mk1-forum.net

Ahoy, sailors!

Buy cheap, buy twice.
I fitted a repair panel as a replacement of the centre section of the door steps of my Inno Cooper. The said panel was of utmost shite shape, with none of the "steps" in the right place and the edges being generously radiused instead of sharp.
After much panel beating, fiddling and swearing I have now finally realised this is never going to be arepair to my standards.

So back to square 1 and hence my question:
What is the best Mk3 door step repair panel, that is not an entire side panel? It should show edgy edges and have the correct Mk3 form.

Your professional opinion and where best to buy recommendations would be greatly appreciated. Ta!

Have to agree with you on the shape of these panels...even the heritage item is still incorrect. I know there are plenty of excuses as to why ....old jigs...worn jigs etc. However, in this day and age...you would think they could make these fit better
You CAN make them fit....however, a lot of forming...beating etc....BTW, it is the same for MK1/2.....just not the right shape.

There used to be a really good door step repair panel available from austin rover dealers back in the 80's and 90's, and it was the correct profile. It was just the straight section, no curves at either end.
I bought the currently available step/ lower quarter panel repair panel from minispares and the step profile was appalling. I ended up making my own repair section, shaping it using some angle iron clamped in the vice.

On something nice I buy the Heritage A post/door step panel HMP441012 HMP441013 and cut what I need out of it. The step profile is about as good as you’ll find without digging up a NOS panel.