Conv. rear deck alignment
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 133
Likes: 1
From: Denmark
Conv. rear deck alignment
Hi
I'm about to lift of the body for a complet resto.
One thing that bugs me is how to align the rear deck lid?
The lid is squeezed in between the fenders at both sides.
Is there a proper way of opening up the this space to be less narrow, or should I re-work the lid?
Further the arch of the rear of the lid seems higher than the body. Anyone here that have corrected this?
Thanks
Lars
I'm about to lift of the body for a complet resto.
One thing that bugs me is how to align the rear deck lid?
The lid is squeezed in between the fenders at both sides.
Is there a proper way of opening up the this space to be less narrow, or should I re-work the lid?
Further the arch of the rear of the lid seems higher than the body. Anyone here that have corrected this?
Thanks
Lars
Last edited by naasaa; Feb 18, 2011 at 11:05 AM.
Racer
Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 266
Likes: 0
From: York Pa.
Hey Lars..glad photo bucket worked..I am no body expert..but there is a metal frame in there I think is referred to as the bird cage..I think..if that is rusted up and allowed a little movement in on the body it would do this..I know there is some form of body steel in there for the door latch..the only other thing I can think of is that it was replaced with one from a different year that may be a different size..but really I don't know much about the inner guts of the body..has the car been painted or had body work done that you know of..someone may have repaired the cracks in the body that would be there if it was moved in..but if your doing the whole body then hopefully you will find the problem..sorry I don't have a real answer for you..I make them run and go..don't do the paint stuff! At least we got your pics up and running..oh are both sides touching like this or just the passenger side? Get a pic of that too..I am trying to ask as much as possible so the guy who knows exactly how to do this can answer no problem..
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 133
Likes: 1
From: Denmark
Hi Chromie
In general the bird cage is in a good shape.
however, the reason I'm lifting the body is actually due to rust in the cage around body mount 3. But I dont think that it affects the rear lid fitment.
It do rubbing in both sides. Knowing that its difficult to see at the picture from the passenger side.
would like to hear if someone had a similar experience before I try with a hyd jack to make up app. 5mm.
Thanks
Lars
In general the bird cage is in a good shape.
however, the reason I'm lifting the body is actually due to rust in the cage around body mount 3. But I dont think that it affects the rear lid fitment.
It do rubbing in both sides. Knowing that its difficult to see at the picture from the passenger side.
would like to hear if someone had a similar experience before I try with a hyd jack to make up app. 5mm.
Thanks
Lars
Team Owner
Joined: Jun 2000
Posts: 38,923
Likes: 1,481
From: Southbound
Cruise-In II Veteran
Do not reset the decklid or the doors (reference your other post) with the body off the frame. Wait until the body is reinstalled on the frame (new mounts, bolts, etc) before aligning the panels.
The assembly instruction manual (AIM) has a diagram showing the desired factory settings for all the panel gaps. 1/8" to 3/16" is common, but there are exceptions.
Good luck.
The assembly instruction manual (AIM) has a diagram showing the desired factory settings for all the panel gaps. 1/8" to 3/16" is common, but there are exceptions.
Good luck.
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 133
Likes: 1
From: Denmark
Hi Mike
The photo was taken with the body on the frame.
I'm almost certain that this is the original lid.
The car hace been repainted once before, but never any body work.
Doubt it has been like this from factory, so wonder what have happened here.
Lars
The photo was taken with the body on the frame.
I'm almost certain that this is the original lid.
The car hace been repainted once before, but never any body work.
Doubt it has been like this from factory, so wonder what have happened here.
Lars
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Instructor
Joined: Nov 2010
Posts: 208
Likes: 0
From: Hampton Fl.
St. Jude Donor '11
I have been adjusting mine recently. I know mine is original and untouched. When I measured mine from behind the doors to the back, there was a 1/8" diff.(from the factory I believe). If you are doing body work, you can probably grind the sides to fit.
You can get up/down in the rear by adjusting the hinges ( mine had a shim on both sides ) and the latch catches.
I'm no body man either, so get more opinions before you grind
You can get up/down in the rear by adjusting the hinges ( mine had a shim on both sides ) and the latch catches.
I'm no body man either, so get more opinions before you grind
Last edited by BTGRN75; Feb 19, 2011 at 09:45 AM.
