I will be starting some body work on a few vehicles...they all have their own problems.
Looking for some advice when aligning panels.
Where do you start?
I have to replace a couple doors.
The same car has a fiberglass hood that doesn't fit perfect.
It fits perfect front to back,but is raised in the back half on both sides to the windshield...where it meets the front fenders.
Do I raise the fenders to meet the hood? or adjust the bumpers to lower the hood?
The original hood fit well,but is rusted badly...Maybe I should should just refinish the original?
Another vehicle is in primer and straight,but the door gaps are incorrect.
The doors close perfectly,but rub the back window glass,and the fender gaps are large.
Do I adjust the door or fender first?
If you body guys were starting with a car with all new panels..where would you start?
Thanks so much.

 

Get your doors set right first. Then rear of fender to front of door gap, make sure hood is centered and then adjust hinges to pull hood all the way down in the back. they set fender heights with hood and body lines. Once the correct fender to door vertical gap is set even and the hood runs parallel along the fenders tighten core support bolts. Double check bumper alignment, shim for even panel transition, and cinch everything down.