[dcygan1]

I'm restoring my '65 GTO and in the process of trying to fit the new full rear quarter panels, new deck filler inner and outer panels, and new taillight panel. My question is, what are the proper gaps prior to priming and paint for:

1) Trunk lid to rear quarter panel?
2) Door to rocker, door jamb, and fenders?
3) Hood to fenders

Thanks,
Doug

[HoovDaddy]

Rule of thumb is 3/16" after paint. The more sheet metal you replace, the more difficult it becomes to achieve a constant dimension. You may find that slicing-and-dicing will be necessary especially with aftermarket panels. Keep in mind the paint thickness of primer and top coats will tighten the gap. You may also want to panel match at each jam so there is no surface variation from panel-to-panel.

[dcygan1]

Originally Posted by HoovDaddy

Rule of thumb is 3/16" after paint. The more sheet metal you replace, the more difficult it becomes to achieve a constant dimension. You may find that slicing-and-dicing will be necessary especially with aftermarket panels. Keep in mind the paint thickness of primer and top coats will tighten the gap. You may also want to panel match at each jam so there is no surface variation from panel-to-panel.

Thank you for your reply! That helps clarify the gap size because I've seen other sites mention 5/32" all the way up to 5/16". to achieve a finish painted 3/16' gap, is it safe to assume 7/32" for pre-paint or should it be 1/4"?

[Jeff Hamlin]

This is a page from the '66 Fisher Manual;

[dcygan1]

Originally Posted by Jeff Hamlin

This is a page from the '66 Fisher Manual;

Thanks Jeff! That helps.

[HoovDaddy]

What point are you at on your project? Planning. Dismantling?