• Mustang Forums
  • 1965 - 1973 Classic Mustangs -General/Talk-
  • Classic Mustang Specific Tech

Body Panel Alignment

  • Thread starter Thread starter Mr44666
  • Start date Start date Feb 5, 2004
M

Mr44666

Founding Member
Jun 6, 2000
302
0
0
Las Vegas, NV
Feb 5, 2004
#1
  • Feb 5, 2004
  • #1
Hello,

I was wondering if anyone here knows of any good internet articles or magazine articles on aligning all of the body panels. My car is completely stripped down right now, and getting ready for paint after the cowl comes back together. I would like to do this the best way possible.
I was also considering having the car towed to a frame shop to have all of the dimensions checked and pulled if necessary. Is there any way that I can check myself to see if it would be worthwhile? As far as I can tell it has never been in a accident.

The car is a 68' cougar BTW, but this stuff should be the same as Mustang.

Thanks
-Dave
 
J

John Z

Founding Member
Sep 21, 2000
581
0
0
Morgantown WV
Feb 5, 2004
#2
  • Feb 5, 2004
  • #2
Best I've found is at http://www.autobodystore.com/ms1.htm
By the way, while you are there click on the classroom icon at the top of the page to get on the trail of other great articles. The discussion group on that you can go to from the classroom page has about the best autobody and paint information on the web.
HTH
 
M

Mr44666

Founding Member
Jun 6, 2000
302
0
0
Las Vegas, NV
Feb 5, 2004
#3
  • Feb 5, 2004
  • #3
I have been there many times and looked over everything, it is a great site but I was hoping to find more specific information for our cars.

Thanks
-DAve
 

SuperDave

Early-Model Mentor
Founding Member
May 3, 2000
6,361
0
0
Tacoma, WA USA
Feb 5, 2004
#4
  • Feb 5, 2004
  • #4
Panel alignment is something that patience and experimentation best achieves. The doors are done first and everthing forward follows. Be sure the door hinges are in good condition even if it means rebuilding or replacing them. Good hood hinges are critical also.

Much depends on how well the car way aligned before it was disassembled. Proper alignment requires "trial and error" experiments in which pieces are trial fitted before final assembly. Often compromises must be made because these cars were never "perfect" in the first place. For example, I fitted my doors by using wooden doweling to equalize the gaps before I bolted them down. The same idea was used on other pieces. It require patience but it was well worth the effort. Having previous experience in this process was very helpful.

I believe this is best done by the owner/builder because no shop will be as critical of the result. My son and did a '67 "Cat" GT and it turned out beatifully. The shop and assembly manuals from Ford were very helpful.

Good luck!
 
M

Mr44666

Founding Member
Jun 6, 2000
302
0
0
Las Vegas, NV
Feb 5, 2004
#5
  • Feb 5, 2004
  • #5
Thanks SD and tips on checking the door hinges. I took the door in both hands and felt for movement or looseness, I didn't feel anything.

-Dave
 
You must log in or register to reply here.

Similar threads

5
Hello fellow Mustang fanatics.
  • 580HP*428Cj
  • Apr 2, 2026
  • The Welcome Wagon
Replies
2
Views
201
The Welcome Wagon Apr 2, 2026
General karthief
E
2007 GT Stalls when lights or a/c turned on
  • ejscarfo
  • Jun 22, 2026
  • 2005 - 2009 Specific Tech
Replies
2
Views
138
2005 - 2009 Specific Tech Jun 29, 2026
ejscarfo
E
L
Engine Why won't the motor start if I have spark and fuel
  • LeviAnderson
  • Nov 20, 2025
  • Fox 5.0 Mustang Tech
Replies
3
Views
423
Fox 5.0 Mustang Tech Nov 20, 2025
AeroCoupe
S
what would you do? sell the project and buy completed or finish project?
  • STANG32
  • Feb 8, 2025
  • 1965 - 1973 Classic Mustangs -General/Talk-
Replies
4
Views
608
1965 - 1973 Classic Mustangs -General/Talk- Feb 16, 2025
rusty428cj
Drivetrain 83’ Glx convertible C5 Trans help!
  • JacksonJared2113
  • Dec 25, 2025
  • Fox 5.0 Mustang Tech
Replies
2
Views
396
Fox 5.0 Mustang Tech Dec 26, 2025
JacksonJared2113
Share:
Bluesky Email Share Link
  • Mustang Forums
  • 1965 - 1973 Classic Mustangs -General/Talk-
  • Classic Mustang Specific Tech
Menu
Log in

Register

  • Forums
  • What's new
  • Media
  • Resources
  • Contact
  • Sponsor
X

Privacy & Transparency

We use cookies and similar technologies for the following purposes:

  • Personalized ads and content
  • Content measurement and audience insights

Do you accept cookies and these technologies?

X

Privacy & Transparency

We use cookies and similar technologies for the following purposes:

  • Personalized ads and content
  • Content measurement and audience insights

Do you accept cookies and these technologies?