Door gaps / alignment.

[Loz]

Good evening all.

I'm at the stage of hanging all the panels back on my 70 coupe. I'm hoping to get all the gaps as good as they can be before I start the filler work. Can anyone tell me the correct/ best way when gapping the doors? Should I put the rubber seal in place? Or just get the door flush with the latch and receiver?

Many thanks.

[Robert Adams]

I went for even gaps all around with no rubber gasket. Involves getting all the individual parts back on the car and shimmed where needed. Pictures and tagging during the process helps when reassembling.
Assume you are aware of the factory aluminum door shims.
It's a painful process but pays dividends when completed, just like all prep work.
Patience and then more patience!

[Loz]

Originally Posted by Robert Adams

I went for even gaps all around with no rubber gasket. Involves getting all the individual parts back on the car and shimmed where needed. Pictures and tagging during the process helps when reassembling.
Assume you are aware of the factory aluminum door shims.
It's a painful process but pays dividends when completed, just like all prep work.
Patience and then more patience!

Thanks Robert. Yes, Ive got the aluminium shims at the ready. Looks fairly good as I have it, but was just wondering whether the rubber seal would make the door protrude a little if added after, or whether the seal should be included in the alignment process.
It's certainly a long process! 👍🏼

[Robert Adams]

Door Lock Striker on the jamb will need frequent MINOR adjustments as will the doors with shims as you make progress. Expect left-right adjustments in both locations. It's one of those, 'you never get it right the first-time' situations. Had my doors off a couple times before I got the front lined up and then the door lock strikers.
Easier with an assistant!
Also suggest taping up the fender and jamb edges so no harm comes to them in the final install.
Good luck.

[ed mayo]

And once you have the gaps correct buy the hinge pin removal tool so you don't lose it all when you remove the door for paint