Classic/Antique Car Repair: Door gap on my TR6, rear fenders, rust damage

Question
Hi Howard,
          I recently purchased a 1969 TR6 which I think is in very good condition overall.
What bothers me is the uneven gap between the doors where the front of the rear fenders (WINGS)meet when closed. BOTH SIDES OF CAR HAS GAPS.
I checked the frame closly for rust/damage/repair before buying the car and it looked good.......I even took a Triumph owner with me to check the car out and he said its not a big deal.
Does this gap mean the rear end of the body is sagging.... or is this gap a typical problem with earliar British cars? The gap is quite wide at the top and narrows near the bottom. Any HELP is appreciated!! Do I try re-adjusting the doors first or I heard of "shimming" the body. I paid $6500 for the car and its in great condition...so I thought....or did I make a major mistake?
               Thanks,
                   Dennis


Answer
Hi Dennis,
Try adjusting the door hinges and stricker plate before you attempt to adjust the gap by altering the frame to body mounts. All British cars are noted for having poor fit of gaps. The gaps can usually be minimized with adjustments of the hinges and strickers. The TR-6 is a separate frame and body so some fit better than others but it is much harder to adjust the body than the door. You didn't say how much of a gap there is. As you may have noticed when driving it that it is a very flexable car and you will never get the gaps to match a unit body car. I have Japanese car owners brag to me about their good fitting body panels and I just smile as I know that is all they have to brag about.
HMF