I've got my pick-up stripped down to start replacing nearly everything, but now I've gotten my drivers side kidney panel out, the replacement won't fit. I drilled the spot-welds out, and it tapped out beautifully, but offering the new one up it seems to be of a different curve where it would attach to the inner arch.
Are there more than one manufacturer of theses panles as the ones I have bought (brand new) seem to not have been stamped, but to have been shaped and half tided with a grinder.
I know panels can be a bad fit etc, but this one is even 10mm too long!
Jordan
Last edited by TEDJordan on Fri Dec 05, 2008 2:55 pm, edited 1 time in total.
I think you will need to make a paper template of the original outside shape and transfer this to the 'new' panel, using the A post side as the datum. Just hope your replacement panel is slightly larger to allow you to do this. I'm sure some of these panel producers have never seen a Minor!
That's disgraceful, it doesn't even look the same! Now you have the original out can you take that to the shop and ask them to see if they have one that's a better match?
My Minor:
A Clarendon Grey 1953 4 Door Series II.
MMOC - 66535
It's probably been made bigger so it can be used on cars with quite extensive rot problem. If you don't need the extra length and/or curve - just trim to suit!
les - thanks for the idea, i don't know why I didnt think of that as its so simple. I'm a machinist/draughtsman and I always look for the most accurate way of solving a problem like this, usually involving alot of measurements etc. Its a simple and effective solution, on my part: DOH!
Guys - at some of the comments!
Funny thing is I bought these of reputable suppliers of minor parts only, and i've found 2 other sites that list them that are reputable minor specialists. I have a feeling they're sri-lanken.
Looking at the new panel again, there is a huge lip on the A-pillar end that the original does not have. I cant imagine what its there for as its more than an extension of the flat next to the holes as it kicks back a couple of degrees??
If I've understood your description correctly, are you sure that the piece you refer to isn't still attached to the car where the door seal clips round?
Lucky I didnt cut the panel, just discovered that the screen rake has been adjusted slightly by a previous owner, and they've sat the A-pillar back too with a dodgy repair. Theres still about 5mm too much length in the panel and its the slightly wrong shape, just have to do.
Why not repair the old panel, is it too far gone? I would have thought its better than putting on that Sri Lankan crap. Which is made up of lots of bits poorly welded together anyway.
at some of the comments! 
no its been adjusted for the T-bar roof that some nut-case has put in