11/12/2025
What’s on my mind. My friend got the 65 chevelle panels installed. I took a day last weekend to straighten out the gaps. I’ll be getting everything ready for body work next weekend and see where it needs attention but appears pretty straight already.
I just want to say this for anyone restoring a project or just curious, these cars did not have the same standards as vehicles today. Body lines just needed to be close and panel, hood, cowl, trunk, and door gaps had roughly a 1/4” gap tolerance and they usually never lined up. You could have a door gap on the front of the door at 3/16” and the rear of the door at 5/16”. Car tolerances were better than the “farm” trucks but not much. It does not matter if it is an original (OEM) panel or aftermarket. If you want them to look uniform and clean, you have to put in the time and make them look like that.
There’s only one way a vehicle manufactured in the 60’s can look flat with nice gaps. It is very unlikely to be able to buy a panel, bolt it on and it will look perfect. Time, patience, knowledge, practice and sometimes a good friend is needed. You want to meet some good people? Start building a car… 😁 have a great rest of the week and stay tuned for the progress.