2 replies to this topic

[LiamBendell]

There are many different shops on the net which sell replacement panels. I was wondering if anyone could give me some good advice on the best places or sites that you have brought panels from.

Was the panel Genuine?
Did it fit or need trimming?
Value for money?
Delivery costs. Where they reasonable?


Thanks

[robtheplod]

You'll get lots of personal opinions when it comes to panels. I'm of the sort that always buy genuine as they fit better and tend to be better quality, and I always buy panels from Somerford as they are a good price and usually have stock (genuine panels always tend to be a similar cost regardless of supplier). You may also get a better resale value if you have used genuine panels.

Edited by robtheplod, 11 January 2010 - 07:01 PM.

[crispdust]

I've searched for the same myself and as robtheplod says it seems to be down to personal opinion.

I have a mate ho works on other classic cars and believes that some of the new genuine panels can be a bit dodgy. He suspects that over the years the tools have worn and are not being re-furbished, or that the cars may be a bit out and so all panels need fettling. Even so he still uses genuine as they are usually better than copy, and it's better for re-sale.

I think I'm going to go genuine on exterior panels, and chose cheaper on hidden stuff (boot floor and so on). (I don't have bottomless pockets)

I've seen mixed reviews on Hadrian panels. Perhaps some reproduction panels are a better fit than others? Is there any way of setting up a spread sheet like the recent mig welding gas prices one. People could gradually fill it out with comments on fit, and adjustments needed?