How To Square Up the tub 1952 M38 CDN

[boucher]

Hello:

I took my tub off a while back and am now trying to figure out how to line it up properly before I tack in the floors , hat channels ,etc....

I'm bending/fabricating all pieces and the originals where simply rusted away except for about 6 inches of hat channel at the front of the tub near the firewall that sat over the frame.

Thanks

Peter (Ottawa)

[wesk]

Since the bottom is usually rusted out and not very good for determining square I would use the upper portion of the tub. Start with a leveled deck on which you can place the tub inverted. The deck should allow the cowl section to hang over so the two side panels sit flush on the deck. Pick and mark two alignment points on each side rail. Preferably one close to the door opening and one close to the tail gate opening. Measure diagonally between these marks. When the diagonal measurements are equal the tub is horizontally square. With the tub horizontally squared and clamped to the deck you now have the rails squared vertically as well. Next check the cowl to ensure it is aligned correctly. This is most accurately done with a digital protractor by checking angle of deck at the front and compare it to the angle of the cowl's dash lower edge. You may have to twist the cowl or jack one side to make them parallel.

The deck you use can be as simple as two firm saw horses with a leveled plywood deck fastened to them.

Here are some rough examples from Ryan's tub photos.

[boucher]

Thanks Wes

Unfortunately I can't make out the spelling on the bottom photo, even when I enlarge it.

Peter

[wesk]

Peter,
Feel free to peruse my photo storage site. You can open the full size copies of each photo right there.

http://wsknettl.mypicgallery.com/

[boucher]

Thanks, much appreciated.