Plastic body panels. Really??

[slorocco]

So, here my question. Anyone use them? If so what are your thoughts on them? I've got a SerIII 88 in need of some body work due to a 16 year old driver running into the truck. Insurance is paying for it but the only thing they find available new is the ABS plastic ones offered by our hosts.

What would you do? Go with the plastic or find a used aluminium piece? This is for the left front wing skin.

[I Leak Oil]

I bought an ABS left front outer wing from the UK to replace one that a tree jumped out in front of. It seems to be of decent quality for what it is. I was concerned about the paint adhesion in the cold weather but after talking to a paint guru the plasisizers (sp) that they can add will make it a non issue.
I couldn't bring myself to hang the plastic on it so I picked up a decent used, original piece that I have to do a little work to.
The dent is growing on me though.....

Have them give you the money and find a good used one.

[disco2hse]

Get a quote from a panel beater for full repair and omit specifics. Generally, insurers won't want to pay for second hand parts, but what they don't know won't hurt them.

[CRiordan01]

Is anyone making new aluminum panels for Series trucks? I would think there is a small, but eager, market for them...

[RNZack]

What panel are you looking for?

[knac1234]

slorocco,

PM sent.
Julian

[slorocco]

What panel are you looking for?

Left side outer wing skin is what's needed. I do have a quote on a used birmabright part.

[RNZack]

Ahh I see. Unfortunately we'd only have the right hand side wing assembly, http://www.roversnorth.com/p-16538-w...s-iia-iii.aspx
I've heard people liking the plastic pieces, but I can absolutely see why you wouldn't want to go plastic.

[Les Parker]

RN has tied to procure some hand-built alloy outer wing skins, though the price would have been in the $550.00 region.
Would folks buy them at this price?
The day will soon come when all the good, used front and rear outer panels have been recycled to extinction.

[LaneRover]

I personally would have no problem using plastic wings on a series Rover that isn't meant to be a perfect restoration. I would potentially use them on a daily driver that is nice and pretty original - but not meant to be perfect. A beater - definitely!

[disco2hse]

What kind of plastic is it? Will it flex and buckle or bend and split. Can it be welded? Will it tear?

[RNZack]

I would not recommend holding a welding torch up to any plastic...

[SafeAirOne]

I would not recommend holding a welding torch up to any plastic...

Plastic Welding (one method):

[disco2hse]

Indeed. Welding broken plastic items is a reasonably well known means of repair, especially on high density plastics used in the marine industry.

[thixon]

Les,
I assume the $550 is the price you'd charge? That means you found someone willing to hand build the panels for less than that number? I'm surprised by this. I wouldn't do it for that. In fact, before I built a buck and beat one out myself I'd probably (note the probably) be willing to pay that if I really needed one. If someone came to me asking for me to make one, I'd charge them much more than that personally.

RN has tied to procure some hand-built alloy outer wing skins, though the price would have been in the $550.00 region.
Would folks buy them at this price?
The day will soon come when all the good, used front and rear outer panels have been recycled to extinction.