GROUP 9 – 1953 BUICK FRAME

9-1. CHECKING ALIGNMENT OF 1953 BUICK FRAME

Checking Alignment of 1953 Buick Frame and Suspension Members

When a 1953 Buick frame has been damaged by accident the following procedure may be used to check alignment of the 1953 Buick frame, and the alignment of the chassis suspension members with the frame. This procedure should be used to check alignment after repairs to frame have been completed.

Checks are to be made with frame assembled with power plant, body, etc. and car resting on wheels. The car should be placed on a clean floor that is reasonably level. Both sides of the front ends of the frame must be the same distance from the floor; the same condition must exist at rear end of 1953 Buick frame. Where points are to be extended to floor by use of a plumb bob, it is desirable to attach clean pieces of paper to floor with tacks or tape so that the points can be clearly marked. Apply brakes or block wheels so that car ca mot move.

  1. Using a plumb bob, extend the following points to the floor and mark where point of plumb bob touches floor, as shown in figure 9-1.
    1953 Buick Checking Points for Frame and Suspension Alignment

    1953 Buick Checking Points for Frame and Suspension Alignment

  • A and A1 at point of grease fitting in front ends of control arm shafts.
  • B and B1 at point of grease fitting in front ends of lower pivot pins.
  • C and C1 at jigging holes in side rails about 7″ to rear of bumper frame stops, holding plumb line flat against side rails.
  • D and D1 at center of rear axle shafts.
  • E and E1 at center of forward bolts attaching rear bumper.
  • F and F1 on side rails just forward of rear axle rubber bumper, holding plumb line fiat against side rails.
  • G and G1 at each side of torque tube flange.
  1. Move car out of the way. Using a chalked line, draw lines on the floor through the following points: A and A1, B and B1, C and C1, D and D1, F and F1.
  2. Divide the distance between C and C1 and mark the center point X on line C-C1. Divide the distance between F and F1 and mark the center point Y on line F-P. Draw frame centerline through points X and Y.
  3. Measure diagonal distances A to E1. If these diagonals are not equal within 3/16” the frame is bent.
  4. Measure the distances J and J1. If these are not equal within 1/8″ a lower control arm is bent.
  5. Measure the distances K and K 1, which will be equal within 3/16″ if rear axle is properly aligned with frame. Points G and G1 should be equally distant from vehicle centerline X-Y. If distances K and K1 are not equal within 3/16″ and points G and G1 are equally distant from centerline, a bent rear axle housing or torque tube is indicated. If points G and G’ are not equally distant from centerline, look for misalignment of engine in the frame.

Checking Alignment of 1953 Buick Frame Only

When a 1953 Buick frame has been damaged by accident and the power plant, body, etc., are removed, the measurements shown in figure 9-2 or 9-3 may be used to check for alignment of frame members. The procedure should also be used to check alignment after repairs to 1953 Buick frame have been completed.