I need fender to door gap tricks - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

DESTRO · 11-01-2007, 05:03 AM

I am reinstalling the front clip after replacing the core on my 77. The problem is the drivers door to fender gap. everything is still loose but the top looks to be fine but the bottom is out like 3/4 to 1 in. The door is closing fine and it's aligned good. the passenger side is almost perfect. Any tips would be appreciated.

Mickey_D · 11-01-2007, 05:21 AM

[EDIT] Just realized you said the BOTTOM of the fender!!

Ratcheting tie down strap hooked to the front bed mount and the back fender mounting bolt. Tighten the strap until the gap is a little smaller than you want it. Then tighten all the fender bolts down.

87 STEPPER · 11-01-2007, 09:43 AM

That's alot of space i don't think the strap trick will work before something gets damaged or buckles.

You said you replaced the core support the problem may be there id look at both mount spacer, rubber bushing, washers for proper sequence.

And was this a new, aftermarket, or used core support? it could be bent or twisted and you may not be able to notice it.

If you know for a fact that the core support is good then you may want to un do everything and start over but align the problem side first and work from side to side.

**old Rusty C10** · 11-01-2007, 09:56 AM

could the top be a bit too low raise the top up with a spacer or two and see if that helps bring the thing in
the other thing i tend to do is to put the back part by the door on first and snug that down some then i use the strap to allign the front of the thing by the core support. i have a big pole in the ground i hook the other end to

copperchevy · 11-01-2007, 11:16 AM

Was the truck wrecked. If not, your core support may be a little pushed in or leaned back on the drivers side. Measure from the firewall to the top of the core support to get the same measurement as the other side. Also, tightening the core support bolts first might help.

DESTRO · 11-02-2007, 02:58 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 87 STEPPER

If you know for a fact that the core support is good then you may want to un do everything and start over but align the problem side first and work from side to side.

I will try this saturday. Thanks for all the tips.Never thought of the ratchet strap. Keep the tips coming.Can't touch it till sat. but all knowledge gained till then will only help.
It's a repo core and the truck hasnt been wrecked as far as I know. It's just got me baffled since the only place out is the bottom of the drivers door. top is real close and pass.side is pretty good. I do have the core snug, would it be easier to have that torqued down? Also I forgot to mention it has a 3in body lift and that probably aint helpin matters any.
Thanks for all the info and future info.

copperchevy · 11-02-2007, 03:47 PM

The type of core support bushings you are using might be the problem. New bushings tend to be too tall than original. I had similiar problems when i changed my frontend. I ended up buying a energy suspension kit that included new core support and body bushings since the originals where worn out. Adding a spacer to the front body mounts might help.

bigtruck81 · 11-04-2007, 01:26 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by copperchevy

Adding a spacer to the front body mounts might help.

adding a spacer will make the problem worse, if it will line up at all. i would loosen the fender to cab bolts, and completely remove the core support to fender bolts. adjust thefender to cab bolts to where they need to be, tighten them down, then go about reinstalling the core to fender bolts.

copperchevy · 11-04-2007, 08:42 PM

adding a spacer will make the problem worse, if it will line up at all. i would loosen the fender to cab bolts, and completely remove the core support to fender bolts. adjust thefender to cab bolts to where they need to be, tighten them down, then go about reinstalling the core to fender bolts.
11-02-2007 03:47 PM

That is another way of doing it, but to me it seems like his core support may be sitting alittle too high causing the fender to go downward from the core support to the cab. That would cause the gap at the bottom of the door. Also, the 3" body lift may be a problem and shimming it might help.

11-01-2007, 05:03 AM	#1
DESTRO Registered User Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Buckeye state Posts: 168	I need fender to door gap tricks I am reinstalling the front clip after replacing the core on my 77. The problem is the drivers door to fender gap. everything is still loose but the top looks to be fine but the bottom is out like 3/4 to 1 in. The door is closing fine and it's aligned good. the passenger side is almost perfect. Any tips would be appreciated.

