A method of assembling thin-walled curvilinear components to a bulkhead offers a cost-effective, time-saving process of manufacture. Each component includes a faying edge configured to be aligned with respect to the other. A first component and the bulkhead are preassembled. In one approach, a second component is clamped about the bulkhead for a preassembly measurement of radial gaps between the faying edge of the second component and the bulkhead. An average value of the radial gaps is calculated, and a specific shim thickness corresponding to the calculated average gap value is selected. The second component is unclamped, and a plurality of shims, each having the selected thickness corresponding to the calculated average gap value, is applied about the bulkhead. The second component is then permanently secured to the bulkhead over the shims, with respective faying edges of the first and second components fixed in radial alignment with each other.