 | Home > Maintenance & Modifications > Light cosmetic refurb 200tdi hard top - advice |
 
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| CarMan Member Since: 29 Nov 2010 Location: Cotswolds Posts: 1892  
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I have finally decided that I'm going to have to respray in original Arles/Windjammer, so now looking for some panels:
NSF wing outer and top - has anyone used these for the top? I think I can get the wing side panel in metal from my local indi dealer https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/LAND-ROVER-DEFE...1438.l2649 Rear body cappings - the welds on mine are starting to go and may be salvageable by the body shop but thinking I should consider replacing - any recommendations? 2x rear hard top sides. Must be nice and with rear window cut-outs. Local indi has offered me an unmarked pair for £500  Colour unimportant.
The bonnet is very sound apart from the dent, is this fixable by competent body shop or does it need replacing - think I may have a source. I have a good local body shop but not LR specialists - is that a must? Any offers and/or advice much appreciated. I want to dot it right, but not any any cost 
 Click image to enlarge Click image to enlarge Click image to enlarge Rob 1993 200tdi 90 hard-top 1998 300tdi 90 soft-top |
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26th Apr 2019 5:37pm |
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| CarMan Member Since: 29 Nov 2010 Location: Cotswolds Posts: 1892
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Thanks for the reply.
Whilst I totally agree about that auction site, I am reluctant to buy unseen or travel far  The problem with my truck is the panels are really not corroded at all, just some are bent and many that I have seen would not be an improvement, in fact the opposite overall.
I have had those very same thoughts about putting windows in the back for the last two years which would totally fix the problem, but have finally decided I want to keep it as a hardtop. So, I think I'll crack on and start buying the bits before a full respray. What about the original bonnet, which has no rust just a big dent - replace is the only option i guess without a lot of filler? Rob 1993 200tdi 90 hard-top 1998 300tdi 90 soft-top |
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28th Apr 2019 6:45pm |
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| oneten110 Member Since: 02 Jul 2011 Location: Wish I was still in France Posts: 741
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What you really need to find is an old fashioned body repair shoo, or a proper panel beater. I suspect they are thin on the ground these days, but having seen, many years ago, what is possible. I was flat out amazed by what can be beaten back into shape. It is not a Defender, it is a One_Ten
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28th Apr 2019 10:42pm |
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| Grouse Member Since: 16 Apr 2012 Location: on the hill Posts: 533 |
Believe it or not the wing, the bonnet and the top panel can be repaired without filler and just annealing the aluminium and using a reasonable panel beating set. I have repaired far far worse dents than that.
The van side panels are more difficult as they are totally flat, the dents can be beaten out but they will go slightly wavy as the metal has stretched and it’s far more difficult on a totally flat panel. If you want the expensive perfect option get them replaced, if you want to retain the originality of the vehicle and the cheaper option then buy a panel beating set and have a go. You can’t make it any worse, they can be bought for £50 ish on Amazon and sold afterwards. YouTube is a good source of instructional videos. Most of the tapping is done on the outside of the panel using a small hammer with a suitabley shaped dolley on the inside. I have even repaired smaller dents up to the size of around 2” in diameter without damaging the paint, just taking it very very slowly and using small gentle taps with a small curved panel beating hammer and a curved dolly |
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29th Apr 2019 6:45am |
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| gilarion Member Since: 05 Dec 2013 Location: Wales Posts: 5130  
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In the past, I have acquired body panels very reasonably priced from breakers who specialise in Land Rovers, do a quick google to find your nearest salvage/breakers yard who specialise in Defender parts then give them a call with your requirements. For those who like Welsh Mountains and narrow boats have a look at my videos and photos at..
http://www.youtube.com/user/conwy1 |
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29th Apr 2019 1:22pm |
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| boxoftricks Member Since: 06 Feb 2019 Location: Home Counties Posts: 748 
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I'd second that a half decent panel beater would soon get your origonal panels back into shape.
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29th Apr 2019 1:57pm |
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