67 Roadster door gap

[Richard M.]

Re: 67 Roadster door gap

Al, Is this a convertible?

Before re-shimming, check to make sure your door hinges are not worn and also check the inner door forward rivets which hold the main door reinforcements and hinges mounts. If those rivets are loose this could be your problem. Also check you vent window frame alignment as this would be affected by any adjustments. There are specs in the AIM for door and vent window alignment.

I've had similar issues with front door gap and found most times it's the hinges and rivets that cause that. I would look at all of the those areas first before attempting a re-shim up front.

Rich

[Russ S.]

Re: 67 Roadster door gap

Just the side ones.

[Al R.]

Re: 67 Roadster door gap

Richard, before the body was removed all gaps were near perfect at front and back. However, the body was on a body dolly for the better part of 11-12 years and was properly supported at all points and had a cable installed between upper door hinge and the plate that is used for mounting the rear striker latch (rear door jamb opening area). The same # of shims were put back in place at each location, however, the body was lifted off the chassis at the painters and the doors were fitted there also. I had pointed this out to him and showed him pictures of the original fit of the doors from the factory, but he told me this was the best he could fit the doors back. I took his word on this, however I'm just not satisfied with the fit at the front knowing how it was originally. There doesn't seem to be any loose play in the hinges or rivets and the rivets look tight against the doors. Again, this is a roadster. TIA Al

[Richard M.]

Re: 67 Roadster door gap

Al, Okay I didn't realize it was a body off before. All makes sense. Just go slow and use caution when prying anything under there.

FYI, a 1960 was here a few years ago. It was to be a build-up after paint. They put the painted body back on the frame and shimmed it by "guessing". All bumpers, grill, etc installed.

I went to test fit the fan shroud, a critical test on a 58-60 body to frame area. It was off by 3/4", too low, in the vertical direction. The shroud bolts to the frame and the support, into captive nuts along the radiator sides so there's very little room for adjustment. I had to pull front bumpers and loosen every body mount to shim and raise the nose up 3/4" to allow the shroud to fit the support/radiator properly.

Rich

[Timothy B.]

Re: 67 Roadster door gap

Al,

Post up some pics and let us have a look at the door fit, hopefully you will get some constructive comments.

[Gene M.]

Re: 67 Roadster door gap

I do not advise attempting to shim the body all assembled with bumpers mounted. The body needs to be free to take the position set by the shims. Installed bumpers will restrain the body too much. Keep in mind the convertible has an additional body mounting point along the door sill that needs to complement the other mounts.

[Al R.]

Re: 67 Roadster door gap

I'll try to figure how to post pictures, but it will be tomorrow night before I can