39 truck front sheet metal alignment??

ActionYobbo

ActionYobbo

Senior Member
I had trouble getting the hood to fit evenly. At the can end the is no gap on the right and over 1/2” on the left. If I get that gap even at 3/16” across then the front center of the hood is 7/8” off center and the hood won’t close. So I have been measuring everything and have found 1/2” and 3/4” differences in the front fenders and grill panels. So I am trying to find a balance where the panels will fit and the hood shuts and the gaps are somewhat even. I assumed the frame was straight. It looked straight and measured out good. I do have a difference of 3/4” from the firewall to the front of the fender with the left being longer. Did they adjust and shim the panels on the assembly line?
 
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If your starting from scratch it's alot of work but worth it. The key is getting those monster front fenders proper with the running boards and inner fender supports.

If that lines up well then set the upper hood sides on and slowly lower the hood, the grille inner support also is real fun to line up and fit up with the grill upper/lower pieces.

An oval is a real witch to work around especially with all the pieces that go around the darn thing. You might get lucky if any one has a 38/39 near you @ a show and take all the pictures you can.

private message me if you need some picture to help.
 
Sounds like your frame may be out of alignment. This will throw off your panel gaps and you will not be able to get them very close.
 
I have had no issues with the frame. The truck has been together for 6 months and I have been driving it but I am not happy with the uneven gaps. To make the panels line up I would need to elongate some of the holes and use shims to be able to adjust the panels.
The frame has been measured and checked many times. The cab and cab mounts have been checked. My problem is all on the passengers side. The fender sits 1/4” lower than the other side so if I was to redrill and refit that fender it should close the gaps and bring the grill and hood into alignment.
 
I recently built a 41 Ford PU and while not apples and apples with your 39 PU I can tell you that it is easier (and recommended by many) to start the front-end assembly with the hood. Adjust the hood to fit the cowl and then add the fenders, fitting them to the hood as you go. I know that is a lousy tip on an assembled truck, but it is how I was instructed, and it did provide nice lines and gaps.
 
Spent the whole weekend adjusting the fenders, hood and grill. I reworked the grill panels 3 times and had to elongate a few holes and do a bit of straightening or bending to get the grill to sit even. I tried moving the right fender up a bit but then the side panel was sitting too high. It’s not as good as I would like it to be but it’s much better than when I started.
I determined the drivers side fender is back 1/2” or the passengers side is forward 1/2” but The drivers side is as far forward as it can go with the cab bolt heads up against the outside metal of the fender. Originally when I got it there was D shape washers for those bolts now I know why. Similarly the passengers side is as far back as it can go and on both sides the running boards and rear fenders are also adjusted accordingly. So there is a gap between the inner panel and the radiator on one side and is tight on the other side. Makes it look like the radiator is not in straight but it is. No mater where I measure from the cab or frame I get ghe same numbers each side for the radiator. For now I will learn to like it as it is and enjoy the driving.
 
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It could be panels slightly out of shape, but you should not have to elongate holes on original panels - factory didn't have time for that.


I have been in your shoes before and when I worked at a body shop and a restoration shop you would be surprised how a frame being off just a little can cause all sorts of problems.


When we would get cars on a frame machine and measure it out it didn't seem like it was much. once you started messing with the frame you could move stuff around and the panels would line right up - or if you went to far then they would go out of alignment in other directions.


Maybe it is just one panel is slightly out of shape and throwing the others out of easy alignment.
 
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