1956 Ford Courier Project - Courier Clippin'

Measuring things diagonally adds another point of reference that helps maintain a square relationship to the existing chassis components.

Here's where things get a bit confusing. In order to mark the chassis the prescribed 8-3/4 inches ahead of the front body mount bolthole, we found it more accurate to use the floor as our template and translate those measurements to the chassis. The curvature of the framerail ahead of the body mount is the reason for this. First, we used the two plumb bob readings marked down from the last step and drew a line through each mark; this gives us a nice square line from which to reference.

We then used the square to measure and mark the 8-3/4 inches set by Fatman's instructions. The image is pretty self explanatory at this step.

Using the frame cut line in the last step, we then set a level on the floor and marked our cutting line perpendicular to the ground, making it a perfect 8-3/4 inches from the body mount.

To be on the safe side, we cut the front section off slightly ahead of the line to allow it to be removed and placed out of the way.

Then with plenty of room to work, we carefully cleaned up the cut right to the line.

The frame cut line was drawn across all four sides of the framerail before taking out HTP plasma cutter from the frame.

At this point it really sets in what's been done; there's no going back now! Stay tuned next month when we attach the Fatman Fabrications frame stub and suspension components.