Gaps ?

[mlewis]

My Body fitting journey continues ...

Any rules/guidance on gap widths around door, trunk and hood ?

[GoDadGo]

I did my gaps at or about 3/16".

I used one somewhat thick "Paint Stick" as my guide and went at it by hand.
That stupid paint stirrer is now known as "The Official Stick!"

Gapping Video:
https://youtu.be/po1Bb2_XDDk

Finished Car:
https://youtu.be/9WEe6-wdNtA

Hope This Helps!

[FF33rod]

Also doing 3/16. In my case I have a plastic spreader (for the filler) that has self adhesive 80 grit on the thicker end (wrapped around so it's on both sides) to help with the gapping - works out to 3/16 almost bang on.

Steve

[Jeff Kleiner]

I go approximately 3/16" plus just a little by wrapping a plastic spreader like FF33rod mentioned. If you're doing a very dark color it can be prudent to err on the large side because in the bright sun on a hot day things can and do move. Put a little back bevel on the leading edges of the doors and trunk lid to provide extra clearance as they swing through their arcs while opening and closing.

https://thefactoryfiveforum.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=112083&d=1565312699

You'll be surprised how much the margins will close up after the application of high build primer, primer surfacer, sealer, basecoat and clear.

Cheers,
Jeff

[mlewis]

Awesome. Thanks guys.

I’ve heard about the paint stick idea, but wanted to confirm with a number (in case I got a metric paint stick :p).

I’m sure there will be more body questions to follow...

[Gumball]

Another devotee of the paint stick method here. I used it with just some adhesive sand paper on one side only..... and nearly wore out that stick in the process of doing all my gaps.

Same as others suggested - slightly heavy 3/16" so when primed/sealed, color coat, and clear your finished gaps will be around 3/16".

[nucjd19]

I go approximately 3/16" plus just a little by wrapping a plastic spreader like FF33rod mentioned. If you're doing a very dark color it can be prudent to err on the large side because in the bright sun on a hot day things can and do move. Put a little back bevel on the leading edges of the doors and trunk lid to provide extra clearance as they swing through their arcs while opening and closing.

https://thefactoryfiveforum.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=112083&d=1565312699

You'll be surprised how much the margins will close up after the application of high build primer, primer surfacer, sealer, basecoat and clear.

Cheers,
Jeff

Jeff
I have decided on painting mine black. No Stripes just black. I know..boring.... So in this instance just take the gape a a little over 3/16 or gaping out to ¼. Thanks in advance.

[egchewy79]

Jeff, are you saying that things will swell a bit in the heat?

[GoDadGo]

Jeff
I have decided on painting mine BLACK. No Stripes just black. I know..boring.... So in this instance just take the gape a a little over 3/16 or gaping out to ¼. Thanks in advance.

Black Never Goes Out Of Style!
.I drove this car from 1995-2018 before passing it along to one of my pals.

..............................https://youtu.be/svZX2BMSDEs

.........Check Out Taco Joe's Black Beauty

..............................https://youtu.be/WKRO1pZ2kkk

[nucjd19]

Black Never Goes Out Of Style!
.I drove this car from 1995-2018 before passing it along to one of my pals.

..............................https://youtu.be/svZX2BMSDEs

.........Check Out Taco Joe's Black Beauty

..............................https://youtu.be/WKRO1pZ2kkk

Beautiful C4 Steve!!! I have watched Taco Joe's videos and love his build. I plan on installing the hood scoop though.

[egchewy79]

Jeff, are you saying that things will swell a bit in the heat?