Setting gaps

[Harry Koba]

To all of you who replied to my questions concerning restoration costs, my thanks. I couldn't agree more with one of the responders about knowing what you have before starting the restoration. There were several comments concerning setting gaps on the body and how this was best done when the body is still on the frame. Unless there has been serious damage isn't gap setting a matter of installing the right number of body mount shims ?

I'm restoring a 1966 coupe, the body is in pretty good shape and the gaps around the doors and hood looked pretty when we took the body off. Setting gaps with the car off the frame makes no sense, or am I missing something here?

Thanks
Harry Koba #4067

[Dennis A.]

Re: Setting gaps

Harry...

Your sense is correct;
A Make note of the number of shims removed and from there location.
B The body may change somewhat while off the frame. This depends a lot on the support frame you use and the time off the frame. Point is; more or less shims may be needed than the original count.
C The doors on old bodies may have to be fitted twice. Pending the number of shims used to move the rear body (or front)to achieve the correct door gaps.