Spare Parts

[graydan]

Hi all. I have just recently bought a 1970 Morris Minor 1000 to restore. The car is an ex panda car and I am wanting to restore this back to a Police Car.

My first question is does any one know where I can source reasonable priced parts from, by this I mean reasonably priced body repair panels. I have seen a few and they do seem to be quite pricy. I am firstly In need of the rear inner wheel arches.

Secondly, if anyone does have any advice, tips etc that they could give me, I would be very grateful indeed. This is my first restoration so any info, advice and tips would be very welcomed.

Thanks

[MarkyB]

Some pictures of the rot would help.
Have a look at some of the restoration threads on here to see what can be done.
You don't have to always buy replacement panels, many repairs are done with sheets steel, cornflake box (for templates) and hammers.

[graydan]

Thanks for your advice. I will post some pics up soon.

[Matt]

I don't think the panels are particularly expensive, no more than you would expect for a panel for a ~15 year old car/van anyway!

[MarkyB]

True but it doesn't half start to mount up if you need a few!

Rear Inner Wing Repair Panel (Rear End) L/H LMC Hadrian UK Made £27.95

Rear Inner Wing-Full L/H UK Made £79.00

[Matt]

Which is the same with any car, and why older cars tend to be written off after a very minor accident.

[C.J.]

Don't get a Fiesta mk1 then is all I can say.

Tatty 2 nd hand f/n/wing at a show recently was up for an asking price of £200!
Most other panels are no longer available, and don't even think about purchasing interior trim, 'cus the answer will invariably be "no chance".

We're very lucky with the moggies having such a wide range of parts readily available and at reasonable cost too.

[bmcecosse]

Minor spare parts and panels are an absolute BARGAIN compared to anything modern...... Ok - they don't always fit very well, and some may be a bit thin - but at least they are available.

[graydan]

What advice could someone give me about my boot floor. There rear of the boot floor (behind the rear bumper) has gone through. I have started to cut the rotten metal out. Could someone advise me if it's best to make a new section for this or to try and source a repair panel?

See attached pic.

Cheers[frame][/frame]

[bmcecosse]

You will need replacement panels for this - unless you have equipment to make and shape metal sheet. With this amount of corrosion here (the 'chassis' legs and inner wings will be gone too....) have you thoroughly surveyed the WHOLE CAR before starting any work? You may as well be aware of all the problems now - no point doing a load of work, and then finding other work required - making the resto uneconomic.......