Door gaps - convertible
Thread Starter
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Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 69
Likes: 7
From: Byron Center MI
Door gaps - convertible
Hi all -
I'm looking at a '73 convertible. I had it on a hoist and it doesn't seem to have any frame or front end damage. However, the door gaps between the doors and the front clip seem out of whack. Is this normal for a 30+ year old convertible? Can the front clip be adjusted to even out the gaps?
Just want to find out before I purchase the car.
I'm looking at a '73 convertible. I had it on a hoist and it doesn't seem to have any frame or front end damage. However, the door gaps between the doors and the front clip seem out of whack. Is this normal for a 30+ year old convertible? Can the front clip be adjusted to even out the gaps?
Just want to find out before I purchase the car.
Team Owner
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 31,212
Likes: 4,300
From: Westminster Maryland
Hi M,
In order to have even an idea of what's going on, a person really needs to see the rear door gaps from top to bottom too.
The convertible bodies can be a bit 'flexi', especially if the body mounts aren't in good shape... or it might just be in need of a door adjustment.
Regards,
Alan
In order to have even an idea of what's going on, a person really needs to see the rear door gaps from top to bottom too.
The convertible bodies can be a bit 'flexi', especially if the body mounts aren't in good shape... or it might just be in need of a door adjustment.
Regards,
Alan
Melting Slicks
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 2,387
Likes: 123
From: CA.
doors can be adjusted where they bolt to fender side and door side at hinges. i did my 1 door. i got it better but still not good enough. in my case ill have to fix with fiberglass added to fender.
Pro
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 502
Likes: 6
From: Chesterfield Virginia
I see a lot of this in the older models and part of it is due to how car was built on day one. The other part is just plain old age and sagging. The best fix will be done with body to frame shims and of course, body work on the glass for a perfect gap front and rear. GM was not very concerned with gaps in those days. I have seen original cars that would make you cry. My last restoration took three months just to fix body gaps.
Norm
Norm
Melting Slicks
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 2,387
Likes: 123
From: CA.
I see a lot of this in the older models and part of it is due to how car was built on day one. The other part is just plain old age and sagging. The best fix will be done with body to frame shims and of course, body work on the glass for a perfect gap front and rear. GM was not very concerned with gaps in those days. I have seen original cars that would make you cry. My last restoration took three months just to fix body gaps.
Norm
Norm
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Thread Starter
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Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 69
Likes: 7
From: Byron Center MI
Another question about this car. Just trying to make sure what it is and is not before I buy it. Do the rear lights on the size look too small for a '73? To me they look like '68-69s? Also, I just noticed that there is no key hole on the back for an alarm. Did all 73s have a factory alarm?
