Post by clydepaddler on Mar 14, 2015 19:17:05 GMT 1
Twice now I have had no luck sourcing panels for my cars. Was fitting a factory recon engine ( too good a price to ignore as I had snapped a glow plug in mine) to my astra mk 3 estate 1.7td Isuzu. I decided to plate the top of the suspension turrets which were a bit bubbly looking. No one could help including vauxhall garages With repair section. Second one was two weeks ago. Pug 106 1.5 which must have one of best small non turbo diesel engines fitted. It failed on corrosion n/s inner and outer sill. Although I could have bodged it, to weld properly, I removed fuel tank. Very easy. When I investigated the outer sill it really needed repair from wheel arch to door ( 3 door) I'll order a full sill. Like the Astra, not a chance, not even from Peugeot. In both cases I made the panels myself, but got thinking. The Astra is 20 years old. The 106 2 years younger. The Astra probably would have passed a few more mot's unplated. Is it because bodywork is lasting longer that there is no call for panels after a model has reached its write off age? I well remember buying an Austin 1100, 10 years old that opened up between the bulkheadand floor pan. Sills rotted too. Both available from stock
