In case anyone is interested I've just rang LMC Hadrian and asked about their Minor panels.
Most of the current catalogue is made in the UK although a few are sourced from EU manufactuers - mainly on in Holland.
They state catagorically they sell no Sri Lankan manufactured items as they know the quality is (to quote them) "rubbish".
I'm only passing on what they said so don't shoot me if you don't agree
LMC Hadrian panels have been pretty good- well the ones I've used have. Never tried any "other" panels, apart from the excellent ESM badged rear chassis legs.
Ooops - I phrased it wrong !
I didn't mean it as a critism of Sri Lankan panels as I've never seen or used them so cann't comment but rather confirming that Hadrian items are still (mainly) British made.
And I asked them a few weeks ago about LCV chassis'. They had none in stock and no plans to make any more. Further questions about minimum order numbers etc were ignored......
Holland? I wonder where then... I always had to source my panels from the UK or Denmark
Onne van der S. MMOCno 60520 Moderator
2dr 1971 White DAF 55 (with hopefully a 1600cc engine soon)
2dr 1973 Bergina (DAF 44)
2dr Estate 1975 DAF 46 in red
2dr saloon 1972 DAF 44 in Mimosa
Onne van der S. MMOCno 60520 Moderator
2dr 1971 White DAF 55 (with hopefully a 1600cc engine soon)
2dr 1973 Bergina (DAF 44)
2dr Estate 1975 DAF 46 in red
2dr saloon 1972 DAF 44 in Mimosa
So they didnt mention the 'made in Taiwan' wings and front panels then? They dont try to hide it, as all the panels come with a discrete sticker saying so. Seem quite well finished off, and they're certainly cheap enough...
cheers
Iain
Fairmile Restorations.
'49 MM, '53 convertible, '55 van, and a '64 van.
Marina p.u., '56 Morris Isis Traveller, a '59 Morris JB van, a'66 J4 van, a '54 Land Rover, Land Rover 130, Renault 5, '36Railton, '35 Hudson, a Mk1 Transit and a Sherpa Camper...
A car can be restored at any time, but is only original once!
IaininTenbury wrote:So they didnt mention the 'made in Taiwan' wings and front panels then? They dont try to hide it, as all the panels come with a discrete sticker saying so. Seem quite well finished off, and they're certainly cheap enough...
I only asked about Sri Lanka and they offered the fact they source some from Europe.
It's a long time since I left school but didn't know Taiwan was in Europe
Actually I don't have a problem with panels made anywhere as long as good quality.
Taiwan produces a lot of the electronics we now use everyday such as computers so them making panels isn't looked upon as anything negative by me as they have a track record of being able to manufacture to a quality standard.
"Being able" however doesn't mean they automaticaly are good but rather they can make good items - if you understand what I mean.
I think even mainland China might be capable of producing quality panels if they ever ventured into that market.
I do agree. I think a nicely finished off minor front wing for under £50 is excellent value. Ok, they need a bit of tweaking around the headlamp/bonnet shut area to get a good panle gap, but they do keep so many everyday (and show) minors on the road. Not everyone can afford nearly £100 for a Heritage wing, nice items though they are. If you add labour costs into it, fitting a pattern wing can cost nearly as much as a Heritage wing but if you do it yourself its a good saving.
Wonder how many Morris Minors there are in Taiwan....!
cheers
Iain
Fairmile Restorations.
'49 MM, '53 convertible, '55 van, and a '64 van.
Marina p.u., '56 Morris Isis Traveller, a '59 Morris JB van, a'66 J4 van, a '54 Land Rover, Land Rover 130, Renault 5, '36Railton, '35 Hudson, a Mk1 Transit and a Sherpa Camper...
A car can be restored at any time, but is only original once!
LMC panels are generally very good when they decide to produce themand good value. Re Heritage wings, I cannot see that they have any quality control at all, as they are generally worse than the old Veng copies, and to charge what they do (don't get me started)