Re: The Resurrection of Vixen Continues...

["fivetwofive" <CBL302@xxxx>]

--- In dmcnews@xxxx, "Stragand, Dave" <dave.stragand@xxxx> wrote:
> Hi All,

Install the rear glass, as it is a structural element and may affect 
the alignment of the doors (I wonder about this. Is that really the 
best course of action? I would really prefer to reduce the risk of 
breakage by not installing it until the doors are aligned and 
tensioned... Could I just install some wooden shims to hold the 
window frame in the correct position?)


> 2) Install the T-panel and align the doors to the T-panel. (Seeing 
as how I don't have any other body components on the car yet, I can 
not line them up to anything else -- I'm not even sure if the lock 
striker pins have been moved.)
> 
> Comments on / additions to this procedure are of course welcome, 
and greatly appreciated. Looks like it may be a lot of trial and 
error...
> -Dave Stragand
> VIN #05927
> http://www.projectvixen.com


Dave,

You are doing it Right,Install THE doors FIRST,then align all the 
Other PANELS to the door(s),as that IS how it was done at the 
factory,as the doors being the heaviest(and hardest) part to align,it 
is easier to get the Doors(s)to open and close correct,(again the 
factory aligned the doors to the black body/door pins)and then 
install(ed) the rest of the panels to align with the perfectly 
opening/closing doors,rather than aligning the heavy doors to the 
panels,the only time you align the doors to the panels,is when you do 
door hinge replacement to a "D" with bad hinges.You could also get 
some metal (flat stock) plates(3)or more your choice,(cut to fit the 
window area)and clamp them(vertical) to the lip areas where the rear 
window goes,the reason for CLAMPING the metal plates down is to keep 
the up/down movement ridged,as you tensioned the bars,(and open and 
close the door(s)since there is the possibility of misalignment,and 
you could leave them on until you install the rear window(with the 
door(s) closed)when removing the flat stock metal bars,to install the 
window. 

Hope this helps
Claude
000570