Best way to line up non-original body panels?

[Ryan]

I haven't really come across anything like this on the site, so I was hoping some of our body guys could comment.

I've put a few new (used) panels on my cars, and was wondering if there were some techniques to get hoods, fenders, doors, and bumpers to line up correctly?

I tried lining up the bolts on the un-painted spots on the new (used) parts, but it seems every car is unique

Any advice?

[Mnemonic]

its all about tightening up the bolts.

Basically its simple, you just mount the part losely, and then slowly tighten them up adjusting the part and the bolts as you go, till everything is nice and snug. You may have to do a little pushing, pulling, yanking and banging to get it to sit right.

it sucks and is very tedious slow process but it works

[PATDIESEL]

yup- I do it the same basic way, but you can cut a wooden wedge into a piece to make the gaps match. You use that same thickness around all the gaps, inserting the wood and then snug the bolts. Like this
--------------V-------------V----------------
Make sure your wooden guide is smooth so that it does not scratch or chip the paint. You might sand it or wax it to make it smooth. Panels like doors are hard, and really need two people. One to hold the outside edge of the open door and one to tighten the bolts. Then close it slowly and check your fitment. Hoods are about the same, but one person for each side, close slowly to make sure you are going to clear the fenders and the wiper cowl. Fenders are easy enough, but can also be the piece hardest to fit if the door or hood have been changed/adjusted since they need to match both pieces.

[Daninski]

Ha! I cut up and used a plastic bread board I bought at the Dollar Store to level out my bumper. Works like a charm.