16 replies to this topic

[dpoints]

Hi again - I'm making progress, just don't know if its good or bad........

I started with the front drivers floor, chopping it out and repairing the mid cross member in the process with section sourced from mini spares.

I then decided to replace the inner A pillar, before purchasing a complete inner wing, flitch and A pillar.

I created a jig with nuts and bolts  to get the correct location before chopping the old crusty A pillar out. Now the problem starts.

The a pillar holes line up to the jig I made, but the holes in the inner sing are out of alignment for the top shock absorber bracket. I used a heritage panel, and was expecting it to just fall into place. Am I being naive?

With some muscle I can get the top holes to just about align. How much fettling should I do - it feels like the bend in the panel is not enough and as such, if it was bent more, then the shock absorber bracket would be pulled into the correct position. Any advice?

Thanks

[stuart bowes]

I'd probably want to put the A pillar in with the door as a 'jig' using wedges and ratchet straps etc to maintain all the door gaps.  use shims + spacers to get the best fit and mark up or measure those shims for info for final fitting later

 

when you know at least it's possible to get the door fitted right later on, you can look at where it isn't fitting.  

 

the holes for the shock mount can easily be welded in and re-drilled from the back side but the alignment of that post can't really be changed once its in

Edited by stuart bowes, 13 April 2026 - 12:20 PM.