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door gap c3

Old Jul 31, 2018 | 07:51 AM
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Default door gap c3

Went to a car show to check out correct door gap because I just install a new front end and I want to make the car look 'stock' yeps!!!! when you look close I saw some BIG gaps on a lot of cars especially at the front top
of the doors, on many I can see inside, so what is the 'real gap size that I should shoot for, 1/8 looks cool, but maybe after paint and primer it would look too small, what is the right gap before paint?
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Old Jul 31, 2018 | 09:07 AM
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IIRC the AIM shows a preferred 3/16" even from top to bottom for door gaps.
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Old Jul 31, 2018 | 09:35 AM
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This is my 72 that I am working on and I set the gaps top and bottom at 3/16
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Old Jul 31, 2018 | 09:48 AM
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OEM C3 door gaps were not good to start with, and only got worse with time.
a Paint stir stick works great to help define even door gaps.
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Old Jul 31, 2018 | 01:10 PM
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Wow, very nice door gaps on the rear, 3/16, that's what I'll do, thanks Mike.
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Old Jul 31, 2018 | 02:43 PM
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You might want to make sure once painted and or clear coated all of the gaps MAY change with the extra layers of product. The critical area is the front section when you open the door. Don't want to chip a piece of fresh paint off right from the get go. Shape or condition of your hinges, door shims etc all can affect the end results. Any hinge play up and down?

RVZIO



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Old Aug 1, 2018 | 06:39 PM
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Originally Posted by rvzio
You might want to make sure once painted and or clear coated all of the gaps MAY change with the extra layers of product.
I agree. Using GM's specs my work fine for some paint jobs. But if you plan on using gelcoat, high build primers and basecoat /clearcoat...you may want to take into consideration the film build up.

DUB
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