How do you do your gaps and alignment? - Page 6 - Lateral-g Forums

**GregWeld** · #51 01-25-2010, 08:51 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by The WidowMaker

still not sure why the pics wont show. this is the only site i have issues with. im using the [img][/img] format???????????

There are directions on how to post pics up on this site - but basically - you have to load your pics up on Photobucket first - then copy and paste the pic address from there into your post here.

It's a MAJOR nuisance... but it is what it is.

Your cabinet/desk is killer!!

BRIAN · #52 01-25-2010, 09:01 AM

Problems with gaps is it doesn't matter if the panels are NOS, early cars were never designed with the gaps of todays show cars. You can pull or align all day long it isn't going to happen. Then add aftermarket parts and it only gets worse.

Not into the pie cutting of a panel on a a stock bodied car as it creates other metal issues within the panel besides the edge you are trying to fix. Guys can swear they metal work everything to perfection but due to the design of a doors edge it is just about impossible to so. How do you hammer and dolly a double walled rolled over edge? Yes you can work to lessen the filler but filler will be needed if you want that type of panel to panel fit. Putting heat into the edge by welding causes warping that is very difficult to work in that area. Go slow and build up only as needed. You will be surprised how far into the panel the heat gets.

As far as tig or mig?? Use what you have as they both have downsides. Tig welding puts in more heat but is easier to finish. Problem is as described above you aren't able to work the back edge. Mig is brittle but will build quicker and if done right put in less heat. Take a piece of copper and clamp to edge. It will only require minor filling on the rear.

The main thing is to make sure your edge is made out of metal and not built up out of plastic filler. You can swipe lead on both panels giving the ultimate finish and less initial metal work as lead hides more and is somewhat stronger.

Go slow with the filler and sanding as you don't want to take the lines out of a car. Dry sand and you can see a line as you are going. Hard type blocks are great but to finish last pass of sanding you will need a block with some give otherwise you will have witness lines in your paint. At that point you are taking out sanding imperfections not highs and lows.

Good luck

elitecustombody · #53 01-25-2010, 12:59 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 68protouring454

if amd's metal was so far superior, we all would have heard of it and been using it by now.
aftermarket panels fit how they fit.

Quote:

Originally Posted by 68protouring454

guys, I would be very surprised if amds metal came from anywhere different then goodmarks.

I guess you live under a rock and blindsided by Goodmark's dirt cheap prices,but there is a reason why their parts are cheap,

Why don't you do some research,maybe you'll find countless threads praising AMD, there are plenty of photos showing both, AMD and Goodmark side by side for comparison,

Whenever you're ready to buy some AMD metal,I'll still hook you up with 25% off retail prices,and freight cost is more than reasonable,

I've sold close to $50k worth of AMD parts since last February,no shipping damage or any fitment issues

check autometaldirect.com,

68protouring454 · #54 01-25-2010, 01:45 PM

elite, sounds good I will be the first to praise the stuff if it is that good. And no no rocks in maine just lots of snow .now I have a camaro waiting for all the panels but we have goodmark in the trailer for them. figures

I noticed on there site, they were out of stock on 69 fenders, roofs, a bunch of stuff, how often does this occur and how long does it take them to stock back up?

wiedemab · #55 01-25-2010, 02:08 PM

I hate to contribute any further to the derailment of this thread, but can you offer specifics on what makes the AMD parts so great.

Where are they stamped? Are they thicker. Just curious, as I don't mind paying a little extra if they are that much better.

Thanks

elitecustombody · #56 01-25-2010, 02:30 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 68protouring454

elite, sounds good I will be the first to praise the stuff if it is that good. And no no rocks in maine just lots of snow .now I have a camaro waiting for all the panels but we have goodmark in the trailer for them. figures

I noticed on there site, they were out of stock on 69 fenders, roofs, a bunch of stuff, how often does this occur and how long does it take them to stock back up?

Call Alan or Kelley, most of the time if the site shows that parts are out of stock,either they are still working on them or already on the way,I can't say much on GM parts, but Mopar guys love AMD ,ask Frank from Prodigy,I know he uses AMD

elitecustombody · #57 01-25-2010, 02:38 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by wiedemab

I hate to contribute any further to the derailment of this thread, but can you offer specifics on what makes the AMD parts so great.

Where are they stamped? Are they thicker. Just curious, as I don't mind paying a little extra if they are that much better.

Thanks

Where they are stamped? Somewhere in China/Taiwan, but don't let that fool you, AMD guys invested alot in their tooling, so the fitment is much better than Goodmark, as well as the bodylines,flanges are much more crisp and clean, most of the time metal is the same gauge as OEM, sometimes it's even thicker, don't take my word for it, buy one part to see for yourself.

I will add, that there are some people expecting for the parts to fall right in with absolutely no shifting or spending few extra minutes to fit the part,just like any OEM replacement part,it will take a few minutes to set up gaps,but for the most part,they fit like a glove

rwhite692 · #58 01-25-2010, 03:04 PM

A bit off topic, but I was wondering if anyone has had any experience with the first gen camaro cowl hoods from AMD (autometaldirect)...

Specifically, the problem with Goodmark hoods (well-known problem) is that they are about 1/4" too narrow (overall, so about 1/8" per side)...

I am wondering if anyone has one of the AMD hoods and if they are any better in this regard.

Bow Tie 67 · #59 01-25-2010, 04:28 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rwhite692

A bit off topic, but I was wondering if anyone has had any experience with the first gen camaro cowl hoods from AMD (autometaldirect)...

Specifically, the problem with Goodmark hoods (well-known problem) is that they are about 1/4" too narrow (overall, so about 1/8" per side)...

I am wondering if anyone has one of the AMD hoods and if they are any better in this regard.

Ditto, I hate the hood on my car and dont want to waste the time working it if I can start with a better fit.

The WidowMaker · #60 01-25-2010, 09:15 PM

Quote:

There are directions on how to post pics up on this site - but basically - you have to load your pics up on Photobucket first - then copy and paste the pic address from there into your post here.

greg, i found that thread and thats what ive been doing. all my pics are on photobucket, and my build thread on pt.com uses the same code and doesnt have any issues???????

####edit#### picture problem solved. my links had a bunch more text after the .jpg, and it wasnt cooperating with this forum. extra was deleted and the issue solved.

Tim