Ktholin

I'm setting all of the panel gaps on my 55 as I'm preparing to paint it. My question is, what is the recommended gap for doors, trunk and hood and how do you measure it?

I found a paint stick measures 1/8 inch and visually it seems about right. However, this is before primer and paint. What do you set the gaps to and how do you measure it?

RBrid

I used an 11/64" drill bit as a measuring tool: Three... two... one... lift off! - Page 22 - CorvetteForum - Chevrolet Corvette Forum Discussion
Still far from the final painting so don't know how it will turn out. Good luck!

Ktholin

Thanks! Very helpful. I’m using the same type spreader and putty knife with sandpaper. Also, I taper the edge, use masking tape on the back edge of panel, apply VPA and fold over tape to hold It in place. Not hard, but sometimes requires multiple applications.

crazywelder

Not sure what you mean by tapering the edge? BUT, the deck lid looks lower than the quarter on the RH side. If I were doing this I'd have the deck lid latch and rubber bumpers installed so the deck is adjusted as in final assembly, then you can accurately sand and panel match by sanding across the jam. After that you can sand the jam to width you want. That width really depends on your paint plans and paint build up. Primer can be sanded off in the jam, but once the topcoats are on, it's too late. Base the decision on single stage or base/clear. Base/clear will need a wider gap.

Ktholin

Thanks for your suggestions. Actually, the quarter panel is a little lower than the trunk lid on the right side and I intend to fix that. I have taped weatherstrip on panels to simulate final fit. By tapering the edge I meant tapering the lid edge before applying VPA to give it additional surface area to adhere to. I plan to use a single stage rather than clear coat. Thanks again for your comments.

csherman

I use a Home Depot paint stick
They are very consist in their thickness and I use one for the entire car
It is my go - no go gauge
Some guys say 1/8
Some guys use a gauge - I know you can buy them
remember your gaps are going to grow ! - Primer, primer, sealer, paint.
So think about your gap size.
YES - you will need to taper some panels on the inside
If you dont - panels will hit on C1's - Trunk lids, conv top lids and doors
They were tapered from the factory - look at the insides.
On the 53 54 55 - the front hood gap will be a little wider and the front door edge will be a little wider - nature of the way the panels fit

here is a 54 - press molded car with really good gaps before polyester