Front clip problem
Thread Starter
Heel & Toe
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 22
Likes: 0
Front clip problem
I've been trying for a long time to adjust my doors (both sides) to get the front gap somewhat consistant, but kept running into problems with it being way too high in the back once I did. I started looking at the front clip and it seems it was installed (or repaired?) incorrectly.
Notice the larger gap at the bottom, it's about 1/2" too high. It seems if this was corrected it would solve a bunch of alignment problems I've been having (doors, hood). It's the same on both sides.
My question is what's the best method of fixing this? I'm thinking I need to break it from from the bonding strips and rebond. I've heard reinstalling a front clip can be a nightmare to align.
I also need a small amount of fiberglass repair on the fender. Does anyone have any suggestions for someone in the Chicago area.
Notice the larger gap at the bottom, it's about 1/2" too high. It seems if this was corrected it would solve a bunch of alignment problems I've been having (doors, hood). It's the same on both sides.
My question is what's the best method of fixing this? I'm thinking I need to break it from from the bonding strips and rebond. I've heard reinstalling a front clip can be a nightmare to align.
I also need a small amount of fiberglass repair on the fender. Does anyone have any suggestions for someone in the Chicago area.
Safety Car
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 3,729
Likes: 267
From: Austin Texas
Corvette of the Year Winner 2017
2016 C3 of Year Finalist
your only showing the bottom corner of the door.
We need to see all the gaps, and pull that rocker off, to review the alignment.
You can tell If the fender is installed correct by following the steel bottom rocker channel (actually part of the bird cage), under the fiberglass door sill. If you follow the steel rocker, you should see the fiberglass body below the door sill,
with about 1/8" gap between them, that ends about at the door hinge,
the bottom of the front fender should follow that same line, with about 1/8" gap between the steel bird cage rocker. 69VETT
We need to see all the gaps, and pull that rocker off, to review the alignment.
You can tell If the fender is installed correct by following the steel bottom rocker channel (actually part of the bird cage), under the fiberglass door sill. If you follow the steel rocker, you should see the fiberglass body below the door sill,
with about 1/8" gap between them, that ends about at the door hinge,
the bottom of the front fender should follow that same line, with about 1/8" gap between the steel bird cage rocker. 69VETT
Former Vendor
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 766
Likes: 3
From: Charlotte North Carolina 704-394-5150
...You are only giving us a piece of the puzzle. many thigns to consider. are your door bushings tight or do you have "up & down" movement in the door when you lift it up...at the back edge..when the door is slightly opened?Detailed photo's are needed. I for one... need to see the area where the top of the doors meet the front end. But all gaps are needed...front and back edges of the doors. And is your door in the photo that you did post..having the door skin being separated from the inner structure...it looks like the outer skin is coming away from the inner structure.
"DUB"
Thread Starter
Heel & Toe
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 22
Likes: 0
OK, here's the pictures. I took the rocker panel off and found below the door the panel is consistant with the gap, the front fender panel is again higher.
In the pictures the in front I have a 1/8" gap at the bottom and a 1/4" gap at the top. In the rear, I have a fairly consistant 1/8" gap and the high point of the door flows into the rear fender.
In the pictures the in front I have a 1/8" gap at the bottom and a 1/4" gap at the top. In the rear, I have a fairly consistant 1/8" gap and the high point of the door flows into the rear fender.
Former Vendor
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 766
Likes: 3
From: Charlotte North Carolina 704-394-5150
But I would have liked a photo of the front top edge of the door where the top hood surround/fender meet the top front edge of the door...a sraight on shot...not at an angle. This is so if I/we can tell if the area where the fender bonds to the top hood surround was altered...and may need to be separated...and lowered...or if the entire area at the front endge of the door needs to be repositioned. I/we have seen so many "BUBBA" jobs over the years...nothing surprises ...me at least."DUB"
Former Vendor
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 766
Likes: 3
From: Charlotte North Carolina 704-394-5150
Thanks for the photo's. The photo is telling me that your door may need to be raised ...so the top edge of the door is flush and level with the top egde of the hood surround. The front of the door is DOWN. BUT...it also depends on the photo that you need to send that shows the area of the top hood surround where it is bonded on the firewall/cowl area by your driver side hood latch. (shoot from passenger side) And also a photo...if you can...of the area at the end of the top hood surround from the door hinge side. ...do with the door open....so I can see how much adhesive was used to bond the top of the top hood surround to the bracket that is riveted to the cowl..... at the "pointed" end of the hood surround. IF the end of the "pointed" portion of the hood surround is loose...then your door may be fine because some "BOZO" did not know what they were doing.
CAll me if you wish.
"DUB"
(704)394-5150 M-F 8:30-5:00 EST
CAll me if you wish.
"DUB"
(704)394-5150 M-F 8:30-5:00 EST
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