Layout / Cutting Body for Door Hinges & Fitting Doors.

[Dodgeman]

I am stuck,
In layout and cutting the door hinge and door locations do you leave the body on or take it off?

Do you fit the doors before cutting hinge locations? some say yes some say no.

How much gap is there between the door frame lower 2"x2" rail and body, mine on the drivers side is 1/4" passanger side is 1/2", pushed on the sill plate and gap is not closing up. Have squared body and firewall. FFR manual is of no help with the exception of a few pics.

I am totally frustrated with this. Why doesn't FFR supply templates, it would be so much easier.

Bob

[Presto51]

Bob may I suggest the following links that should help you a lot. This person really knows his stuff.

This is from the other Factory Five Forum. The guy's name is Dan Ruth, and I believe he did an whole lot of ground breaking work on how to fit the 33 Hot Rod body:
http://www.ffcars.com/forums/120-factory-five-33-hot-rod-forum-sponsored-e-t-wheels/268652-dangerous-curves-ahead-4.html

Look around over there to seek out his other posts/threads, their worth the time spent.

The next link is to his web site where you can find a boat load of information about Dan:
http://innovativerodding.com/history.html

Hope this helps

Ron

[jayguy]

Here's another one with videos specifically about fitting the doors.

http://thefactoryfiveforum.com/showthread.php?5522-Installing-the-Doors-a-5-part-video

[erlihemi]

The body shell must be as squared/centered as you can get it before starting on doors. It will not be symmetrical. A roto zip or dremel is handy for cut outs around the hinges. Keep in mind there are many adjustments which is both helpful and frustrating. Not a lot of alignment points given by the body mold so it takes patience, lazers, strings and in the end a 20 foot step back. Most importantly take your time before finalizing the latch and then I recommend using a secondary safety on the suicide door. Lots of write ups on both forums. Dig in and keep asking questions as you go. Call the tech line also.

good luck.

[1932]

Need to have the body all fastened to frame before working on trimming parts.

[Tampa33Build]

Here is an additional link to aligning the body:

http://www.ffcars.com/forums/120-factory-five-33-hot-rod-forum-sponsored-e-t-wheels/603273-how-find-center-frame.html