Expert needed - gap between body pannels

[doozer]

I am putting the body back together -

What is the ideal gap between body panels -

Lids to fenders:

Fenders to doors:

Thanks!!!

[RickM]

I don't have access to my car to check but I would imagine there is an acceptable range for gap. Before tightening I'd eyeball the gaps for overall acceptability.

Since they make a tool for this very purpose I'd suppose you can quickly fabricate some fitment "jigs" out of wood. Panel Gapper ===> http://www.eastwoodco.com/shopping/product/detailmain.jsp?itemID=1683&itemType=PRODUCT&RS=1&keyword=gap

[doozer]

Anyone have the OEM allowed fitment specs???

[project935]

While watching the Barrett-Jackson auto search, I think Jackson said that Porsche gaps are supposed to be 3mm - he had a little nylon stick-gage he was using to run around all the gaps.

[doozer]

Ahhhhh!

3mm Anyone second that answer?

If so I am off to build my 3mm body gap gauge.....

Thanks project935!

[no substitute]

Go for it, use the hot rodder's standard, a dime (actually, Porsche may have a different standard).

[RickM]

If a dime is the standard I'm way off.

[TerryBPP]

They say to use a paint stick. I'd say thats pretty close to 3mm.

[doozer]

Thanks Guys!

Paint sticks and clear duck tape!!

[techweenie]

I've always heard 3.5mm.

[RickM]

If you look at the US based gap gauge and convert over to metric you'll get .79 mm, 1.5 mm and 3.1 mm.

So my guess would be around 3mm. Or in the 3 to 3.5 mm range....

[Wil Ferch]

Depends on the car.....928 and the "Audi" 944 use much wider gaps....

--Wil

[RickM]

I suspect because of the "hand made" aspect of the 911 the gap is going to vary between individual cars.

[Wil Ferch]

Groan....this aspect is not very "hand-made"......the only exception being the silver/lead filler used ( by hand) on the 911 door's front/top edge....the rest is all body dies....pretty precise, too!

---Wil

[RickM]

The apsect I'm talking about is the panel fitment. Not construction. LOL

[stormin48061]

wow you guys are perfectiionist!! as long as the gap looks consistent all the way around, that's the right gap! nobody is going to say nice gap standing 10 feet away admiring your car..what they will notice is if the gap is equal to the eye!! have fun drive it! my $0.02

[Zeke]

Originally posted by stormin48061
wow you guys are perfectiionist!! as long as the gap looks consistent all the way around, that's the right gap! nobody is going to say nice gap standing 10 feet away admiring your car..what they will notice is if the gap is equal to the eye!! have fun drive it! my $0.02

All true unless the gap is 1/4" (little less than 6mm). I've been doing a lot of body work lately and when the gap is pushing 4mm, it starts to have "gaposes."

[Wil Ferch]

when the gap is pushing 4mm, it starts to have "gaposes."

yeah...like Saturns and 928's..... !!

--Wil

[doozer]

I saw on one show where they filled the gap completely with filler, let it harden, and then went back and cut the correct size (small) gap - I think it was on an old corvette. Is this acceptable to do? Would you use body filler or fiberglass ( on a fiberglass panel)

[doozer]

Found this. (not Porsche but good info)

http://www.carcraft.com/howto/51979/