Keeping truck frames square

[Darren B]

Hello everyone, have a question, I am just getting back into truck modeling and want to ask everyone how or what they use to keep there frames straight when they are assembling them and gluing them together. Any help would be appreciated.

[Dr. Cranky]

Micro Mark sells a magnetic jig that's fabulous. Check it out.

[Rob Z]

I used my mat and a T square, just rested one side on the long edge of the square and the flattest end of the frame on the the short side then proceeded to start assemble checking squareness along the way with a smaller square. Not the simplest of ways but, it worked out really well for me... It also helps that I have a 1 1/2 inch piece of granite on my work surface to help keep things level also...

[cargostar]

I assemble the crossmembers into one rail, and check each one with a machinists square. once they are dry, I'll glue the other rail on.

[highway]

I usually use the front and rear ends to help keep my frames square while the glue dries. I usually will glue the axles to the springs since most have better attachments to assemble them square, then I will glue all the crossmembers in one side of frame rails. I'll then glue the other rail to the crossmembers and while the glue is still workable, I'll add the rear and front suspensions. You don't necessarily have to glue the suspensions on yet if you don't want to, just have everything clamped or rubberbanded together tightly enough for the suspensions to stay in place while the glue dries.

As an added check, I'll also stand the frame on the flattest end, say the rear of the frame, on end to "square" it up as a final step to make sure it is straight and square after putting the suspensions on. That was how I did the frame on this beast,

and somehow I even managed to keep it square after I cut and stretched it!! :lol:

[Badluck 13]

Ikea has some hardwood floor samples that i like to use to build cars and trucks off of. there are some small pieces that are perfect for cars and small trucks and then some longer pieces, like under this White Road Boss that are perfect for big trucks.

.......Man when are you gonna start back on that thing??????

[Darren B]

Thank you all for your input I will work on them all for keeping it straight.

[txdieseldog]

Darren, I saw a post for a frame jig. Looked perfect for what you are asking. Might be worth searching out. Unfortunately I have no recollection of how far back it was.

[txdieseldog]

http://www.modelcarsmag.com/forums/index.php?showtopic=35758&hl=&fromsearch=1

Here you go Darren.........I found it. Hope this comes through ok.

[Darren B]

http://www.modelcars...l=&fromsearch=1

Here you go Darren.........I found it. Hope this comes through ok.

Thank you for taking the time to find it, i appreciate it.

[txdieseldog]

No problem. Least I could do for a fellow New Mexican...............(even if you were transplanted there ) I grew up in Belen.

[Truck parts]

Thanks for the tips on building a frame jig.