Things to do before final body fix on a DAX.

[kdavies3]

Hi DAX Teamsters,

I'm at the stage where I think I'm ready to finally fix the body to the chassis permanently.

By the way how long does the Wurth adhesive take to set? Is it a race to get all the rivets in before it goes off?

What I'm afraid of is that I've forgotten something that will be difficult if not impossible to do once the bodies fixed in position. x(

I have the engine and box in position too (sorry Wilf it's a 383 Chevy). }>

If anyone has any tips and advice as to what I should have drilled etc. before final body fix please shout loudly now!

I've done all the obvious like brake pipes, battery cable, fuel hose.

Thanks in advance guys

Kev Davies

[Steve]

Worth
takes 2/3 hours to get tacky, overnight to go hard, you have a few hours to work easily. It gets everywhere you don't want it, mask up anything you think might get messy you don't want to have to clean. you always get some on your hands, so have cleaning cloths on the ready.

trial fit the body, check for alignment all over, side to side etc. (there shouldn't be more than 1/2 inch movement possible, but check

when you fit body, bolt through the footwell front to the chassis first, and pull up tight before pop rivetting

place a few rivets in the cockpit area, then check alignment again.

get a decent rivet gun

regarding forgetting anything, fuel pump, fuel lines, battery cables etc are about all you really need in first,

[kdavies3]

Thanks for that Steve, very helpful.

I just wanted some confirmation that I hadn't forgotten anything obvious.

Hopefully my rivet gun will cope.

I think the body goes on today then, HOORAH!!!

cheers

Kev Davies

[STOMPER]

Hello Kev
Bulkhead kit if you are using the dax kit, fit these to the bulkhead before
fitting the body as you wont get them on afterwards.
even more important have you adjusted the rear wheel alinement as it is alot
easyier adjusting the tie bars with the body off.
Regards
Paul.

[kdavies3]

Thanks Paul,
I've already fitted the ally cladding to the engine bay I had realised that it needed to go on with the body off.
I must admit I had wondered about the rear alignment, as you say it will be a b******D to get at the inboard rose joint with body on.
I'll take a look at that tonight I think.

Anyone got any suggestions for setting up the rear alignment. x(

Kev Davies

[dave]

Yeah, me!
You could buy a cheap laser level from Focus DIY for about £17, put it against the rear wheel with the beam pointing forwards then get an assistant to hold a piece of card up against the front wheel then measure how far out from the front wheel the beam is on the card, then do the same the other side, if the distances out are within 5mm of each other then you're ok. if not then you will need to shim between the inner wishbone fulcrum pin washers and the chassis until it's right and then adjust the radius rods to suit.

You could use a piece of string instead of the laser but it's far less acurate.
If this isn't too clear then ring me and i'll explain further as i can talk better than i can type. 07785 702005

[simon]

Dave,

What a great idea! just as a matter of interest (I'm sure my Ram will be similar to the Dax) should the beam be pointing in at a (slight) angle?
Thanks
Simon

[maxGD059]

Hi Kev
Dont get too carried away & forget to take some pics of the memorable occasion. Best of luck if its to be this w/e & keep us posted with progress

Cheers

Richard
(It'll only be a 5 minute job)

[dave]

Hi Simon.
The Dax settings for the rear is 10 - 30 mins of toe in.

Here is a picture of how i check the rear axle alignment.