Need panel fit expert
 

How would you remedy this?

My door to fender gap is exactly a paint stick wide and the alignment is a straight line. Should I widen the gap or shim the fender out a 1/16- 1/8"
or so?

I know that the 60-66 models the fender actually sat outside of the door but I thought the 71 had more refined lines.

I want it set before I replace the trim the previous owner ruined.

Thanks in advance.

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Re: Need panel fit expert
 

Fender has a nice straight gap to the cowl. I would look into moving the door back if possible . How's the gap to the door to the rear piller

Re: Need panel fit expert
 

67-72 trucks were not built to 1/8" tolerances. They routinely left the plant with more than that. I would adjust the fender forward just enough to clear that trim.

Re: Need panel fit expert
 

Before adjusting check the gaps around the window. Some times the window frames are not installed correctly from the factory. Just my past experience that sometimes you can't get even gaps because your door was made on a Monday. :lol:

Re: Need panel fit expert
 

All valid comments.

The back of the door frame is actually just about to rub the cab (the lower part of the door has just under a paint stick gap). The window frame needs to be bent toward the cab as it is not touching the rubber seal. #madeonmonday or dropped several times...lol

Interesting that on the passenger side the gap is even smaller and the trim clears.

I think I am going to move the fender forward. It looks like that will help the gap at the grill (tighter on one side than the other).

Question> to adjust the door does the fender have to be removed?

Re: Need panel fit expert
 

If you want to adjust the door forward / backwards, you would need to remove the fender. If you can manage to move the fender forward that might be the best thing to try first.

I suggested on my thread that you can try shimming the radiator support. But never mind as that would increase the gap on the lower part of the door and I just realized your molding is on the top. If the fender can go forward, that would be best, even if it means the top on bottom of the fender is not a perfectly even gap. Keep in mind that when you move the fender forward, you should check the gap on the other side to see if anything changed.

Re: Need panel fit expert
 

Another thought.. Is it possible to move the trim back a bit? The trim looks closer to the edge of the door than it does the fender, but it could be the picture messing with my eyes. Is the trim in the exact same spot on the other side where you don't have the problem?

Re: Need panel fit expert
 

Doesn't have to be removed. These were in every bodymans tool box in the 70s. I've made my own with cheap wrenches.

Re: Need panel fit expert
 

If the window frame is not touching the rubber seal then the you need to adjust the top of the door inward. The distance from the door the door seal lip should be consistent all the way around the door. If you move the top of the door inward, then I bet the trim will clear the fender.

Re: Need panel fit expert
 

Put an 1/8" shim at the top of the fender moving the cowl and fender out from the cab. You maintain your fender to cowl line and give the door edge clearance. The factory usually installs a shim or two there. Sometimes the bottom of the fender is shimmed out with those key shaped shims...Just a thought.