gap between body and headlight rim

[64studeavanti]

As the title indicates, I am looking for info on the gap between the body and headlight rim for a 64 square enclosure. 

The Avanti I am working on has had repairs and I would like to make sure that I repair it correctly before new paint.

Thanks

[mfg]

(Square light)… top dead center gap between chrome outer rim and fiberglass body… 3/16”

Gap between middle of chrome outer rim (next to Avanti logo) and fiberglass body …1/4”

[64studeavanti]

thanks, I thought it would be a narrower gap and the same all around.

[mfg]

36 minutes ago, 64studeavanti said:

thanks, I thought it would be a narrower gap and the same all around.

No problem.. but I don’t see this as really a ‘precision’ fit… The body clips themselves can be moved around slightly…. So, in my opinion, if it looks right to the eye when you stand back… Go with it!

[64studeavanti]

My concern is that I have 3 square headlight Avantis. Two 64s and a 78. all measure differently, and it  looks like all have had work done to that area of the body. The parking lights fit snug against the body on all 3, so I assumed the headlight gap should be narrow as well. As you indicate, not likely a precision fit.

[Gunslinger]

Fiberglass isn’t like sheet metal…it has to be cured before use and different batches of fiberglass taken from possibly different molds may cure at different rates…allowing for slightly different tolerances.  
 

Avanti Motors had a reputation for taking the time for getting things right…at least while Nate Altman was in charge…QC allegedly started a downward slide after his death.  Considering the pressures to produce cars Studebaker was under I doubt if anyone on the assembly line was going for perfection.