GROUP 12 – 1956 BUICK FRAME AND SHEET METAL

12-1 CHECKING ALIGNMENT OF 1956 BUICK FRAME

Checking Alignment of 1956 Buick Frame and Suspension Members

When a 1956 Buick frame has been damaged by accident the following procedure may be used to check alignment of the frame, and the alignment of the chassis suspension members with the 1956 Buick frame. This procedure should be used to check alignment after repairs to frame have been completed.

Checks are to be made with 1956 Buick 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 1956 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 cannot move.

  1. Using a plumb bob, extend the following points to the floor and mark where point of plum bob touches floor, as shown in figure 12-1.
    1956 Buick Checking Points for Frame and Suspension Alignment

    1956 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 center of front ends of lower pivot pins.
  • X at center of hole in front flange of frame front cross member, on centerline of 1956 Buick frame.
  • 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 housing, holding plumb line fiat against side mils.
  • 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, D and D1, F and F1.
  2. Divide the distance between F and F1 and mark the center point Y on line F-F1. Draw frame centerline through points X and Y.
  3. Measure diagonal distances A to E1 and A1 to E. If these diagonals are not equal within 5/16″ 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 K1, 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 G1 are not equally distant from centerline, look for misalignment of engine in the 1956 Buick frame.

Checking Alignment of 1956 Buick Frame Only

When a 1956 Buick frame has been damaged by accident and the power plant, body, etc., are removed, the measurements shown in figure 12-2 or 12-3 may be used to check for alignment of frame members. The procedure should also be used to check alignment after repairs to frame have been completed.