I can t figure it out where to start on these gaps Please help

[ViperSRT]

It was set at minimum production gap clearances. Never had a rubbing or paint issue.

[My98RT10]

It was set at minimum production gap clearances. Never had a rubbing or paint issue.

Impressive job!

[SnakeWatching]

Now that would an interesting use of an old unusable front bumper. And it should be used as a collective tool of this forum.

I could see a price increase coming for used damaged front fascias...........with holes cut in them at the perfect spots, maybe a rental front bumper making the rounds (with instructions).

[JimJoeBob]

I could see a price increase coming for used damaged front fascias...........with holes cut in them at the perfect spots, maybe a rental front bumper making the rounds (with instructions).

A rental front bumper with accurate instructions as to what item affects what ranges of motion I would pay top dollar to have for a weekend.

[Fatboy 18]

It was set at minimum production gap clearances. Never had a rubbing or paint issue.

So I take it they put the front fascia on first?

Then matched headlights to fascia?

Then tightened headlights up?

Then replaced your original front fascia?

So "IF" that was the sequence, how the hell did they manage to attach the christmas tree fasteners?
Or did they remove the front fascia AND REBAR? with the metal bumper brackets?

This is important stuff we need to know.

[JimJoeBob]

So I take it they put the front fascia on first?

Then matched headlights to fascia?

Then tightened headlights up?

Then replaced your original front fascia?

So "IF" that was the sequence, how the hell did they manage to attach the christmas tree fasteners?
Or did they remove the front fascia AND REBAR? with the metal bumper brackets?

This is important stuff we need to know.

I've looked at ajdusting my rebar to bring the center line of my fascia down to bring the whole hood down. That would line me up damn perfect after I adjust the headlights for that change.

[Fatboy 18]

`OK, This is where im at.
Passenger side


Fascia sticking out

If I adjust the radiator support screws to the edge of the fascia, I end up with a bow in front of the headlight and I can't move the headlight any further forward.

Small gap in front of headlight, (there never used to be, the headlight used to touch the fascia).


Side shot, uneven gap



Now the Drivers side


Fascia sticking out slightly, this is the side that is supposed to have that black synthetic triangle pad as a spacer, I have not put it in because that would bow the fascia out even more!

Gap in front of headlight, (headlight is pushed fully forward).


Side shot, uneven gap



Headlight adjustment,
Passenger side
Had to add a load of washers between radiator support and front frame mount.

Note: If you remove or add shims at the front you must do the same at the rear of the light otherwise you will tear the headlight housing.

Drivers side


Hood to fascia, Seems a bit big? Maybe I'm being paranoid?

[daveg]

Mark,
definitely making headway... Still need some slight adjustment but your certainly getting there....
Not an easy task especially with how much you had apart...

Keep it up.

PS, even from the factory they were not entirely perfect..

[JimJoeBob]

If I could get my gaps to where you are I'd be able to live with my life.

[daveg]

If I could get my gaps to where you are I'd be able to live with my life.

LOL.. You will, its called persistence.

[SnakeWatching]

Fatboy 18, now shouldn't your fender liner be inside the front fascia, instead of outside? like in your pic? that could be pushing out the sides of fascia, just a guess.

fender.PNG

[Fatboy 18]

Those strips have always been on the outside of the fascia on my car?

[JimJoeBob]

Those strips have always been on the outside of the fascia on my car?

Fatboy, they're on the inside of my viper as well. I think you have it on incorrectly. I've always seen the fender well tuck inside the bumper

[Fatboy 18]

Ok I will try them on the inside.
Here's a pic from 2008, as you can see they were on the outside then.

[GTS Dean]

Mark,

I think your rebar is too far forward. Pull some spacers and/or move the hood forward a tad. The core support may also need to move rearward and the headlights ahead to tighten the front edge clearance. The light angle brackets in the wheel wells are where you get a lot of outer corner fit corrected, followed by the tubular flag strut.

[My98RT10]

Fatboy, they're on the inside of my viper as well. I think you have it on incorrectly. I've always seen the fender well tuck inside the bumper

I agree, they are on the inside on my car, too. Good luck Mark, I am sure you will get there!

[98RedGTS]

GTS Dean already covered it but I agree, it looks like your core support needs to come back. That should tighten the gap on the hood plus help with the headlights.

And yes, my bumper goes over the inner fender like the others. At some point I think yours got messed up along it's life.

[daveg]

Ditto on bumper goes over fender. Willing to bet it pulls the bumper back and up. Possibly pulling it closer to hood?

[Fatboy 18]

Well tried to fit those black strips inside the fascia today, the holes would not align up correctly so had to cut about an 1/8" off the top of each strip so that the holes lined up.
Well that's made a difference! better on the passenger side but still out on the drivers side. Drivers side headlight is sitting a little high too.

Pics to follow shortly.

I have never had the fascia off my my car and all the fastenings looked to be original so no idea why those strips were on the outside?
Thanks guys for pointing this out, You learn all the time on these forums.
Its how it should be,
thank you.

[Fatboy 18]

Latest pics,
Passenger side


Notice top of light forward position


Now Drivers side, different


Meanwhile, got my Painting head on tonight, sanding and filling


20180515_212239 by Fatboy 18, on Flickr

[SnakeWatching]

Also on my GTS (with only 780 miles on it now - OMG when it hits 1,000 miles, it will be worthless ..........) I had the hood sit up, did not close well, until I noticed (from the factory that way) I had extra weatherstripping sticking out (above the wheel well, where it met the hood) on both sides, it was actually pushing open the side gaps a bit, preventing complete hood closing. A little snip to remove the weatherstrip on each side and TADA my gaps were gone.gap-weatherstrip.jpg

[AviP]

The bumper and headlights seem infinitely adjustable with the shims and all. And yet that's the problem. I feel your pain.

[GTS Dean]

`OK, This is where im at.
Side shot, uneven gap


Side shot, uneven gap

The fascia must pull around and behind the core support. The 8mm (or 10mm?) bolts go thru the fascia and into the core support.


To fix this:


You need to go to the angle bracket in the wheel well and loosen the outboard fasteners. Use your knee to press the corner inward and re-tighten the bolts.

[Fatboy 18]

Thanks for the info, Finished the car about 3hrs ago, going to get a couple of hours sleep now then off to France,
I sprayed up the front of the car today, Not bad from a couple of rattle cans.....Who needs Prefix :

[MuRCieLaGo]

Loving this thread, keep it up!