GROUP 12 – 1957 BUICK FRAME AND SHEET METAL

12-1 CHECKING ALIGNMENT OF 17 BUICK FRAME

Checking Alignment of 1957 Buick Frame and Suspension Members

When a 1957 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 frame. This procedure should also be used to check alignment after repairs to frame have been completed.

Checks are to be made with 1957 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 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.
    1957 Buick Checking Frame and Suspension Alignment

    1957 Buick Checking Frame and Suspension Alignment

  • A and A1 at center of grease fitting holes in front ends of control arm shaft bushings.
  • B and B1 at center of head of outer bolts holding lower ball joints to control arms.
  • X at center of rivet in front flange of frame front cross member, on centerline of 1957 Buick frame.
  • E and E1 at center of corner rivets attaching rear bumper cross member to side rails.
  • F and F1 on side rails just rearward of rear axle housing, 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, 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 3/16″ the 1957 Buick frame is bent.
  4. Measure the distances J and J1. If these are not equal within 1/4″ a lower control arm is bent.
  5. Measure the distances K and K1, which will be equal within 6″ if rear axle is not bent and is properly aligned with frame. Points G and G1 should be equally distant from vehicle centerline X-Y. If distances K and Kl 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 frame.

Checking Alignment of 1957 Buick Frame Only

When a 1957 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 1957 Buick frame have been completed.