Engine or body...Chicken or Egg?

[JonathanT]

Hello my learned friends. I've been given some very good advice by an professional Renault restorer. He suggests putting the engine in after the body is installed onto the chassis. For the following reasons:

1/The body hooks round the back of the engine and it's difficult to get the body aligned correctly for this reason


2/When The mastic is in place on the top edge of the chassis the body has to be aligned very carefully as the slightest contact will make it stick. To this end he suggests using bolts placed in the holes with the heads cut off as an alignment device


Now I'm inclined to ignore advice at 1/.The reason being is that while the body is away at the paint shop I can be completing the chassis and installing the engine and linkages so that everything is completely ready for when the body returns.

So my friends my question is what should I do, or what would you do?

 

[ggcton]

Hello my learned friends. I've been given some very good advice by an professional Renault restorer. He suggests putting the engine in after the body is installed onto the chassis. For the following reasons:

1/The body hooks round the back of the engine and it's difficult to get the body aligned correctly for this reason


2/When The mastic is in place on the top edge of the chassis the body has to be aligned very carefully as the slightest contact will make it stick. To this end he suggests using bolts placed in the holes with the heads cut off as an alignment device


Now I'm inclined to ignore advice at 1/.The reason being is that while the body is away at the paint shop I can be completing the chassis and installing the engine and linkages so that everything is completely ready for when the body returns.

So my friends my question is what should I do, or what would you do?

The advice is good we have done it many times .The body can go on after the engine but you make life much harder for the reasons you say.

 

[petak]

I have put body after engine.....was difficult but not impossible!

 

[Azazello]

I have put body after engine.....was difficult but not impossible!

Me too... I think it's almost the same.
My advice is to fit the engine then the body but without inner and outer front wings...

 

[petak]

That is right Azazello. First only body then front wings....That way there is plenty space to attach front bolts.....But you must have someone to help you lover body to chassis.

 

[JonathanT]

Thank you!

As I have already fitted both the inner and outer front wings to get the alignment right I think it will be best to follow advice and install the engine after the body

 

[nicky4tl]

this discussion couldn't have come at a better time. Thanks all.

 

[mojobaby]

Hello Jonathan
I would tend to agree with your "Renault restorer's" advice.

Although I have never removed or replaced a body, I have removed the engine on both my cars this year. Dropping the engine back in took me a little more than 30 minutes.

Without the engine in the way, you will have more mobility around the car to ensure that brake lines, wiring etc are connected correctly.
You'll be able to stand in the empty engine bay to ensure that the front lines up correctly and that your chassis/body seals are correct.

 

[JonathanT]

That's very true Mojobaby - On mine the brake lines had a junction near the chassis so it could be connected up once the body was added. Im likely to miss this one out though and carefully measure all so it should fit when i put the body back on.

(PS still have your lovely 'Der Franzose' calendar entry photo on my PC - uplifting when at work!) - I think you should re-enter it