Panel Gaps

[jtfx6552]

I know everyone says 60s cars didn't fit together too good from the factory, but are there actual specs for the gaps?

I'm putting my 65 Mustang together for hopefully the final time before blowing it apart for paint and it looks ok with the door gaps front and rear about a paint stick 4-5 mm, but I need a little extra at the back of the hood (5.5-6 mm) to keep the headlight buckets even with the front of the hood. I suppose I could move the doors forward 1/2 a mm and then the fenders a full mm adding 1/2 a mm to both those gaps and cut the hood gap back to 4.5 to 5.5, or maybe I should just weld a rod across the back of the hood?

 

[RenewAP]

3/16" is what I've always found looks right. I'm sure somewhere there are precise specs listed.

 

[MJM]

3/16" seems to be an industry standard, even though I have seen 1/8" used. As long as the OP is satisfied with his panel gaps and panel alignment, that's all that matters.

I used 3/16" gaps on my Barracuda.

 

[jtfx6552]

3/16 is 4.7625 mm, so I'm right there, all but the back of the hood. Actually a little tighter in most spots, ~.150 vs .1875. Maybe I'll loosen those up a little.

 

[MP&C]

If you are using reproduction parts and can even get the gaps consistent between each other you’re doing good.

 

[jtfx6552]

I wish I could put fenders on as fast as 2:29 in this video.

Watch newly restored video of Martha and the Vandellas performing in Ford's Mustang plant

"Nowhere to Run" was shot at the Dearborn Rouge complex for a 1965 TV show. Only bits have aired since then. Here's the full, newly remastered video.

www.freep.com

 

[ct71rr]

I’m in the process of doing this on my car. I’m shooting for 3/16”. It will close up a little after body & paint, or at least that’s what I was told. There’s no way I could of gotten anywhere close to paint stick thickness without welding tig rod to every panel.