Should there be an opening in C3 door jams?

vettes4evr · 02-23-2010, 12:31 AM

I looked at a '72 and noticed an opening in the fiberglass, inside both door jams. When the doors are open, there is about a half inch x 2-3 inch opening (like a crack that spread open) in both door jams where the hinges are. It's almost like you could see into the inside of both front fenders (if you had a flashlight). I looked at another C3 the next day and there was no such opening. The fiberglass was sealed, as I thought it should be. Does this mean that both fenders were probably replaced?

I can't see where a front nose was patched on. There is no evidence near the cowl area or where it meets the fenders. The right front wheel well does have a patch placed inside however, so there was a hit on that side for sure.

jrm747 · 02-23-2010, 09:27 AM

pics? I am having a hard time figuring out what you mean. Not being an a$$, it would just help

DUB · 02-23-2010, 06:29 PM

If your description is correct. The "opening" is not really an "opening"...but rather the metal portion of the hinge pillar area that allows water to be divereted into the hinge area away from the upper hinge. Now ...on some years that have the extension piece of weatherstrip that is attached to the pillar post weatherstrip...this portion of the extension actually screws to this metal area and would create a "close-out" area so water can be diverted into the hinge pillar area....when the door is closed. Gm did away with the extension portion of the pillar weatherstrips later on....and that metal portion is painted to match the exterior body color. The amount of gap is different between cars...and no two are truely the exact same....and the metal portion of the hinge post is different slightly from those cars that use the extension piece and those that do not. Photo's would be a great help.

I have seen this gap...be completely filled in. But I would not recommend it due to the flex in this area when the car is lifted. If it is filled in for appearance sake...then a thin gap should be cut into it so you do have some flex....because it is at the cowl area...and it will flex...somewhat.

"DUB"

vettes4evr · 02-23-2010, 11:44 PM

This is the area that I'm talking about. It isn't the actual car (I forgot my camera when I went to see it). But I've simulated it (black area). There is an opening in the fiberglass area on each door jam area. Could this indicate a fender replacement? Did the fiberglass (or bondo) shrink here leaving a gap?

DUB · 02-24-2010, 07:50 PM

Where you have it marked....That looks like rust /rot. A fender replacement would not even get into the area that you marked out in your photo. Another possibilty is that the A pillar fiberglass panel is seperating from the A pillar and the rust or what ever is causing the panel to pull away. The actual car would be best.
"DUB"

vettes4evr · 02-24-2010, 09:26 PM

It's just a gap or hole in the fiberglass there. It's not over the birdcage area where rust could be present. The car is a good distance away, so the next time I'll be able to take pictures is when its sitting in my garage! LOL Right now the purchase is in process. So I will reach out again whene I get it home soon. Fortunately you only see it when the door is wide open, which won't be often!

DUB · 02-25-2010, 08:16 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by vettes4evr

It's just a gap or hole in the fiberglass there. It's not over the birdcage area where rust could be present. The car is a good distance away, so the next time I'll be able to take pictures is when its sitting in my garage! LOL Right now the purchase is in process. So I will reach out again whene I get it home soon. Fortunately you only see it when the door is wide open, which won't be often!

If it is missing fiberglass AND a rust hole. THIS is important...due to it is in an area is significant structural importance...and not to be dismissed so quickly. Any major rust in the A pillar or hinge post is a critical.
"DUB"