Does anybody Know of a "body alignment" thread on this site for 53-56 f100??
I"ve got apretty good start on the task with instructions that came with the Bed , #1 set cab #2 set hood #3 set front-sheetmetal #4 setBed #5 Set running-boards #6 Set rear-fenders to runningboardsand mount to bedsides.
I"m ready to mount rear fenders to bed ,But don"t want to drill new bedsides till I Know it"s dead-nuts ,
I'm looking for a deminsion..reveal-line under rear glassdown to top of the frame , my spec is 30 inch's ..whats yours?
Any additional advice ,help or insight kindly appreciated ...
I also understand some of this is real" general" ,as henry didn't nec,make two pieces the same , often compromises are made,...then when it looks good..nail-it! Thanks and have a Great Sunday!!

 

I happen to have my truck down to cab on frame only right now. The dimension I get from the reveal to top of frame is 28-3/4. Just to check that, the dimension I have from lower window frame edge to top of frame is 34". My cab is a small window.

I agree with your basic system of setting the sheet metal, except that I like to set all the front sheet metal before I set the hood. I do everything just hand tight, then adjust and tighten. But my hood is a front-flip, so the stock hood and hinges may favor your method.

I hope when you get everything exactly where you like it, that you drill some index holes for clecoes. I have had my sheet metal apart countless times. The thought of having to readjust it all every time I put it on was overwhelming. So, I just drilled (2) 1/8" dia holes thru each mating seam (cab/inner fender; inner/outer fender; inner fenders/air dams, air dams/radiator support, door hinges/cab, etc). Then, when I go to reinstall it, I just pin up the index holes with clecoes and it is relocated exactly where it fit the best before. Of course, the initial adjustment is the hardest part.

You are correct in that Henry had a lot of variation between parts, especially right-to-left hand. After all, these were working trucks. Henry was never looking for the kind if fit and finish we want today, so compromise is in order. Even at that, a major portion if fitting my sheet metal involved adding material (weld bead) to door and fender edges to get the gaps I wanted.

Clecoes: https://www.ford-trucks.com/user_gal...&albumid=27817
Adding material: https://www.ford-trucks.com/user_gal...147720&width=2
https://www.ford-trucks.com/user_gal...147721&width=0

Good luck.

 

Thanks Randy, I've had this thing together and apart several times,trying to relieve some serious"gap-osis" at the hood cowl area, raising the body higher seemed to help the best..Great Idea to drill alignment holes!1..I did that to the hood hinges before last breakdown..never considerd it for EVEYTHING but will adjust my method accordingly..Thanks! Still seem too high though ,I think the hood is my problem ,unless something falls in my lap, I'm gonna run with it no matter how ugly..HaaHaa..Thanks again!!