TR2/3/3A 1960 TR3 A More body panel assembly questions.

[Tinkerman]

Well, I took a whack at body panel assembly by starting at the rear and moving forward. A big mistake. I am now ready for more direction from those that have been there.
I have at this point the right rear fender on, but that can be removed if need be. The bonnet is in place, hinges attached and snugged down. Am going to un-snug them tomorrow. What order of assembly should I be following at this point. I can go any number of paths but I am tired of do-overs! Installing the doors at this time has some measure of appeal to me but would I be just asking for more do-overs?
By the way I cannot provide you with any pictures, sigh. My picture taker is out of action. Hope to get it back in business soon.

Any how, any and all suggestions, cautions and thoughts greatly appreciated.

Thanks, Tinkerman

 

[RandyInUtah]

Tinkerman all I can say is take your time and don't worry about do-overs. I'm at the stage where I am ready for the final sanding before the first top coat and I cant tell you how many times I have had the doors off and on as well as the front and rear wings. Had all of the panels off and on several time and each time made small adjustment to the fit. This is the part of auto restoration that I enjoy, trying to make it the best that I can. My advice to you is take your time and try to enjoy the process of putting a great car back on the road.

 

[TomMull]

+1 for RandyInUtah. Welcome to the forum, Randy. Tom

 

[Kleykamp]

Dick, I'm not sure what you are trying to accomplish at this point, if your parts are painted and going for final assy or just fitting parts to "try em out". Your comment about door having some appeal at this time would lead to a do over. There is a row of bolts down the hinge pillar that are much more accessible with the doors off. Here's the order I've used.
1) rear fenders 2) front apron 3) front fenders 4) doors 5) hood 6) trunk. This is all assuming that you have the chassis complete and the body tub installed. Any one of the panels can be removed or installed independent of the others, but this gives you the best access to the bolts during assy. It can also be done by one person, but I highly recommend a second set of hands...especially if you are assembling finished painted parts. All should be assembled loosely until the fender bead is installed. Don't sweat the do overs. You've been working on the car forever, so a couple of do overs won't break the bank. As the others have said: enjoy seeing the car come together as a car again. Good to see you are still at it.
Joe

 

[charleyf]

[QUOTE=Kleykamp;101 There is a row of bolts down the hinge pillar that are much more accessible with the doors off. ))

My experience is that those bolts that hold the rear of the front fender on are NOT possible to remove or install with the door in place. Maybe somebody else has better acrobatic skills that allows them to do it.
Charley

 

[Kleykamp]

My experience is that ANYTHING is possible, just not always practical, You're right Charley....it certainly would not be practical.