Page 1 of 1

Convertible bracing

Posted: Fri Sep 28, 2012 9:46 am
by convertibled
I have braced my door gaps on my 1964 convertible during a major rebuild of Sills, boxing panels, 'A' posts,floor, inner arches etc and am wondering if I should increase the door gap at the top slightly on the braces to allow for the "sag" of the body when it is back on it's wheels.I read somewhere that the gap always springs in bit when the braces are removed, But buy how much?
Has anyone had this experience?

Re: Convertible bracing

Posted: Fri Sep 28, 2012 5:54 pm
by tysonn
Well unless you increase the top gap before doing the welding its not going to keep that gap when you remove the bracing and drop it on the floor.My converted saloon (bought half finished with the extra sill strengthener and A post,B post bracing already welded in) had an excellent gap passenger side but the drivers side was around 3mm at the bottom and 1mm at the top.I borrowed a porta power and jacked the A post forward a tad to get it even.A scissor jack and some 3x3 timber would have the same effect.
No matter what convertible you have(and different manufacturers had differing methods of strengthening the bodyshell) the gap will increase if you jack it up below the B post but if its been strengthened properly the gap will return once the jack is removed.My last resto was a '67 Mustang convertible.That had quite extensive chassis alterations compared to the Moggy but the gap on that did the same on the jack.I spent many hours adjusting wings,doors etc to get a nice fit.

Re: Convertible bracing

Posted: Sat Sep 29, 2012 1:55 pm
by convertibled
Thanks for that Tysonn
I have beefed up the area around the boxing plate extension and fitted the extra strengthening plate on the inner sills so I think I will allow 1-2mm more at the top and hope for the best!

Re: Convertible bracing

Posted: Sat Sep 29, 2012 4:58 pm
by tysonn
I see youre in York.I'm in Scarborough.If ever you come over call in for a coffee.
Mick