11 replies to this topic

[colinu]

Over here in the USA panels are about twice the price vs the UK. I will be reskinning my doors soon but would like opinions on which 'brand' to use. What's available to me (e.g. via Minispares US distributor) are Heritage, or Hadrian. Should I consider using the cheaper Hadrian door skins or are they more likely to need an excessive amount of panel beating and fettling compared to the Heritage ones. I don't mind a little beating/fettling (had to do a lot to get my Hadrian rear quarter panels to fit!) - just so as long as it's not in nightmare proportions.

Also, with the door off the car do you have any hints/tips on how to keep the door straight and true while welding the skin on?


Cheers,
Colin.

[Carlos W]

I wonder how this place would compare with P+P?

http://www.minidoor.co.uk/prices.html

[antcole]

Hello mate,

Before you start to strip off the old skin, id make a door shaped brace out of 1" box section and add some diagonal braces in it too, just drill holes in the 4 corners and screw it to the door body. That should keep it rigid enough.

Check this guys webpage -
http://www.b0lus.com...oor_reskin.html

As for skins, ive bought two Magnum skins for mine but not got round to doing them yet..... but from experience, using Magnum panels hasnt impressed me one bit.
Where theyve been welded, they seem to burn through too easily and rust has appeared at the welded area within the same day.... telling me theres a dissimilar metal reaction or somesuch.... whatever, the steel isnt as good a quality as the Heritage stuff.
I strongly recommend Heritage panels, its definitely worth the extra money 100%

M.Machine might do them too but they supply Heritage along with their own panels.
M.Machine panels are supreme quality steel but not coated, so need a primer pretty quickly.

[colinu]

Antcole - thanks for that link. Doesn't look too difficult a task. M-Machine panels would be a good choice but I'm guessing shipping would not make it economical (same goes for reskinned doors shipped from UK).
So it sounds like your opinion is Heritage are worth the extra money (i.e. Hadrian ones are maybe false economy?).

Edited by colinu, 20 January 2013 - 05:49 AM.

[skoughi]

I put heritage ones on my mini and they were perfect, will require hardly any filler. I only welded them on at the top where they meet the window frame. I used adhesive between the skin and frame.

[Midas Mk1]

I had pattern skins fitted by a 'so called' professional... Getting heritage skins in 10-12 months

[Tamworthbay]

Heritage all the way if you afford to. Hadrian are better than some pattern, but heritage take less fiddling to get right.

[The Principal]

Heritage all the way, I used a thick piece of foam to rest the skin upon then gently formed the lip over with a panel beating hammer. Don't be tempted to squeeze the lip tight with mole grips etc. Once the lip is formed secure with some welds then seal with seam-sealer. No filler needed

[colinu]

Heritage it is then!

[blacktulip]

i think seen as you are far away i would be buying the heritage ones as you dont want problems.

[black olive]

Heritage. Ill post some pics of my reskin shortly :)

[sonikk4]

I've just reskinned three doors with Magnum door skins. Now they are not the best but they do work, however I've fitted heritage skins to my lads Project Erm and i have got them for Paddy when i do him.

The skin is a better finish and thicker steel as well. The E coat is spot on as well. The biggest thing with re skinning is if there is any rust what so ever on any of the flanges then replace the flange. Don't be tempted to media blast the flanges although any other area of the door frame i would do. If you have a look at the Red One link below you will see what i mean about rust and rusty flanges.

I also seriously modified the doors on Project Erm to get perfect gaps by adding welding filler rods to the door edges.