Body Panels and a jig

[Beaker]

For the restoration of George, I have accumalated some panels over the past year. These include full rear quarter panels including supension mount and a front panel assembly (the same as this http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&category=27376&item=2488867272&rd=1&ssPageName=WDVW) and possibly a rear end panel if we can afford it (see attached picture).

Now not having much experience of bodywork, what can you cut out and replace with out the car going skewiff, i.e without needing a jig? Also are there any unforseen complications with these panels, other than unpicking the spot welds, and welding the new panels in?

[MGTurbo]

It will be obvious when you get the panel, how it all fits together, its literally spot welds. You wont need a jog, thats omly needed for supporting the chassis and pulling out bent chassis rails for example.

Gareth

[Beaker]

Cheers for that, wasn't sure if one was needed or not. Was worried that if you take out too many panels, the structure would lose it's shape. But then only one will be coming out at a time. Lets hope Dan's welding is up to scratch ;) as mine is a rather blobby affair.

Looking fwd to nee naw nee naw in a few years time :D

[D87 SMW]

Looking fwd to nee naw nee naw in a few years time :D

Nice to hear that George is being restored. :thumbup:

Perhaps the Club could look into making a short video clip of a Maestro/Montego car chase using the Police car and several other members cars, in the future? *Nee naw nee naw* ;) :laugh: :cool:


(This does not condone the use of excess-speed!)

[E_T_V]

Excess speed isn't currently possible really in him. Mind you I did achieve 100mph in him today :o :nonono: I know.

[Jack]

If other parts of the car are weak due to rust and you are replacing a panel which is structural, you may need to weld in some bracing tube or RHS to hold the shell in shape while you remove and replace panels. They just need tak-welding in for support. Once done you can remove the bracing and grind off the tac-welds for paint.

I failed to do this some years ago restoring a Morris Minor and after replacing the sills, one at a time, the whole body sagged and the doors didn't line up very well. :worried:

You have been warned!

[MaestroMatt]

Perhaps the Club could look into making a short video clip of a Maestro/Montego car chase using the Police car and several other members cars, in the future? *Nee naw nee naw*

In a Keystone cops kind of way in black and white with speeded up grainy video. Would be very amusing.