Initial body fit question, something looks off

[MB750]

I know I've gotta bunch of body work and adjusting to make the body work and look good, but from the initial fitting I'm wondering if this is normal. The drivers side front tire is nowhere close to center:

https://thefactoryfiveforum.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=206289&d=1731273898


I've got it shoved as far forward as possible and from my own limited experience I don't see anything hitting. Even that lip that comes close to the dash isn't touching, but very close.

If I recall correctly, there's a 1/4" recommended that the fiberglass sit proud of the striker plate. If this is the correct measurement I'm pretty close to there:

https://thefactoryfiveforum.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=206290&d=1731273898

https://thefactoryfiveforum.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=206291&d=1731273898

[rich grsc]

Bet you don't have an alignment?

[MB750]

Bet you don't have an alignment?

That is 100% true. I used a fishing line and some jack stands to get it in the ballpark for go-karting.

[Jeff Kleiner]

Align the car. You're probably sitting with zero or even negative caster. Looking at your body position in relation to the striker plates it still needs to go forward at least 3/16"-1/4".

Jeff

[egchewy79]

as mentioned, get a rough alignment (dimensions of your UCA should be in the manual) and body needs to move forward. You'll likely need to trim a bit off the dash lip to get it far enough forward.

[MB750]

I'll peel the body off this week and make some adjustments. I gotta cut some glass away from a few places anyway. Just for quick data I'll measure between front and rear wheels on each side. The passenger side is nowhere near as bad.

[Jeff Kleiner]

... Just for quick data I'll measure between front and rear wheels on each side.

Until you have set caster and camber that will be meaningless. Similarly, if you haven't properly set the pinion angle on your 3 link the rear wheel position will be off.

Jeff

[MB750]

Well, this explains a lot...

https://thefactoryfiveforum.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=206334&d=1731361400

https://thefactoryfiveforum.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=206335&d=1731361400


Per Jeff's suggestions of 9.75" front and 8.5" rear, I'll have to shave a little off those couplings in the rearward link to get there. Right now I've got it all the way down and it's 8.75"

[MB750]

Yea, much better:

https://thefactoryfiveforum.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=206338&d=1731368105

Thanks everyone. I've got it at the power steering initial settings so I know I'll have popeye arms from steering. I'm pondering electric power steering.