be done with that area without it appearing Mickey Mouse. Suggest you consider the use of modern reflective insulating material under your carpet at re-assembly time. Dynomat or equivalent, works better than tar paper and jute.

Keep It Rollin' Tom

[Brian]

Yes - all the biscuits and spacers are laid out in a grid right now; I'll be making sure I mic all the shims, and locate everything permanently so that I don't forget where they go.

I'm going to be prepping the frame for re-installation of the body: Stripping away all unnecessary hardware (brake lines, etc.)

Then I'll be steaming and scraping to get a very clean frame. All that will be left will be the minimum front end rolling gear and rear end rolling gear.

Next I'll be making sure all of the body bolt areas are usable - I already have two studs broken, as I mentioned. This will involve checking for any frame cracks, chasing threads, checking mounting nuts, and so forth.

My body guy wants a well prepped frame to reinstall the body, and cut in all the new body parts.

Once he splices in all new body parts, he'll keep the body on a rotisserie, and I'll be completely dissassembling the frame.

My goal is that shiny black frame laying on the garage floor, which begins the "putting together" phase instead of the "taking apart" phase!

[ 01-28-2002: Message edited by: Brian ]

[Brian]

Update: 2 years now:

I pulled four broken studs from the frame, and am feeling proud of myself (I shouldn't, considering the daunting task ahead).

The Frame's been steamed, and now I'll strip the last little items off, except for major front and rear suspension.

I've got me engine scheduled for a rebuild by my brother. I'm reading everything I can on that - what "extra's" to include in the rebuild.

Trans was taken apart last week too. Everything is perfect inside. Just have to electrically check the overdrive unit, if that's possible.

Have to order some "biscuits" (everyone says 10) and new body to frame bolts and J clips, then I have to do the final body strip.

Next is the door strip down. Look out body shop, here I come.