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convertible alignment wedges?

10K views 7 replies 4 participants last post by  chevelle_man64 
#1 ·
I'm currently restoring a convertible, my first one. There are these convertible alignment wedges that appear to go between the rear of the doors and the body. I have no idea how to use them and my door alignment is pretty poor. I was careful to weld in lots of bracing before the body came off the frame so I'm sure I didn't cause any problems then. Can some of the convertible-experienced group members explain how these alignment wedges work? If necessary draw a picture, I'd really appreciate it and it would probably be of general interest to the List Members. The car is a 64 GTO and I'm sure the info would apply to any GM 64-70 A-body convertible.

thanks in advance to any and all who respond..

Ron
 
#2 ·
I've got a '66 and '68 Chevelle Conv. The '68 is at my other house right now, but I'll take a couple pictures for you of those wedges; I'll also snap some of the '66. Some of them use a brass wedge on one side and a plastic on the other. Some use a brass one and a chrome one; I don't know which style your car uses. I have two sets, do you know which kind you need?

It probably goes without saying, but the only way you can align the doors on a convertible is while the car is on the ground on all four wheels.

-Brian.
 
#4 ·
Sorry for the late reply. Anytime I was on the other side of town, I would not have the camera. :( Sorry for the poor quality, my camera has been acting funny lately.

The first two pictures are one of the styles. They are on my '68 Chevelle, and they work from '68-'72. At least now you know where they mount. I can try and take some better pictures for you next time if you'd like.

The last picture is of another set that I have. I believe they work for a '64-'67.
 

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#5 ·
I am doing a 65 Gran Sport conv right now. I have to tell you, those wedges aren't for "alignment" at all as far as I understand. They are simply to keep the door from moving too much and hitting the quarter panel paint on paint, that is ALL it is. The door gets aligned bedamned those wedges. I have my doors all aligned right now, even driving it around a little and I don't even have the wedges installed!

Brian
 
#6 ·
Thanks Brians

The pics are a great help. The car I'm restoring was a drag car in it's previous life and the frame was broken and repaired. I'll probably have to take it to a frame shop and get it checked. The doors aren't aligned too bad but not as well as I like so I assumed the solution was the 'alignment wedges'.
I have Brian Martin's panel alignment guide printed out and posted in my garage. The doors are aligned as good as I can get them, luckily it's a black car so the door gap isn't too noticeable but what's the good of restoring a car if you don't do it right! Hopefully the problem is in the frame and can be straightened.

thanks guys

Ron
 
#7 ·
Convertibles flex and that was GM's way of making sure the doors don't hit the quarters when the body twists and flexes. Get the doors aligned well then adjust the wedges with shims untill they just make contact with the door in the closed position. Also make sure your hinges don't have any slop. The wedges often get forgotten when these cars get restored.
 
#8 ·
baddbob said:
Convertibles flex and that was GM's way of making sure the doors don't hit the quarters when the body twists and flexes. Get the doors aligned well then adjust the wedges with shims untill they just make contact with the door in the closed position. Also make sure your hinges don't have any slop. The wedges often get forgotten when these cars get restored.
+1. Try going across a set of railroad tracks without those wedges. You'll see how much the body flexes, and you'll be lucky if you don't knock some paint off.
 
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