Are my gaps too wide!, Maybe it's just me . . . Options

[3d914]

Doing some test fitting on the SHO-914 and noticed that the gaps between the trunk lid and quarter panels seems a bit excessive. I know these cars are hand built - but just checking. One side shows just over 1/4in and the other is at 5/16in.

[r_towle]

I don't buy what Tom wrote, sorry Tom.
I have owned more than a few of these cars, without accident damage.
ALL the gaps for the front and rear trunks were different.

If consours judges are claiming something different then they should be ashamed of themselves.

The 914 was not hand built, the unibody came from karmann off a body jig.
Sure, the hood and trunk were bolted on, but that is it.
Those side gaps cannot be changed without welding on the edge of the lid, which was not done by Porsche, would not be concours correct, and would be a modification.

So, those gaps need to be set even on both sides....simple.

[screenguy914]

I don't buy what Tom wrote, sorry Tom.
I have owned more than a few of these cars, without accident damage.
ALL the gaps for the front and rear trunks were different.

If consours judges are claiming something different then they should be ashamed of themselves.

The 914 was not hand built, the unibody came from karmann off a body jig.
Sure, the hood and trunk were bolted on, but that is it.
Those side gaps cannot be changed without welding on the edge of the lid, which was not done by Porsche, would not be concours correct, and would be a modification.

So, those gaps need to be set even on both sides....simple.

If "concours" judging requires wide panel gaps as manufactured, so be it. For example, the concours bible for Corvettes requires factory-type glue to be slathered on random areas like they typically rolled off the GM assembly line. If vintage manufacturing tolerances is the target, go for it.

However, if building a car at a higher level, including tight gaps (like current mass-produced CAD-designed chassis parts), do whatever is needed to achieve it, including reinforcing the 914 chassis to reduce chassis flex (increased rigidity goes well with high torque engines) and welding add'l material to the panel edges. I doubt many will criticize you at all for the effort, and those who appreciate craftsmanship will stare in awe at the results.