TR2/3/3A TR3A Panel Installation & Alignment

[Tinkerman]

I know, I know, we have kinda beaten this one up, however I have a question. My car is sitting on jack stands and I think I saw, in a post, that before I try to allign the panels it really needs to have all the road wheels on and be sitting on the ground. That makes sense to me, now, did I read that in a post, or did I read it in a tech article and does it make sense?

Thanks, Tinkerman

 

[Moseso]

1) I sure don't know where you read that -- though I'm pretty sure I've seen it here too.
2) Yes, it makes sense.

 

[martx-5]

I used four jack stands under the frame in the approximate location of where the wheels would be. Before I painted, I aligned the body panels with the tub just laying on the chassis. After paint, I bolted down the tub using the body mounting kit and the recommended rubber shims etc, that were shown in the service manual. I then put on the doors and wings. I had to make some slight adjustment at the rear to get everything looking pretty good. When I finally put on the wheels and tires, dropped it off the jack stands, everything remained in place. No surprises.

 

[TR3driver]

1) I sure don't know where you read that -- though I'm pretty sure I've seen it here too.
2) Yes, it makes sense.

What he said.

On my TR3A you could see the body flex when lifting the car by the front or rear crossmember. Not a huge amount, my doors would still work, but enough to see.