Tub/Fender/Top alignment questions (w/Pics!)

[67Steven]

I am getting ready to replace both the driver and passenger side inner and outer rockers and a small section of floor ( I think I will use the truck floor section as I read it is a better piece)

I want to put the top on to keep the windshield frame stable for this operation, but do not have the bed side seal. Can I just bolt the top down bare, or should I use a washer or other to space it properly- does it matter?

I changed the 4 tires that are all different diameter out for a spare set of GM rollers I had to get the chassis closer to level:



Here is how the doors fit now. It's hard to see, but they line up very nice:







The fender to door gap is what I have an issue with:





I know that I can shim the body mounts up to alleviate the gap, but how much can I or should I shim (how much is too much?) I know they are not torqued down, should I bolt the top on first, then the body mounts?

The body mounts now

[chevyblazer]

hy yeah put the washer y dont think that will efect nice blazer

[swyfor5]

No solutions here, ripping into mine in this same area, and have a lot of questions too!

[69-72]

More crucial during gap setting before paint. but one thing I saw missing was your wing windows, once they are installed they will pull the door window frame down or up.

[Jtrux]

Bolting the top down will help alot. Also you don't have to "torque" the mounts, you just want them snug. Did you keep track of the factory shims when you took them out? That's a pretty good starting point, that and having the top bolted down will tell you alot. It's a real PITA but in my opinion the most correct way to do it is to tighten all body bolts down snug then check alignment, then add/remove shims, and retighten. Like I said, it's a real bear of a job by urself, took me along time to get mine anywhere close and I still have adjustment to make. Also, Huck told me awhile back to do just like your doing, get the door and top alignment perfect then deal with fenders.

As far as how much you can adjust I don't know the answer except I personally don't think I would have more than 2 shims per mount. Tightening the bolts will help alot though so try that.

[67Steven]

I didn't even think of the wing windows pushing the door frame, guess I will look at putting those in next.

I bought the truck with the tub off the frame, and the PO did not tag or otherwise track the shims, so I am stuck with what I have. I really think I need to raise the #2 body mounts (under the toe kick) up to decrease the gap in the fenders.

It sure is a pain to put things back when you didn't take them apart!!