Body Shimming to adjust door gaps - NCRS Discussion Boards

Body Shimming to adjust door gaps

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  • David W.
    Expired
    • December 27, 2007
    • 81

    Body Shimming to adjust door gaps

    I realize there have been many post in the past regarding body shims but nonetheless, I am stumped. I have tried various combinations of shims at body mounts 2 and 3 yet each time the gap at the top of the door (driver side) seems to get worse.
    If anyone has a trick or can explain where to add or subtract shims to correct this it would be much appreciated. I have tried adding shims to the #3 mount (driver side) and it has little effect. So, should I be adding shims to the #2 mount (driver side) or the #3 mount passenger side? It appears adding or subtracting shims at the mount closest to the problem area is not the way to go.
    Again, I know this has been posted many times in the past but I just can't locate anything that says "adding shims to mount "x" will adjust the gap at that location or will adjust on the other side of the car.
    Any suggestions would be tremendous. Passenger side door gaps are excellent but the top of the driver door (both front edge and rear...especially rear) are way out of tolerance.

    This is for a 1980 T-Top car. I am not sure how much adjustment, if any, you can get the doors to make realizing the bird cage is rather stiff in these cars.

    Thanks, David
    Last edited by David W.; July 10, 2012, 02:47 PM. Reason: Forgot to add it was for a t-top car
  • Graeme B.
    Very Frequent User
    • October 23, 2007
    • 213

    #2
    Re: Body Shimming to adjust door gaps

    Adjust the door ?

    Comment

    • Russ S.
      Extremely Frequent Poster
      • April 30, 1982
      • 2162

      #3
      Re: Body Shimming to adjust door gaps

      I might be wrong here but I don't think that their is much adjustment to be had by shimming on a t top car. The T top is just to rigid for much adjustment. Has the body had any damage in the door area? If so, you may need to add (or extend) either the door edge or the fender with fiberglass to close the gaps.

      Comment

      • David H.
        Extremely Frequent Poster
        • June 30, 2001
        • 1526

        #4
        Re: Body Shimming to adjust door gaps

        What about the rubber body mount (cushion) between the front of your car and the front bumper bar? (Metal bumper support) If the rubber in that mount (1980-1982 cars) has deteriorated, then that would let the front end sag and might effect your door gaps. This rubber body mount is located at the top center of the bumper support.

        See 1980 A.I.M. UPC 14A, sheet 2, Front Bumper Bar and Cushion (page 560 of my AIM).
        Judging Chairman Mid-Way USA (Kansas) Chapter

        Comment

        • David W.
          Expired
          • December 27, 2007
          • 81

          #5
          Re: Body Shimming to adjust door gaps

          Thanks Russ and David for the reply. The car has been frame-off restored. All parts are new or refurbished. No damage ever to the car so I am beginning to think there is very, very little if any adjustment to the door gaps by adding shims to mounts 2 and 3.
          I had read everything I could find regarding this and some people said it was the only way to adjust door gaps and others (myself now too) said t-top cars were too stiff. So. I am back to just shimming it up level and leaving it alone. Door open and close great it's just a larger gap on the drivers door.

          Thanks, David

          Comment

          • Michael D.
            Expired
            • June 30, 1996
            • 536

            #6
            Re: Body Shimming to adjust door gaps

            FWIW: you have a little bit of wiggle room with the hinges. The door can be moved forward or backward and raised or lowered within the door opening by tweaking the hinges.

            Comment

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