GEN 1 Body First Install

[HVACMAN]

I put the body on last week for the first time. I spent Saturday setting the ride height and raising the rear of the body to achieve the 45.5 inch measurement. The body is flush with the firewall both at the top and bottom. I also checked it for level, with a laser, both across the cowl and the rear trunk area. The problem I have is, there is a gap between the rear bulkhead and the body of approximately one inch. Is this normal. There is also a gap on the passenger side between the body and the frame at the door opening (expected) and on the drivers side (not expected). I did the mod. to the bottom of the passenger lower firewall. 109501109502109503109504109505

[JimLev]

Andy, what are we looking in the 3rd and 4th pics?

The gap between the body and the frame at the back rear above the fuel tank?
I've got that too, there is a piece of rolled up 1" foam (one side sticky) that goes between the frame and body.

[FF33rod]

I am at this very stage as well.
I see that you have gaps on both sides of the top of the firewall to the body in various places. I seem to have this as well.
Where does your dash sit relative to the steering column? I can't lower the body any further on the driver's side as the dash is hitting the column.

Steve

[AJT '33]

I just posted a response on virtually the same thing here: https://thefactoryfiveforum.com/showthread.php?32595-Gen-1-body-fitment-at-firewall post#2, the gaps are normal and is more prevalent on the Gen 1 body at the firewall. the door sill don't always sit on the frame and there may be a gap based on how the body is set at the firewall and then the rear is adjusted/raised to get the 45.5" dimension. I added some pics too.

[HVACMAN]

Andy, what are we looking in the 3rd and 4th pics?

The gap between the body and the frame at the back rear above the fuel tank?
I've got that too, there is a piece of rolled up 1" foam (one side sticky) that goes between the frame and body.

Thanks for the reply Jim. The 3rd & 4th pics are the gap between the frame and body (bottom of the door opening) on the driver and passenger sides. I'm glad to hear about the foam. I'll look for it.

[HVACMAN]

I am at this very stage as well.
I see that you have gaps on both sides of the top of the firewall to the body in various places. I seem to have this as well.
Where does your dash sit relative to the steering column? I can't lower the body any further on the driver's side as the dash is hitting the column.

Steve

The body fits relatively well at the firewall (I thought). It's the gap at the bottom of the doors and behind the fuel tank that concerned me. I expected to have to shim the passenger side because of the firewall modification.

[HVACMAN]

I just posted a response on virtually the same thing here: https://thefactoryfiveforum.com/showthread.php?32595-Gen-1-body-fitment-at-firewall post#2, the gaps are normal and is more prevalent on the Gen 1 body at the firewall. the door sill don't always sit on the frame and there may be a gap based on how the body is set at the firewall and then the rear is adjusted/raised to get the 45.5" dimension. I added some pics too.

Thanks AJT. I will go read it now.

[JimLev]

My gap at the top of the firewall to the body is only 1/16". I have the steering column adjusted up as high as possible, it just touches the bottom of the dash. I'm OK with both.
I do have a 1/4" piece of oak on the pass side between the frame and the body door opening. The drivers side looks OK without a shim.

[HVACMAN]

My gap at the top of the firewall to the body is only 1/16". I have the steering column adjusted up as high as possible, it just touches the bottom of the dash. I'm OK with both.
I do have a 1/4" piece of oak on the pass side between the frame and the body door opening. The drivers side looks OK without a shim.

I wound up with a strip of 1/4" hardy board on the driver's side. I was afraid to leave it unsupported and 1/2" on the passenger side. I thought the hardy board would hold up better than wood. The firewall is up against the body at the top. I'm hoping since the cowl and trunk are level and the cab measurement is 45.5" all is good.