i have a 69 chevelle that when i put the body back on the frame,with new body mounts to get the front fenders to line up.i had to put about a 1 inch spacer under the radior support between the rubber mounts and the frame.is this common or should i do something else?

No, this is not common. What EXACTLY happened as you were putting it together that lead you to believe you need it?

All your inner fender bolts should have been loose while you were aligning your fenders, were they?

Fill us in on where you were in the process when you needed the spacers.

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1965 Buick Gran Sport Convertible
1965 Buick Skylark H/T
"Fan of most anything that moves human beings"

This is not an answer to your question, but another thing to think about. How should the car be setting when your putting on the front clip?
If you have the car on its 4 wheels and no front fenders on, I think that there is a deflection of the frame (upward) from the front body mount forward. The reverse of this would be if you have the car on 4 jack stands, with the front stands under the front body mounts, the front of the frame would deflect downwards as it hangs it the air.

deiinc, GREAT POINT! That is a common mistake when installing weld on parts like a quarter panel. Put the car on it's wheels or on jack stands that are under the control arms and rear axle. I prefer the wheels.

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1965 Buick Gran Sport Convertible
1965 Buick Skylark H/T
"Fan of most anything that moves human beings"

I'd like to know the answer to this one also

I worked on my 69 trying to line up the new fenders until I was so fustrated I gave up and took it to a body man

It still has the spacers under the core supports that he put in

ok,this is my first project car.i was lied to and cheated when i bought it.i thought that all it needed was fix a few dings and paint.i believe the front clip is after market because it was primer gray,also i had to weld in the lower brace that goes under the small side light on one of the fenders.when i bought the car the dirt bag also had a el camino in the garage he was restoring.i wonder if the el camino radior support is shorter than a chevelle?i put the inner fenders on last,i had to persuade some some of the bolts.i put on the radior support on first then the outside fenders and header last,i had afriend helping.we had to raise the front of the clip to get the gap in the doors to line up.after all bolts were tight i tried taking spacers out,but the front of the clip just hung in the air.thanks for replies and help.

OUCH!

Absolutely on the wheels.

We didn't need spacers, however, we will tell you that by moving the radiator support forward an extra 1/4", we were able to create near perfect spaces that will prevent the doors from ever hitting the fenders. This also applies to the hood.

If we are not mistaken, didn't one of the Team Members do an extensive article on this very subject a few months ago?

Team Members chime in where he can find these articles.

Good Luck!


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Team Members Forever #341

Richard, Judy, MAXX2

'69 Elke (Frame Off); GM HO 350/330-Mildly Ported Vortec Heads-Manley Severe Duty SS 2.02/1.60 Valves, Comp Cams Full Roller Package (Magnum)-Custom Grind CS 3315/3316 HR112-.510/.520 Lift, Edelbrock Air-Gap W/750 Performer Manual Choke-Performer 100 HP NOS, March Pulleys, 4L60 (Non Computer) W/Lokar Shifter, 12 Bolt Posi.

Another thing to look for is to make sure that your car is level. Front to rear and side to side. In my case the REAR of the car is level side to side, but the FRONT is not because its at a location where the garage floor starts to taper to a drain.
Use a level and a long straight edge and GET THE CAR LEVEL before installing ANY sheetmetal, including floors.

I purchased new floor pans yesterday and was going to attempt to install them today. My 69 Malibu conv. is on jack stands at the rear axle and about 2'back from the front bend under the frame. From the previous post, I assume I should either reposition the front jackstands under the front wishbones or reinstall the wheels. I have also attached 4'long, 3/8 Dia. threaded rod to the door posts and the upper fender mounting bolt via a turnbuckle. When the car is level I will maintain the door opening via the turnbuckle prior to lifting the body from the frame. Has anyone used this method? and is it feasable?
Thanks for your input. (a novice restorer)