Callinf Paint/Body Guys or those with original Turbo Buicks..HELP!

[Kent Buckles]

I am just starting to put my GN back together after completing a restoration. We did not measure everything like we probably should have and the door to fender gaps do not seem right. We assumed (I know!) everything would fall back close to original but ...well you know! I am looking for any feedback regarding the door to fender gap space. Cars that have never been touched would be helpful since they should still have original gapping. Car is highly modified so just looking from an appearence standpoint opposed to stock. If a few of you could measure for me and post your findings I would appreciate it. I know every car is not exactly the same so the more feedback, the better! I am looking for measurement of the door/front fender gap maybe at the top near mirror, the middle near body ridge line and at the bottom. Also any Paint/Body guys who have any secrets on how to close the gap with shims, movements, etc...I can use any feedback you might have. THANKS in advance for the help. Post or feel free to call me! Kent 618-201-5497

 

[Kent Buckles]

Anyone???

 

[BILL HAINES]

Adjustments

Do the doors fit the car evenly. Adjust the doors first. Is the rear gap at the quarter even,is the door even along the bottom at the rocker?? Align these first.(glass aligns may need to be made after doors are fit to the rocker,and quarter )loosen,remove the 2 rad support to frame mounting bolts,this will allow you to list the rad supt . Please note many regals have 2-3 1-8 thick washers under the rad support . This gives you the fender gaps at the bottom. Install the fender aligning it to the door,keep in mind, buick used 1-2 shims on the rear of fender and the inside rear fender(at hinge area) 15mm bolts. After you get the door to fender gaps on both sides(even) then you will see if and how many washers is needed under the rad support,install these washers,put the bolts and nuts on loosly.. Now check hour hood to fender gaps,shift the rad supp side to side to acheive even gaps,then tighten rad supt bolts..rember, these cars were not perfect from factory but you can get them very close.. I just repaired a 20,000 mile gn and replaced the rad supt and repaired fenders.. The alignment of the front sheet metal took approx 3.0 hrs(but i'm a picky sob) hope this helps.. Good luck!!

 

[Kent Buckles]

Bill,
Thanks for the advice. I think are getting there now! Thanks again, Kent

 

[need boost]

Bill gave you an excellent write up, I always start back to front like he said. Just take your time and work forward. Its not really that hard, just time consuming , REALLY time consuming if yours a ticky a@# like I am lol. Daniel Ray

 

[turbonut85]

Do the doors fit the car evenly. Adjust the doors first. Is the rear gap at the quarter even,is the door even along the bottom at the rocker?? Align these first.(glass aligns may need to be made after doors are fit to the rocker,and quarter )loosen,remove the 2 rad support to frame mounting bolts,this will allow you to list the rad supt . Please note many regals have 2-3 1-8 thick washers under the rad support . This gives you the fender gaps at the bottom. Install the fender aligning it to the door,keep in mind, buick used 1-2 shims on the rear of fender and the inside rear fender(at hinge area) 15mm bolts. After you get the door to fender gaps on both sides(even) then you will see if and how many washers is needed under the rad support,install these washers,put the bolts and nuts on loosly.. Now check hour hood to fender gaps,shift the rad supp side to side to acheive even gaps,then tighten rad supt bolts..rember, these cars were not perfect from factory but you can get them very close.. I just repaired a 20,000 mile gn and replaced the rad supt and repaired fenders.. The alignment of the front sheet metal took approx 3.0 hrs(but i'm a picky sob) hope this helps.. Good luck!!

Bill gave you an excellent write up, I always start back to front like he said. Just take your time and work forward. Its not really that hard, just time consuming , REALLY time consuming if yours a ticky a@# like I am lol. Daniel Ray

X3. Couldn't say it any better....Except: TAKE YOUR TIME!! You don't wanna mess up that nice fresh finish. Good luck.

 

[Kent Buckles]

Thanks guys for your responses and tips. It did take a bit of time and didnt hurt anything except a little paint scratching of the bolt heads themselves. Definitly worked great going back from front although the door to quarter looked fine. It was really the fender/door that was the issue. Finally got the passenger door perfect and slight difference on the drivers door but something you only see if you studied it as long as we did. Kind of funny but all along the passenger door would react as expected with ease of movement. The drivers door was totally opposite. Still have to get hood on and aligned but am making progress. Thanks again!