C1 door alignment gaps

[John R.]

Have a C1, 59, that has issues with the door gap on the rear or non hinge side of the door. Gap is about 3/4 of an inch with the front or hing side of the door being what I would call about normal gap.

What could be the culpret? Can frame issues cause this? Kick ups in the frame look to be okay. The rear cross member on the frame does have rust holes in it. It does have non original rear springs. Ass end of car rides pretty low compared to other C1's. What about the hinges themselves, could they need replacing? I can not see that simple adjustment would provide typical door gaps. What about shimming the car at the body mounts, would that help?

There seems to be some non original metal work in the hinge pillar area, but I am not sure. I thought all of the metal brackets in this area were welded, but on this one of the brackets is held by nut and bolt and the others look to be riveted. All of this is in the lower section of the kick panel area of the hinge pillar.

Any help would be much appreciated. Does anyone have a photo of a '59's hinge pillar area, so I can see if mine is original or if someone has reworked.

Thanks for any help you can provide!

[Richard M.]

Re: C1 door alignment gaps

John, My March built '59 has aluminum hinge pillar supports held together with bolts. I think late '59 or '60 switched to welded steel, not sure exactly when.

I'm helping to restore a friend's '59(also March built). It has bolts also. Here are photos of the hinge pillar after I removed the nose for replacement. Yours is likely similar.






As far as the big gap, yes it may be frame issues, or simply body mounts that may have disintegrated with age. Each body mount should have a rubber cushion about 3/8" thick with some metal shims. Check to see if the one at the frame near the rear door location is intact. (Bottom center view area in this photo), and also the most rearward mount on the rear crossmember ends(last photo)............Rich

[John R.]

Re: C1 door alignment gaps

Richard, thanks for the reply. Could you post a photo of the aluminum at the bottom where all the supports come together? Will check the body mounts too. Thanks again.

[Richard M.]

Re: C1 door alignment gaps

I found one more on my website(pass side with nose removed)....I'll check on my other computer for more and if not I'll take a few more photos later this morning......Rich

edit...... added pics below from inside, showing lower area near floor