Body Alignment Issues in Atlanta

[coreyf06]

I have had a handful of shops and people in Atlanta that claim they know how to put together a Mark 4 roadster but unfortunately I have not meet one that has been able to get the job done. My car is about 90% complete but it do have some body alignment issues. My hood does not sit flush on the car and the side pipes are almost touching the body when exiting the car. I need someone that can do what is needed to get these issues corrected with out me spending several thousands of dollars to just rebuild it.

[edwardb]

Have you built the car yourself up to this point? If so, you should have the capability to address these pretty common issues. Is the body located and attached everywhere, e.g. front and rear quick-jacks, side sills? Are the doors hung and align pretty well? The front and rear splash guards installed? If so, you should have 1/2 to 5/8 inch gap between the 3/4 inch tube around the hood opening and the body. That would indicate the body is properly located. Unless you have a defective hood, with the hinges and latches installed, and bumpers between the hood and body, you should be able to get the hood to align. Not unusual for the curves to be slightly off at first, but once installed will conform to the opening. For the side pipes, did you get the factory cutouts? Have you adjusted them at all? As delivered, they are undersized on purpose and require you to adjust to your build.

[skullandbones]

You don't need to rebuild your roadster. If you don't want to tackle the rather variable issues with body fitment, there is a guy who is called "the travelling builder", if I remember correctly. Mark Dougtery comes to mind (spelling not sure). You should give him a call. I'm sure someone knows his contact info on here. It doesn't hurt to check and see what an expert could do to help your issues. That would be my first choice. Finding a competent shop in your area could be hit or miss. Another forum member (local to you) might be able to direct you to one who really does know how these bodies can be adjusted would be great if you can verify. Just off hand, it sounds like the hood hinges could be lowered some to alleviate some of your hood fitment. That worked for me. Also, it sounds odd that both side pipes are too close to the body. That might mean you need to bring in the rocker panels if there is any adjustment underneath. You would be surprised how one area affects another if something is slightly out of alignment or adjustment.

Again, if you are tackling this yourself, then pics will help immensely. If you need it done by someone else, check above.

Good luck,

WEK.

[coreyf06]

Thanks for the suggestions. I am not building it myself. I love cars and I'm sure I could learn but I don't have the time at this point in my life. I spent enough time with shop after shop telling me how the previous shop screwed me over and they are going to get it right. 3 months later I am in a marginally better place. I've done that 4 times now. I will try contacting Mark Doughtery to see he can lead me in the right direction to get the final adjustments made.