68,C3, Body panel fit

[David M.]

Can someone shed the light on the problems and solutions for these two issues on my 68 low mile,no hit roadster. There's a wave in the passenger door skin about in-line with the top hinge mounting area towards the front of door. Original paint no signs of repair or over-spray. I have not removed the door panel yet for a look. I've heard something about hinge mount seperation inside? Can it wait for the resto in a year or so or does it need to be addressed asap?
Second fit issue is the gap between the front vertical bumper and the lower grill trim. I've seen many early C3s with one side gap, both, and none. Mine has one ok side but the pass side has quite a gap. Whats right? I see no obvious signs of damage or repairs. Easy fix for the body man? I've looked at it with out resolve. Thanks. Dave

[Steve Wallach]

Re: 68,C3, Body panel fit

Well having a 68 my self, I'm sure you've heard it before also, first off, you
have a "68". Any concerns on a 68 could have been the way it left the factory!

The "wave" in the door should be able to wait for your restoration or you may wind up doing a repair twice?

Is it possible you have a rust issue? Rust under the door glass could be pushing on it in spots making it seem wavy? I have the two doors from my 68 and I bought two more hoping they were better than mine, but they ALL seem to have one rust issue or another. I have looked at many 68 doors, even some early take offs, and they still seem to have rust issues.

As for the grill, I'm not much help there, however two books that may help you, are the Glass-Ra volume 4 repair guide and Rick Bizzoco's book "The 69 Stingray". Both will show you pictures of door repairs and Bizzoco's book shows many pictures to original 69 grills which may help you?

Good Luck,

Steve

[Kurt B.]

Re: 68,C3, Body panel fit

Have had my 68 since 1972, I am second owner. I don't have the door problem you speak of. My vertical grilles do have a gap on both sides. I think this is attributable to first year "new design" glitches.
Kurt #26406

[David M.]

Re: 68,C3, Body panel fit

Thanks for the responses. Ya,the 68s are their very own animal. As well as most of GMs line that year. Good ole'GM sure tried hard with quality of fit. With all the engineering issues they had we're lucky to have a 68. I've seen many that have been beautifully restored and had all the problem areas addressed. Like the red 70 in last months issue of "Vette". They look even better if thats possible. Trying to do all my home work so this one turns out like that. I'll be purchasing the books you mentioned. For now I'm just gonna drive it. Its too nice to tear apart.

[Terry F.]

Re: 68,C3, Body panel fit

68 had its issues. The door hinges on 68 and early 69 are unique to those years (mainly 68). One big issue was that the hinge would allow the door to open too fare allowing the edge of the door to smash into the hinge piece that attaches to the piller post resulting in damage. Two solutions that I have found to this problem. Replace the hinge or wedge something into the are of the hinge where they bottom out when fully open (small nut will work). When the damage occurs it will either crack the fiberglass edge of the door, cause the panel to delaminate from the door frame, and/or bend the steel flange of the door in the area that the hinge hit the door. Once bent, it stays that way untill you smack it back down with a rubber hammer. Be careful with it, it might be better left alone. Good luck, Terry