11-01-2007, 05:21 AM	#2
Mickey_D Dirteh Kitteh Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: Mormon country Posts: 2,484	Re: I need fender to door gap tricks [EDIT] Just realized you said the BOTTOM of the fender!! Ratcheting tie down strap hooked to the front bed mount and the back fender mounting bolt. Tighten the strap until the gap is a little smaller than you want it. Then tighten all the fender bolts down. __________________ Darrin 1955 Willys CJ-5 all original and the oldest CJ-5 on the road. 2001 Dodge Neon (wife's car) 1995 Jeep Grand Cherokee Limited Edition SOLD 1981 K15 Custom Deluxe 4X4, rusty but trusty wood hauler. SOLD 1993 S-10 4X4 Tahoe SOLD Sign up with the Contact List RIP ESLL Last edited by Mickey_D; 11-01-2007 at 05:23 AM.

11-01-2007, 09:43 AM	#3
87 STEPPER STILL PLAYS WITH TRUX Join Date: Nov 2002 Location: Melbourne, Fla. Posts: 2,764	Re: I need fender to door gap tricks That's alot of space i don't think the strap trick will work before something gets damaged or buckles. You said you replaced the core support the problem may be there id look at both mount spacer, rubber bushing, washers for proper sequence. And was this a new, aftermarket, or used core support? it could be bent or twisted and you may not be able to notice it. If you know for a fact that the core support is good then you may want to un do everything and start over but align the problem side first and work from side to side. __________________ ~~Bruce~~ MY 87 STEPPER MY 99 2D/WD TAHOE

11-01-2007, 09:56 AM	#4
old Rusty C10 Robert Olson Transport Join Date: Oct 2002 Location: recent transplant to NC USA Posts: 20,297	Re: I need fender to door gap tricks could the top be a bit too low raise the top up with a spacer or two and see if that helps bring the thing in the other thing i tend to do is to put the back part by the door on first and snug that down some then i use the strap to allign the front of the thing by the core support. i have a big pole in the ground i hook the other end to __________________ Bob 1951 International running on a squarebody chassis "If a man's worth is judged by the people he associates himself with, then i am the richest man in the world knowing some of the fine people of this board" http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/a...t.php?f=25&a=9 (you can review the site rules here!) PM Me for your vehicle/parts hauling needs in the North East US or see my Facebook page Robert Olson Transport Live each day to the fullest.. you never know when fate is going to pull the rug out from under you... I hate cancer!!

11-01-2007, 11:16 AM	#5
copperchevy Registered User Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: Tyler, Texas Posts: 220	Re: I need fender to door gap tricks Was the truck wrecked. If not, your core support may be a little pushed in or leaned back on the drivers side. Measure from the firewall to the top of the core support to get the same measurement as the other side. Also, tightening the core support bolts first might help. __________________ Mexican

11-02-2007, 03:47 PM	#7
copperchevy Registered User Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: Tyler, Texas Posts: 220	Re: I need fender to door gap tricks The type of core support bushings you are using might be the problem. New bushings tend to be too tall than original. I had similiar problems when i changed my frontend. I ended up buying a energy suspension kit that included new core support and body bushings since the originals where worn out. Adding a spacer to the front body mounts might help. __________________ Mexican Last edited by copperchevy; 11-02-2007 at 03:52 PM.

11-04-2007, 08:42 PM	#9
copperchevy Registered User Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: Tyler, Texas Posts: 220	Re: I need fender to door gap tricks adding a spacer will make the problem worse, if it will line up at all. i would loosen the fender to cab bolts, and completely remove the core support to fender bolts. adjust thefender to cab bolts to where they need to be, tighten them down, then go about reinstalling the core to fender bolts. 11-02-2007 03:47 PM That is another way of doing it, but to me it seems like his core support may be sitting alittle too high causing the fender to go downward from the core support to the cab. That would cause the gap at the bottom of the door. Also, the 3" body lift may be a problem and shimming it might help. __________________ Mexican



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