How do you do your gaps and alignment?

[The WidowMaker]

ive done a lot of reading and watching of videos, but im still trying to learn the best way to gap and align panels. so far ive been adding metal with either a rod welded to the edge or just weld, and then grinding it back. i can get an even gap all the way down the panel, but im now looking at how to make the panel alignment perfect when sighted down the side.

so once i get the panel gap and alignment as close to perfect as possible (and i mean CLOSE), what do you guys do next? ive seen some who cover both panels and the gap with a layer of filler. then they block the entire seam, and finally cut the gap back out.

is this how most do it?

any better ways?

any good videos or youtube clips?

as long as you arent adding length to the door or fender or adding too much filler depth, i dont see how this could be bad.

any product better than another? rage, all metal????

Thanks, Tim

[Satatic]

Before using any filler you want to use a slide hammer with the L bracket end and a straight edge and start yanking. And you will be doing it hard. After welding and grinding your panels really warp inward creating a door etc. that dips in at the edges. This will help you avoid edges that are 1/4 inch thick because you had to keep building outward because the panel dipped in so much. A little dip always ends up being a lot of dip when blocking and filling.

Also I think a fine file is the best way to round off your edges. Mechanical grinders seem to make it to inconsistent.

[ProdigyCustoms]

If your going to fill across the panels, and that is the right thing to do. Make sure if either panel has to be a tick high, make sure that is the panel that has the folded edge. In other words, if it is where the door meets the quarter panel, make sure if one panel is outward, make it the door. This way when you add filler your adding to a compund corner on the quarter, not the folded edge of the door. This way you don't end up with a thick door edge. Same for trunk to quarter, make sure the trunk is the high panel.

[The WidowMaker]

frank, i never would have thought of that. simple in theory, but that would make a huge difference.

Tim

[67 ls1 vert]

when adding steel rod or welding a bead to close up gaps, you should do it on the jamb part of the door. This way if you ever bump anything like a wall or something with your door, you wont chip the filler.

[ProdigyCustoms]

when adding steel rod or welding a bead to close up gaps, you should do it on the jamb part of the door. This way if you ever bump anything like a wall or something with your door, you wont chip the filler.


Exactly. Also, the jam corner will not warp like a folded panel edge

[jr421]

Ok I have a question about this thread and its been bugging me for a hole day so I have to ask or I might go crazy. I understand the concept of using filler to improve door gaps and panel fit up and I know its become an industry standard, but is this a good process for a car thats in the midwest? I have talked to several autobody guys that say thats a great process if your car is stored in a heated garage or in s more stable climate and doesn't see exterme weather changes. I guess my question really relates to the thermal expansion of the filler vs. the steel body part and cracking after a few years. I guess when I start looking for a local painter for my camaro I want to know what I am talking about, any input is greatly appreciated.

[snappytravis]

If your going to fill across the panels, and that is the right thing to do. Make sure if either panel has to be a tick high, make sure that is the panel that has the folded edge. In other words, if it is where the door meets the quarter panel, make sure if one panel is outward, make it the door. This way when you add filler your adding to a compund corner on the quarter, not the folded edge of the door. This way you don't end up with a thick door edge. Same for trunk to quarter, make sure the trunk is the high panel.

Frank, I spent this afternoon welding down the door edge on the camaro, I guess this is the common practice for these babys, I like your advice (tick high) pretty sharp dude! I will be in touch with you on the transmisson and smoothing the firewall! hope to see Unfair car soon.

[The WidowMaker]

check out my build thread for how i ended up doing it. i put a little how to in the thread. turned out good so far, but its not in paint yet. TONS of hours!