Beginning the bodywork. Need some input, please!

[Claybuster]

Hi All,
I'm working on getting the body on my MkIV ready for paint, and I was planning on putting the body on the chassis this weekend for initial fitment of the doors, hood, and trunk lid. Yesterday was the first time I really took a close look at the doors, at least from the bodywork perspective. Would the body and finishing experts in the group mind giving a little direction on how to finish the seam at the top of the door? Do you guys grind down that lip at the top of the door and use a filler to create a nice rounded edge to get close to what the dash cowl looks like?
Thanks for your help!
Jason

[Jeff Kleiner]

Knock down the ridge above the parting line until it's flush (I use 40 on a DA) then sand the gelcoat a few inches above and below with 80. Clean and fill the concave to flush with 3M HSRF. After it cures use filler to create a radius. I load the mud up along the line and then use a piece of 2" rubber hose cupped in my palm to drag it smoothly from one end to the other to form the shape. Here's what you get after sanding that first pass.

https://thefactoryfiveforum.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=210231&d=1590841390

Once you hang the door and adjust it then the real work to get the body and door to match begins!

https://thefactoryfiveforum.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=210233&d=1606951331

https://thefactoryfiveforum.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=210232&d=1606951300

Good luck!

Jeff

210231210232210233

[Claybuster]

Oh man. That looks great. I know I have alot of work ahead of me, and I never would have thought about the rubber hose trick! I hope I speak for all of us newbies when I express appreciation for the tips and expertise you lend.
Thanks, Jeff!

[GoDadGo]

Here are some videos that I did a few years ago that may or may not help you.
Most of what we did was at the recommendation of Mr. Jeff Kleiner except my door modification.

https://youtu.be/_3sLamdkIFg

https://youtu.be/meBYeI96_A8

https://youtu.be/6QXWP5H8mT0

https://youtu.be/6UK6K2jcwTU

https://youtu.be/po1Bb2_XDDk

https://youtu.be/FVMCA4_UZHU

https://youtu.be/QyMN73IW6I8

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

Hope these poorly produced videos help.
Good Luck & Happy Sanding!

[Claybuster]

Hey, thanks, GoDadGo! I've actually seen them all! I appreciate the tips. Getting to see how others tackle all of the "moments of opportunity" (not problems...) really helps to visualize and plan for a great outcome.
My shoulders hurt from sanding....

Jason

[GoDadGo]

Jason,

Had I not been received the Expert Advice given to me by Sir Jeffski, the outcome of my project would have been uncertain.
While the mechanical portion of my build would have been the same we all know that the first thing we all see is the exterior.
Good luck and I wish you great success with your project.

Steve