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  • 1979 - 1995 (Fox, SN95.0, & 2.3L) -General/Talk-

How to fix door/fender gap from improper jacking point?

  • Thread starter Thread starter Mustang936590
  • Start date Start date Apr 17, 2018

Mustang936590

Member
Jun 22, 2017
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Apr 17, 2018
#1
  • Apr 17, 2018
  • #1
Previous owner jacked up the driver side on the pinch weld and caused the fender to cave in a bit and as I’m sure many of you know , it really screws up the lines of the car. Is this something that can be fixed myself? Perhaps with body shims? Not sure if the fender needs to be adjusted or the door so any tips if anyone has done this repair themselves would be appreciated.
 

BlakeusMaximus

Still got to try a little lube on my speedo head
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Jul 12, 2017
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Apr 17, 2018
#2
  • Apr 17, 2018
  • #2
I fixed mine. I had to remove the rocker molding, (my car is a GT) and straighten out the pinch welds. I used a pair of vice grips to straighten them. I loosed the fender at the back, (didn't need to remove the bumper) because I had to adjust it as well. I loosened all the ones at the top, the one in the door jamb and completely removed the lower bolts. My pinch welds were so crushed that once I had it straightened, I had to wallow out the holes so I could have enough room to adjust it on the bottom, bolt it up and line up my body lines. The fender takes the shape of a banana when its jacked up in that location after the pinch weld flattens out. The fender has to be straightened out where it meets up with the door here too. (Remember: banana). So, once everything is repaired, tighten the upper bolts, put some pressure in the center of the fender, line it up with the door gap, make sure you body lines line up and tighten it down. It may take a little time getting everything done but its doable. See my before and after pics. Don't laugh, the car looked kinda funny when I bought it, not sure what the PO was thinking having it looking like that!!
 
Last edited: Apr 17, 2018
Reactions: Davedacarpainter

Mustang936590

Member
Jun 22, 2017
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Apr 17, 2018
#3
  • Apr 17, 2018
  • #3
Your before pic is exactly how mine looks. Thanks for the walkthrough, I’ll hopefully give it a go this weekend!
 

BlakeusMaximus

Still got to try a little lube on my speedo head
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Apr 17, 2018
#4
  • Apr 17, 2018
  • #4
Mustang936590 said:
Your before pic is exactly how mine looks. Thanks for the walkthrough, I’ll hopefully give it a go this weekend!
Click to expand...
Its pretty easy. But Ive worked in bodyshop since I was a kid.
 

BlakeusMaximus

Still got to try a little lube on my speedo head
5 Year Member
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Apr 17, 2018
#5
  • Apr 17, 2018
  • #5
Mustang936590 said:
Your before pic is exactly how mine looks. Thanks for the walkthrough, I’ll hopefully give it a go this weekend!
Click to expand...
Yeah, to me that sticks out like sore thumb! Ive had to fix that on all my Mustangs.
 

Mustang936590

Member
Jun 22, 2017
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Apr 17, 2018
#6
  • Apr 17, 2018
  • #6
BlakeusMaximus said:
Its pretty easy. But Ive worked in bodyshop since I was a kid.
Click to expand...

You didn’t use any shims or anything? Just readjusted the fender with the bolts?
 

BlakeusMaximus

Still got to try a little lube on my speedo head
5 Year Member
Jul 12, 2017
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Apr 17, 2018
#7
  • Apr 17, 2018
  • #7
No, Shims will just push the fender out even more. If everything else is good, upper rail, “A” pillar and you get the rocker/pinch weld straight enough it’ll line up. You will have to adjust your fender I bet. Post a pic of what yours looks like.
 

Mustang936590

Member
Jun 22, 2017
35
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Apr 17, 2018
#8
  • Apr 17, 2018
  • #8

This is the only pic I have saved on my phone, it’s a little close up, but maybe you can see the gap.
 

BlakeusMaximus

Still got to try a little lube on my speedo head
5 Year Member
Jul 12, 2017
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Apr 17, 2018
#9
  • Apr 17, 2018
  • #9
Mustang936590 said:
You didn’t use any shims or anything? Just readjusted the fender with the bolts?
Click to expand...
And straightened the rocker where the lower part of fender bolts to. Once you get into it you’ll see. DONT, mess with the door.
 
Last edited: Apr 17, 2018

DemonGT

Founding Member
May 24, 2002
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Sparta,WI
Apr 29, 2019
#10
  • Apr 29, 2019
  • #10
I have this issue, dose anyone have pics of the pinch welds your referring to?
 

BlakeusMaximus

Still got to try a little lube on my speedo head
5 Year Member
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Apr 29, 2019
#11
  • Apr 29, 2019
  • #11
DemonGT said:
I have this issue, dose anyone have pics of the pinch welds your referring to?
Click to expand...

Its where the lower part of the fender bolts to the car. Theres one bolt at the bottom. Ill see if I can snag a pic
 
Last edited: Apr 29, 2019
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