Is everything straight?

[mnwildpunk]

Before assembling anything is there a jig or something a guy could make? As I'm test fitting parts I can tell something is warpedm but I can't tell if it's the frame that is all whack-a-doed or the floor pan maybe both?

[Fat Brian]

Maybe you could try sitting the suspect parts on a table or counter and seeing if one corner is lifting.

[SSNJim]

I like to use a sheet of glass as a surface to determine if a part is straight or not, or to glue parts straight. I take the glass out of a picture frame. Get the cheapest picture frame you can find (I usually use 8X10, but other sizes are available) and make sure it is glass, not plastic. If you're worried about it breaking, you can put a piece of Contact or laminating paper on the reverse side. A mirror would work too. Actually, if you have a workbench, you can mount the mirror/glass to the workbench using mirror mounting hardware available at any place that sells hardware (Not recommended if you use the dining room table). Glues and paints will not solidly adhere to glass, but you can use a single edge razor blade to scrape anything off without damage.

You can also use it as a base to construct jigs by taping various blocks as necessary in the appropriate areas, and taping your parts to those in the correct alignment. A sheet of glass is as close to perfectly flat and level as you can find, and is quite handy especially if you do a lot of scratchbuilding/modifying.

[Ace-Garageguy]

I use a piece of cabinet grade, sanded-both-sides, veneered 3/4 inch plywood, about a foot square. If you get a decent piece, it's about dead-flat, doesn't break when you drop pliers on it, and your parts can be pinned or clamped to it while working. Some home improvement stores will cut you a small piece.

If you use glass, I'd seriously recommend at least 1/2 inch thick, with rounded corners and polished edges, like they make tabletops from. Most home improvement stores can set you up with someone who can cut and polish a piece of this.