When there's no panels available you have to make your own..

Primaveppy · #1 05-14-2015, 06:24 AM

Hi,

I drive a 1958 Austin A55 Cambridge as my daily driver here in the UK. The journey to work is not far but it's nice to do it in style. As you can imagine my car requires a bit more attention than a modern. The engine and runnung gear are mechanically sorted and parts are avaialble from MG and Healey specialists. The bodywork however is a completely different matter. 50's British cars and UK weather don't go well together. Rust is a major issue and I don't like to take my car off the road for any length of time because I fear it will stay off the road. My motivation to get to work on a Monday is what drives me to plan and finish jobs!

Unfortunately the outer body panels are in need of repair. I restored one front wing (fender) a few years ago but the other side, rear wings and boot (trunk) lid all need work. Panels are extremely rare as my model was only in production from 1957 - 1959. I have managed to get some second hand rear wings and a boot lid but all are rusty and need work (but not on the car so I can still get to work!!). I can weld and have some rudimentary panel beating skills but want to learn and be inspired to do more. That is why I want to join your forum. By the end of the summer I hope to have completed the rear end repairs on the car and have learned a lot in the process.

I have restored a Vespa scooter in the past that I now drive on sunny days and I have an old Fiat in the garage too... But that's another story.

Jeremy Bradley

Z5Roadster · #2 05-14-2015, 03:51 PM

Hi Jeremy, welcome to the forum, sounds like you have a long term investment of time on your hands. might I suggest you give Geoff Moss a ring down in Liskeard, google MPH Motor Panels. You will probably learn more in a couple of days than you could teach yourself in a year. Good Luck.

Maxakarudy · #3 05-15-2015, 01:49 AM

Hi Jeremy,
The pro's will use the rusty panel as a pattern and make an outer skin touch as close as possible to the original part, then cut out the rusty section and weld it in.
If you haven't got David Gardiner's DVD, I would recommend you do, its less than £40 and the best money you will spend imo, this the link www.metalshapingzone.com.
David shows how to make repair sections, welding advise and metal shaping techniques.
Good luck