Thaddeus

Hi, I have been staring at my 951 for the last few days and reflecting on the fact that manufacturing tolerances have gotten a lot better since my car was built. There's nothing wrong with the car, it's never been hit, it's tight and solid, but those gaps are much larger than a new car-- even a cheap new car-- has. The gap between the hood and the front fenders, and the rear hatch and rear quarters, are especially troublesome.

I'm wondering if anybody has ever addressed this in some way. Has anybody shimmed the body panels, or added filler of some kind, or re-aligned the panels, or added rubber gaskets, or done something that fills that gap? Seems like it would improve the looks of the car, and maybe even improve the aerodynamics favorably. Ideas?

thanks

Thaddeus

AndyK

Hmmm...never thought about it! My car is also straight and true, and I never thought the gaps were any bigger than any other car.

I also appreciate my car for what it is--a 14 year old sports car. Sure modern cars are built to closer (read: computerized) tolerances. So what? They aren't as cool looking!

I AM more annoyed at the many ergonomic blunders and counter-intuitive buttons and switches, slow windows, etc!

Danno

Yeah, I still fumble at night for the window-switches and door-handles. I've had to show all my passengers where those items are too...

Jon Hanson

Slow windows!!! <img src="graemlins/soapbox.gif" border="0" alt="[soapbox]" />

ian

[quote]Originally posted by Thaddeus:
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I'm wondering if anybody has ever addressed this in some way. Has anybody shimmed the body panels, or added filler of some kind, or re-aligned the panels, or added rubber gaskets, or done something that fills that gap? Seems like it would improve the looks of the car, and maybe even improve the aerodynamics favorably. Ideas?

thanks

Thaddeus</strong><hr></blockquote>

My solution to the airdynamic problem is this thing called duct tape (you can probably find it in your body color too....)

Thaddeus

Duct tape? I think not.

OK, I will solve this problem. Wait and see.

Thaddeus

mideastmafia

Thaddeus..

i have a few ideas that i have used for your front fenders... first, take off the fender, and drill the holes that go along the hood edge so they are bigger.. push the bumper in and hold it, then tighten bolts.

OR

open the hood, and wrap a cotton rag around a flat head screw driver with a big tip, then with a hammer, hit the EDGE of the fender that is inside the hood to bend it in...

not sure if my explanations were very clear, but if you need more help, post here or feel free to e-mail me.


SHAUN

DangerIsland

You're kidding, right Gary Coleman?

I suppose that would work pretty well, although it's drastic, and would knock serious $ off the resale value.

Seller: Yeah, I sorta re-drilled the fenders so they were 5mm closer to the hood.

Buyer: Uhmmm, bye.

Plus, it could be the the wind noise would be WORSE after some mod like that. I can imagine some weird whistling noise developing if you got just the right spacing.

I think the larger spaces actually do a nice job of accenting the car's lines. there aren't many actual lines added into the body from creases, etc. except the two in the hood. I don't think of it as a flaw.

You could also fabricate a gasket if you really wanted to put some effort into it. Drill some holes along the edge of the hood to mount it, and run a strip of something along the edge. Wouldn't make it look much different, but it might affect the aerodynamics of things.

While you're at it, why don't you fill the gap with some bondo, and just weld it shut! Do all your engine work from the bottom!

mideastmafia

Danger Boy,




i mean these bolts.. just drill out the holes in the fender a BIT smaller to be able to push the fender in more..

i didnt do it on my car because i was changing the factory gap, i did it because my hood and fenders were replaced and didnt match up too well..


SHAUN

DangerIsland

yeah, I know what you meant, it just seems drastic.I guess if you're already replacing stuff, it's worth a shot. How did that affect the panel lining up with the door and the front bumper parts?

mideastmafia

either the left fender was back too far, or the bumper didnt align right.. the gap between fender and door is perfect, so i think the fiberglass was just warped..


SHAUN

keith

SHAUN - what is that farmer-made brace in the engine compartment of the red 951? (attached to strut tower) I can't tell on account o' your lines....

Thaddeus

Thanks for the idea Shaun. I'm thinking it might change the way the fender lines up with the doors unfavorably. I'm thinking I need to add material somehow... gasket or something... I see gaskets on newer cars to seal the leading edge of the hood, perhaps the stuff can be adapted..

Thaddeus

Jim Stocks

I'm trying to replace a dented right front fender on my 924S, I've removed all the screws and bolts I can find and I still can't get the fender loose. I know it seems to be held on with some type of rubber glue and I've worked a splatula alone the seams. Any ideas? Also, do you have to remove the door to get to the screws/bolts at the rear of the fender where it attaches near the door?

Thanks

*Rothmans*

Thad:
Don't slot your fender alignment bolts.
It's a silly thing to do. People are going to think it was hit in a bad accident. Then repaired by a butcher of a body shop.
No offence, but a good laxative should cure that **** retention problem.


SLOTTING FENDERS?!?!?!?!?!?!