70 Cuda frame jig

[Todd Puzey]

My 1970 Cuda AAR was turned into a drag car in 1979 which meant roll bar, rear tubs, etc. The previous owner cut out the tubs, trunk floor and rear frame rails and removed the roll cage which is how I bought the car. So, I’ll be adding new inner and outer wheel wells, rear frame rails and a new full trunk floor pan.
I’m planning on making a frame jig to make sure everything goes together as it should and I’m wondering if anyone on here has built or bought one and if so I’m looking for hints/tips or even better, photos or actual plans to make an E body jig.

 

[pschlosser]

There are several articles on the net on how to build such a jig. I don't recall seeing it discussed, here, in the last five years or so, but a forum search may turn up some ideas.

The 1970 Plymouth Factory Service Manual can still be downloaded for free in PDF form from a couple of sites, like mymopar.com and e-bodies.org. Within that manual, there is a single page depicting the frame, with measurements at several reference points for one to check alignments and bring things back, if they are out of whack.

 

[Challenger RTA]

In short the center section is where you start. Making sure it is true. Meaning it's square and the datum lines or zero body line is on.

 

[Todd Puzey]

This is my starting point

 

[Challenger RTA]

That's not a bad staring point. You will have to build to meet the existing. check the center section measurements 42.71 and the diagonal . Then build from there. There can be as much as a combined 1/4" difference. Leave the body panels on and fudge to fit. If you see a possibility to make the panel a better fit that can be done.

I don't think you have to build a jig per se. It just needs supported so you can access the jig hole for measurements. Of course you might have to support the rear section as you assemble.

Others here have done this. They can suggest what to do first. I would say the center trunk pan needs to be in place somehow. Or at lest be in there being the larger piece.

 

[pschlosser]

It looks like you'll be doing the work, yourself. If so, you may be able to come out, ahead, when it's all said and done. Otherwise, you may be upside down (spent more than you can sell it for) if you're paying for labor on such an extensive project.

 

[larry4406]

Following along. Nice looking start!

I snagged these pics long ago I believe from Mr. Cuda (posted on E-bodies.org).

Another forum member (cuda416?) made a beautiful jig to help restore his 70 cuda vert. That might be on e-bodies.org which is in recovery mode right now.

 

[Todd Puzey]

Yes, I do all of my own work, I have a good spot welder and I’m just finishing a 69 charger that needed more work.
I did the charger via lots of measuring using the FSM measurements, but with the AAR being a very special car I’m debating the jig.
I can for sure get the front end right and then weld in the new inner fenders and brackets. It’s the rear of the car that will be more complicated I think. The car came with all of the new metal for the car; all AMD except the rear frame rails/trunk pan section which is Dynacorn.
My thought because I have no rear frame rails to start will be to get the body sitting level using the rockers, and then do the front end first which will make the front half of the car solid and right.
It’s that large rear frame rails/trunk panel piece that will be a bit tricky