Do door gaps/tolerances change with temperature?

[Paul B.]

Hi,
I'm in the process of adjusting the door gaps on my '62.
In order to get the best overall compromise on the driver's door, the tolerance at the bottom of the scallop is very tight while closing the door.
It's about 65F in my garage, do I have to worry about the gap getting too tight when the car is sitting in direct sunlight in hot 90F+ summer weather?

Thanks,

Paul

[Tom H.]

Re: Do door gaps/tolerances change with temperature?

I hope a true expert chimes in, but I would say you will see little or no change in body fit with temp changes.

[Rich P.]

Re: Do door gaps/tolerances change with temperature?

Paul,

Tom is correct you will see no change in gap from temp change. I have painted well over a hundred FRP (Fiberglass Reinforced Polyester) and SMC (Sheet Moulded Compound) Corvettes, mostly 86 + Down. And in doing so I have gapped and flush fit several hundred panels (hoods, rear valances, doors, deck lids and convertable top panels). Not one has changed, there are a few things that will make a panel "move" such as weatherstriping, hinge bushings, lose strikers, rusting frames and deterierating body mounts but not temp (at least in my experiance).
In fact I just saw a 67 coupe I did a frame off on back in the mid-late 80's (extensive body work, full nos nose and 1/4's) and it fit as good as the day it was finished.
Now I will say that I have noticed on mid year hoods (those with X braceing) that sometimes the surface will change with different temps. By this I mean that depending on the temp the typical waves caused by the outer skin being bonded to the inner skin can change.

Hope this answers your question,
Rich

[Dennis A.]

Re: Do door gaps/tolerances change with temperature?

Temperature should not have any major effort. Raising and lowering the car will, be sure not to install doors with the car up on jack stands. Also; if you had the body off, the number of shims may change. Rear shims can play a big effect on the door gap.