Body book of dimensions and fit

[Todd TCE]

Anyone know of a good Monza body book with proper dimensions for panel fit and measuring?

[spyder_xlch]

I have frame specs that Roger (SunbirdMan) sent me but nothing on the body. I bet if you found some at a body shop that hasn't thrown them out already they'd give them to you. What are you trying to line up or are you doing research before you even get started? Placement of Mirage panels perhaps?

[Todd TCE]

I've got the front end apart and I see some signs of light damages. It looks like maybe the RF has been moved a bit as shown by the witness marks of the panels and the bolt washer circles. It is also missing one of the body spacer clips (1/8" U clip) on the right and one of them was jacked up wrong on the L so I know someone has been in there....

With all the screws loose now I can shift the fenders around a bit and try to get the upper radiator panel to align better. But I'd like to have some specs on the vertical line of the fenders as well. May be that the only way is to put the plastic back on and keep working it around until Im happy. And check the hood gaps.

[greg72]

................ May be that the only way is to put the plastic back on and keep working it around until Im happy. And check the hood gaps.

That seems to be the consensus with these cars. In fact it is my belief that that is the way they built these cars in the first place!

While a body book may exist it was probably only a study of theories rather than something that was actually used !

[HAULIN' IT]

Greg is correct. Yes there are frame/uni-body spec books, ect. Once the structure checks out (really a "X" measurement with a tape measure will tell you allot) some common sense looking at the damage, if there, will give you an idea where you stand. If you see/measure problems, it is likely time for a frame/uni-body specialist. Without a framebench/level surface- less the suspension, the book's published numbers will do you little good in terms of height (you need to have a datum line). There are some older uni-body books with door,hatch opening published numbers, but they are kinda vauge, checking from one side to another most of the time will work. If you are talking fender,door,hood fitment, it is a bolt it on- adjust until it's right game. Even the assembly manuals are little help (most emblems placement, included) due to we don't know the datum they had the car set at. Hope this helps, Lorne

[SunbirdMan]

This is the best I got from 1978 Monza manual.