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| The parts
have arrived from Pete and Jakes Hot Rod Parts and we're
ready to begin construction of the Giveaway Car. Street
Rods by Michael would like to give a special thanks to Jerry
and the whole crew at
Pete and Jakes for the tremendous help they have given us
on this project. |
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| Level and
square is the way to start any project. Before beginning,
the frame jig is leveled to within .01 degree. The
American Stamping frame rails are then installed in the
frame jig, properly positioned and set to a 4° rake. |
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| Once the
American Stamping frame rails are in position, the
center tubular crossmember is installed. Close tolerances
and expert welding ensure not only a good weld but a good
looking weld. Fabricator John Young is shown tack welding
the Street Rods by Michael crossmember into the frame rails. |
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| With the
frame still in the jig, the body is installed on the frame
and square tubing is tack welded to the top of the frame
rails to hold the front of the frame in position when the
frame is removed from the jig. |
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| The basic
frame is tacked together and ready for some beginning
measurements. Careful measurements are taken to locate the
exact position for certain components such as the radiator
and front suspension mounting points. |
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| The body and
frame are now reunited with the jig. A string is run down
the center of the jig to give us the chassis centerline.
This is a critical reference point when locating the
suspension components. The Pete and Jakes Super Bell axle
is placed under the frame rails using the axle centerline
that we decided upon on our initial measurements. |
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| The front
axle is held securely in place by jigs attached to the
rotors that exactly place the axle on the axle centerline.
The grill shell is temporarily placed in position to
verify clearance to the front axle. |
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| Now we know
exactly where the radiator and grill shell will be
positioned in the chassis. The front axle centerline has
been moved forward 4". The front of the frame is now
bobbed and pinched. |
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