The important safety panels on the upper bodyshell are the front and rear bumpers and all four wings, which act as crunch/impact zones. It may be necessary to replace rusted out wings, which have to be taken off when extensive inner-wing restoration is carried out.

Doors rust out when the drain holes at the bottom become blocked. Internal corrosion develops and rust eats through the lower face. This is a low structural priority, as long as the door opens and shuts safely. The appearance can always be improved by the use of filler and a spray can

It is a mistake to pay a coachworks to re-spray a panel that is already a bit rusty because however lovely it may look when it's finished the reality is that within months the rust will be bubbling through

The time to use professional help is when the panel has ended its useful life and has to be replaced. However, as long as you understand this principle, we are prepared to quote for a cosmetic respray. This will make the car generally brighter and even in colour.

The cost of wings, doors and a full trim for a Minor bodyshell amounts to over £1700. Labour to fit, prepare and paint the car is 80 - 100 hours. Clearly, a good example may need only a few parts replaced and cost under £1500, a full rebuild a bit over £3000. These figures appear high but remember the owner of a new or second hand car can lose over £1000 or more per year in financial depreciation and that's not counting free UK Road Tax!

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