MGB patch panels?

[J Man]

I picked up a MGB GT and it needs a few patches, any recommendations of where to do my shopping?  Thanks

[bplus]

Bought some from Moss a few years back, they fit very nicely, if
you're talking the usual lowers.

[J Man]

So far yes.

[rficalora]

When you call places to inquire ask whether their panels are the black british motor heritage or redish other brand.  I used the red ones for mine & they're typically a little less expensive, but I've read posts from a bunch of folks who say the black bmh ones are a bitter fit so require less work for a good job.

[bplus]

Spot on Rob, mine were black

[Moderator]

IMHO, the "Made-in-England" panels are definitely preferable. Rather than just going by what color they're painted, it might be helpful (or interesting) to know a bit about who makes and distributes them. Here's an article about the distributor: <a href="http://www.britishv8.org/Articles/BritishMotorHeritage-Intro.htm">British Motor Heritage</a>

And here's a paragraph from deep inside that article about who actually makes the patch panels:

What if you only need a patch panel? British Motor Heritage is also the exclusive distributor of the UK-made "Steelcraft" range. What's the difference? The Steelcraft brand is known for economical patch panels that can be welded into larger assemblies for rust repair, etc. Steelcraft parts are manufactured in the UK by Taylor Pressform Ltd. Production started in 1974, and about 400 different parts are currently produced. How can the number be that large? For one thing, Steelcraft also makes a lot of simple and less cosmetically important stampings (such as the backing plate for MGB front disc brakes.) Please note that Steelcraft parts are NOT made on original factory/production tooling. Steelcraft parts are clearly labeled "Steelcraft".

[J Man]

So who actually sells these higher quality patches (other than Moss)? The sources I was finding were for the whole panel and I have a hard time justifying the cost of a $600+ 1/4 panel on a $400 car when I only need the bottom/front 4" of it.

[Moderator]

Moss would be my first choice... but for patch panels (and for Heritage bodyshells) I think "The Roadster Factory" might be the best bet.  They list and illustrate the patch panels in their catalog.

[MGBV8]

How about these?

http://www.mgexperience.net/phorum/read.php?42,1511588

[J Man]

Bringing this back up, Do the American companies that sell patches (Moss, Roadster Factory, etc.) actually keep them in stock or would I have to wait for them to be shipped over from England?

[rficalora]

The almost always have the rust repair panels in stock.

[Bill Young]

Jason, also don't forget that many patches are small enough to form yourself if there aren't any complicaterd compound curves or flanges on them. It may be best to replace the whole area, but not absolutely necessary if the rust hasn't spread too far and can be chemically treated so that it won't reappear. On my MGA I used some aftermarket repair panels but also formed a lot of the smaller areas myself and saved quite a bit.

[classic conversions]

After I saw the prices of the replacement panels I decided to make my own. As per Bill you can do your own panel, even if they have complex curves, trust it can be done.

I could not find any inner fender panels to plug the holes where the headers exit in my GT so I made my own using 22 gauge sheet metal. These pieces have some compound curves (yes keep it clean Jason)
see the pictures

[classic conversions]

This piece was the most difficult, about 2 hours including the welding. The repair was to replace a bad and quick repair when the car was a racing GT

Just take your time to make the pieces.