A Pillar Installation

[Greenflan2]

Initially I purchased USA made kick panels and A pillars (1-piece) from a well known parts retailer. They were galvanized or galvaneal or something, looked like good quality parts but I couldn't get anything close, even with a lot of manipulation. So after much frustration I gave up and ordered kick panels and A pillars from another vender and different manufacturer (kickpanels are DC and the A pillars are Dynacorn). What a world of difference, I'm finally getting things close, the second set of parts certainly wasn't perfect but so much better. After attaching the hinge post side of the A pillar to the kickpanel with screws and then fitting the door, the gaps are finally starting to line up. One area that will require manipulation is attaching the A pillar brace. It's too wide to fit inside the outer lip of the A pillar hinge post like it's supposed to so I'm thinking I'll have to trim the outside edge. Im curious if anyone else has had this issue and how they resolved it. Also wanted to post my experience with the USA made parts in case anyone else is about to dive into this project. I did a lot of research on here and elsewhere before buying and didn't see anything specific on the various manufacturers (I totally understand why) other than some comments saying the two piece A pillars were the way to go, and they all need some manipulation to fit properly, both of which are true. Want to be clear that my intention is not to be negative towards any manufacturer or retailer, just want to post some honest feedback that can hopefully help someone avoid what I went through.

 

[ngsd]

I have done a few now and every one has been different. It seems like the consensus is that they all need massaging to a degree.

 

[Rustytruck]

are the aftermarket lift off hinges complicating the issues?

 

[Greenflan2]

I have done a few now and every one has been different. It seems like the consensus is that they all need massaging to a degree.

I think you are correct in that they are all a little different. Some tweaking of new sheet metal parts should always be expected, but at a certain point it gets ridiculous. What's the point of buying a new part if you have to mangle it beyond recognition just to get it to fit properly? I guess I wasn't expecting such a big difference in fit quality between two manufacturers with all the builds being done these days, but live and learn.

 

[Greenflan2]

are the aftermarket lift off hinges complicating the issues?

That is a good point and certainly could be part of the issue but I don't think it is the bulk of the problem. I was careful in my deconstruction to keep the old kick panel and A pillar as in tact as possible and the new parts appear to be close but upon careful inspection they are off enough to cause at least some of my problem. The angle of the A pillar based on the way the parts want to line up is off, and the A pillar brace looks like it is a little wider in spots compared to what I took off. At least there is extra material there that can be removed versus not enough, adding to it would be much more difficult.