Tips On Replacing Front Panel And Inner Wings

[DanRM 0 1 Cars]

Over the last few weeks I've been getting stuck in with restoring my 205, I've been meaning to right up a project thread when I get a bit more time. I'm nearing the time where I will be welding in a new inner wing, i've cut it out from the spot welds by the suspension column down to the front panel which has already been removed. And I will have to replace a thin strip along the outer part of the wing where it is spot welded to the sides. Then on the drivers side inner wing I'll have to cut an L shape down the corner and across the front.

 

A bloke from the local garage called by and suggested bracing the front end up to stop it distorting or being out of align once its welded as its currently just a bare shell on axle stands. Is this necessary? my plan was to bolt on the front panel whilst welding the wing in so i got the sides pulled into the right place.

 

As it sounds I've no experience in body work but im working on my welding with 1mm steel and would like to have a go repairing all this myself so any tips replacing any of these sections would be great

 

Cheers

Dan

 

[Tom Fenton 1,542]

I would not worry too much about bracing it, the bits you are doing are just panelwork really, all the strength is in the chassis legs.

 

Best advice I can give you is to get hold of a spot welder when putting the new front panel on. Makes a very tidy and neat job, not to mention far quicker than plug welding it on.

 

Finally I'd recommend thicker than 1mm. Try 1.6mm sheet.

[Supersport2 12 1 Cars]

See if anyone has broken a 205 and see if you can get the original panels from it. Better than making your own. Just unpick the spot welds.

[mowflow 67]

I did the same repairs on mine. I had never welded before. I'm happy with how it turned out but feel I was just getting half decent at welding by the time I got to the last panel. As a result I spent a hell of a long time grinding back, welding, grinding back....

 

It was very rewarding, a new skill which I actually enjoy doing.

 

If you have look for my project thread you'll see how I got on. I would link it but I'm on my phone which is useless. The thread is idiot 205 destruction or something like that.

[DanRM 0 1 Cars]

Thanks for the replies, i'll keep those in mind. I have been asking around for a spot welder but no one round by me seems to have one. Also out of curiosity the other night i lined up my new front panel (ECP) to see how it looked. Only the passenger chassis arm didnt line up with its whole by 3-4mm, I presumed its the way I got the car stood, although its on a flat surface with matching stands. So Im hoping by putting the subframe back on will pull it all back in to where it should be

 

Dan

[Juttie205 123 2 Cars]

you may have to take front panel apart to get it to line up as the oattern ones are not a 100% perfect fit.

[mowflow 67]

Yeah, I had to take my replacement pattern part front panel apart to fit it. I had to drill out the spot welds for the centre section so I could fit either side properly then re weld the bottom centre section onto either side.

 

The car was on stands on a flat surface without the subframe. I fitted the bonnet to see if everything still lined up, it all seemed ok and the radiator fit perfect. Pattern slam panel isn't a great fit but I read that they can be a bit hit or miss so need to try the original. Subframe has since been refitted and fits perfect. I'm guessing I'm going to have some iffy panel gaps and headlight alignment when it's all done. Hopefully I can adjust it until I'm happy.