Repair panel fit issues - acceptable or not?

[tdskip]

Hi guys - so I got these TR4 fender bottom patch panels today and I'm not sure they are usable.

The profile does not look close to the originals and I'm not sure if I should be expecting to have to bend them or if the panel is just not stamped correctly.

 

[TR4nut]

I'm not sure the source of your panels, but I saw a patched version (Rimmer?) when I was living in the UK and it didn't look bad - I suspect there is a bunch of mandatory tweaking involved to get everything to match up nicely.

Just curious, but I see dents but no rust on those snapshots - is it impossible to repair what you have in hand without the patching, or at least cut out smaller patches using the repair panel as a start?

Randy

 

[YankeeTR]

Those panels are pretty much hand made and they do require a fair amount of tweaking (welding, cutting, bending and the like)...

It's usually easier to repair the original parts than to buy these poorly made patch panels...

 

[tdskip]

Thanks for the info guys.

It is hard to tell from the pictures but the bottom of the fender has some additional rot that is hidden from the camera. From you post though it sounds like I should take another hard look at patching...

 

[TRDejaVu]

I had mine made locally by a body guy and they came out quite good. Alternatively, the rocker panel looks to be the same profile as the bottom of the fender and I believe that some people have cut replacement ones up and used them instead of the patch panel. That is OK if the original front curve is still solid.

 

[tdskip]

Interesting idea on the rocker panel Ian...

I have a replacement rocker and I'll have to check and see if the profile matches...

 

[TRDejaVu]

Don't get me wrong, I'm not suggesting that is my idea, just passing it along.

 

[tdskip]

No worries Ian - I know my mileage may vary.

 

[DNK]

Nice Sox

 

[tdskip]

Nice Sox

I thought the camera strap was the best part of the picture myself actually. LOL

 

[DNK]

Is that what that was. Thought it was some kind of fiberglass repaired panel coming undone.

 

[DougF]

Yes, I would have to agree. Nice Sox Champ!

 

[KVH]

Interesting panels. They look close to me.

When installing, how do you finish that panel seam? Filler? Welding?

Thanks.

 

[PeterK]

The edge of the panel is flanged to sit behind the cut line on the fender, then finished with frosting. Or it can be cut off and butt welded.