Pattern front panels

Post by **jonathon** » Tue Oct 07, 2008 9:22 pm

We have recently become aware of problems with pattern front panels.The mountings for the 5 bar grill are set too close together and at the incorrect angle and it will not fit. We purchased a replacement panel from the same supplier only to have the same fault. We were assured that this was a one off, but clearly out of 2 purchases it had become a 2 off. Some investigation work with other suppliers revealed that this issue is much more common that we were led to believe.
So my advice is , if ordering a front panel ask the person on the end of the phone to test to see if the 5 bar grill grill fits the exact item you are buying, get this in writing on your invoice, and when you return the product, which you will have to, include a copy of the invoice.
Needless to say I'm not impressed at all especially having prepped, painted and started to fit up the panel, wasting time paint and valuable labour time.

Post by **les** » Tue Oct 07, 2008 9:30 pm

Well the heritage wing I bought recently fits no better than the one I'm replacing, so I'll join you in not being impressed. I'm now beginning to wondering if I have got other issues causing the problem.

Post by **Dean** » Tue Oct 07, 2008 9:52 pm

My concern is if the replacement panel issue isn't sorted then people will simply start breaking good cars for good panels!

Post by **simmitc** » Tue Oct 07, 2008 9:56 pm

A few years ago I bought the 5 bar grill. It was only when I tried to fit it that I realised that the side bars that mounted to the front panel had been welded on upside down

Post by **les** » Tue Oct 07, 2008 10:15 pm

then people will simply start breaking good cars for good panels!

Quite, as you may know from previous posts, I intend to nick the wings from Dennis's car sometime soon.

Post by **aupickup** » Tue Oct 07, 2008 11:41 pm

luckily i am using the origianl one

but again i do have a complete set up front panel nos, which may be for sale, but not cheap

Post by **jonathon** » Tue Oct 07, 2008 11:47 pm

Fortunately I found a stock of Heritage panels, which although showing quite alarming tell tale signs of worn out tooling are perfectly serviceable, and are constructed correctly.

Post by **wibble_puppy** » Wed Oct 08, 2008 9:45 am

aupickup wrote: i do have a complete set up front panel nos, which may be for sale, but not cheap

First refusal, please!

Post by **Mogwai** » Tue Dec 16, 2008 7:00 pm

Due to an accident the other week with a transit

I will be replacing the front of my car soon. Is there still a problem with the front pannels? should I go for a heritage one or would it be best to source good second hand

Post by **jonathon** » Tue Dec 16, 2008 7:08 pm

I doubt very much if all of the [] front panels have been returned. I have not heard whether these are to be or have been rectified or simply relpaced. Before buying an [] fron panel ask if the seller will try a grill panel for correct fit, if they refuse then do not buy it, if they say it does then get them to put this in writing on your invoice.
If you can afford the Heritage panel then this is the one to go for, or as you say go second hand.

[sorry to edit it Jonathon, and please feel free to shout abuse, but the club only allows the site to go on if the rules are followed)

Post by **youngun** » Tue Dec 16, 2008 7:10 pm

les wrote:Well the heritage wing I bought recently fits no better than the one I'm replacing, so I'll join you in not being impressed. I'm now beginning to wondering if I have got other issues causing the problem.

I thought the heritage wings were supposed to be second only to genuine NOS? Is the front panel or grille a pattern part?

yg

Post by **rayofleamington** » Tue Dec 16, 2008 10:22 pm

Sorry to have moderated this thread - I absolutely detest doing so, but I've got my moderator hat on

Supplier complaints are not allowed via the MMOC forum (even when justified and of benefit for people to know) - they can be put on file with the club by mail to Ray Newell etc.. etc..

I've had concern's about this company's panels for a few years and it seems they are getting consistently worse

Anyone who can't guess the name of the producer could always send a PM to find out.

Post by **jonathon** » Tue Dec 16, 2008 10:41 pm

Understand the moderation, sorry. However posting this warning has I hope alerted members and non members to the problem. I feel that sending it 'in' to be filed, would serve no usefull purpose whatsoever, far better to be discreet and warn the majority. I might change this opinion when the MMOC take the 'working party' more seriously.

Post by **Peetee** » Wed Dec 17, 2008 8:06 am

Ray, Can you confirm whether or not the MMOC is actively working to rectify this aparently widespread issue?
It seems to me that if traders are struggling to change things then there is only one, larger organisation that can try.