Why a stock Clod body won't fit on a stock chassis properly?

[Paul4x4]

This is my first ever stock Clod I'm restoring and building. Now that I got the body painted and all the parts bolted onto it, I came across a problem when I tried to put the body on the chassis. And the problem is, the front body panel that bolts on under the grill hits the two nuts and ends of the screws that are holding the front bumper in place, preventing the body to sit as low as it should. The screws are 15mm long like the instructions say, so there should be enough room for them. It seems like the front body posts are like 3-4mm too short... And yes, the plastic "cross member" piece is in place under the body posts. So what gives?

And yes, I know what I'm doing, so it's not like I don't have the "skills" needed to put this truck together, because I can make the body fit on like it should, that's not a problem. I'm just surprised there's problems like this with a bone stock kit...:rolleyes

Here's a pic!

 

[CowBoyClod]

I have the exact same problem with the BIG Bad&BouncyII.

I nevered had much of a issue with the restored Clod that I just finished this year though. I just gave a slight push from the bottom and held it there while putting the tapping screws in. Maybe if you shave some of that plastic away on the fenders as you see here the front panel would fit in better.


BTW Looks like you dont have the top stainless steel bracket installed.

 

[william g]

turn the screws over, screw head will be shorter and not interfere

 

[CowBoyClod]

That will work also. I could never figure out why they tell you to put the nut at the top even though I put them on top as I found easier due to my physical limitations and to avoid frustrations.

 

[Paul4x4]

Yeah, all the parts are just mocked up, except for that front panel that is screwed onto the grill, but I can't see what difference it would make even if all the screws were in place, because the grill is mocked up just like it should sit there when finished.

And yes, as I said in the first place, I can make it work, but it just seems weird to me that I have this little problem with a stock truck. I think they instruct to put the screws that way, because the flange nuts won't fit very well to the gaps in the chassis if you try to put them the other way.

Maybe I just use some normal nuts without flanges, and slightly shorter screws...

 

[RCMAN]

i just finished rebuilding my axles and had to check the clearance. my body just rests on the nut and the screw just touches the body. maybe if you loose the screws up just a little and pull the bumper forward then retighten the screws it will clear the body also you could egg the whole forward a little allowing the screw to move up and clear the body. the only problem i had with this clod is all 4 axle shaft housings broke with only minor crashes during testing with the mechanical speed controller my original bull head is still going strong with lots of abuse so i rebuilt the axles and installed a esc ... keith