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1st Generation 1964 1/2 - 1973 - Questions & general discussions that apply to a specific year => 1968 Mustang => Topic started by: mungus on October 11, 2017, 06:38:07 AM

Title: Door gaps on 68's
Post by: mungus on October 11, 2017, 06:38:07 AM: Anyone want to hazard an opinion on whats a correct door gap for a 68'?

I've been aiming for a bit over 1/8" (around 4mm) on all my other panel gaps but now that I'm fitting my doors I'd like to know what to aim for.
Both doors were OEM, fitted OK and had correct shift markings, but alas I've had to use another RHS door thanks to a forklift operator...
The "C" lines are nice, but I have to add some metal and move some things to get it all looking nice anyway, so I don't mind playing with the gaps while I'm at it. I guess the 2 issues are:

- What's a correct gap, all around the door? (I know they varied). Or are there supposed to be different on the bottom, front etc?
- Is there a minimum front gap, to allow for opening and closing?
Title: Re: Door gaps on 68's
Post by: jwc66k on October 11, 2017, 12:12:09 PM: You should follow the procedure used at the assembly plants. The door was adjusted to the body first; to the rear door frame, the door sill and the top of the door rear to the top of the body rear quarter. The gap was up to 3/16 of an inch and the workers used a gage (I assume it was plastic or something non-abrasive) and a pry bar to achieve this. Obviously the adjustments were made at the hinges. The front fenders were not installed. The door striker was also critical in the adjustments. Only after all this was done (we're talking minutes here, like 2 at the most) were the front fenders installed. They, and the hood, are another exercise.
Jim
(Fixed a spelling error.)
Title: Re: Door gaps on 68's
Post by: mungus on October 13, 2017, 07:14:03 AM: Thanks. Will do just that.
Title: Re: Door gaps on 68's
Post by: CharlesTurner on October 13, 2017, 10:56:31 AM: Here are pics from a low mileage Spring '68 Metuchen car... Original paint and unrestored.
Title: Re: Door gaps on 68's
Post by: drummingrocks on October 13, 2017, 01:18:32 PM: I'm dealing with this same issue on a '67 coupe I'm restoring. I replaced both door skins, trying to salvage the original doors. The gaps are so far off I am literally having to shave some areas down and use 1/8 rod to close gaps in other areas. These pictures of the original '68 are super helpful in giving me an idea of the gap sizes to aim for.
Title: Re: Door gaps on 68's
Post by: ruppstang on October 13, 2017, 02:40:13 PM: Quote from: caspian65 on October 13, 2017, 10:56:31 AM
Here are pics from a low mileage Spring '68 Metuchen car... Original paint and unrestored.

Wow nice car! Yours?
Title: Re: Door gaps on 68's
Post by: CharlesTurner on October 13, 2017, 04:49:10 PM: Quote from: ruppstang on October 13, 2017, 02:40:13 PM
Wow nice car! Yours?

Nope, this was back in 1998 believe it or not! At a Va Beach MCA national show.
Title: Re: Door gaps on 68's
Post by: midlife on October 13, 2017, 09:13:01 PM: I thought that by 1968, all Shelby's were from San Jose? Or was that earlier years?
Title: Re: Door gaps on 68's
Post by: Bob Gaines on October 13, 2017, 09:36:49 PM: Quote from: midlife on October 13, 2017, 09:13:01 PM
I thought that by 1968, all Shelby's were from San Jose? Or was that earlier years?
65-67 SJ . 68 Metuchen . 69/70 Dearborn.
Title: Re: Door gaps on 68's
Post by: mungus on October 16, 2017, 07:59:31 AM: Thanks for those photos, very nice and from the same time and factory as mine too.
I have to add some metal to my replacement RHS door using 1/8" rods too. The rear of the skin is a fair way off, but the front lines up OK.

I have some work ahead of me... 8)