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Roadster side panel shortage

Submitted by nick_ohare on Thu, 10/03/2016
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Commando

I am trying to track down a metal Right Hand side panel for a 1972 Roadster to cover the oil tank.

Turns out that they are made of unobtanium! Andover, RGM, Norvil, eBay, et al do not have them in stock. Andover said that they are finding it hard to get decent manufacturer who can press the corners, which sounds weird!

Any suggestions of places to try or does anyone have one for sale? I can get unfinished GRP ones from RGM but I would prefer steel if possible.

Cheers Nick

Submitted by joe_seifert on Thu, 10/03/2016

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I have about thirty we put in quarantine as they didn't really fit.

Everything can be manufactured, but the Norton market is very price-conscious. Somebody far away can always make stuff cheaper and worse. And somebody will no doubt then sell it as "Made in England"....

Which is why I am reluctant to invest in a part that can easily be made, and is being made, though badly, elsewhere.

Submitted by nick_ohare on Fri, 11/03/2016

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Hi Joe,

Thanks for the info. I went to Andover first as I already bought a left and side panel from you which is perfect and very well made. I didnt get the RH one at the time as I thought I had one already. Turns out it was another LH one. (getting old really sucks!)

You are right not to sell ones that dont fit but as far as I am concerned I am happy to pay extra for quality. I am going to have it for the foreseeable future so do it right and do it once is my philosophy.

Can I add that your staff are very helpful and very knowledgeable and a pleasure to deal with. Andover is always my first choice for spare parts and I have nothing but admiration for how you operate and the quality of your service.

Dont let the cheapskates put you off and keep up the good work. In the meantime I am still in the market for a RH panel and happy to pay the same as I did for the LH one.

Cheers Nick

Submitted by nick_ohare on Sun, 20/03/2016

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Previously richard_payne wrote:

How much did you pay for the left hand cover, Nick ?

I recall it was about 35 quid plus postage. I have now sourced the right hand one from Norvil for slightly more. I dont plan on fitting any more!

Submitted by richard_payne on Sun, 20/03/2016

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Oh that's a relief as I hate selling stuff that might come in one day...The amount involved would have to be life-changing....I can't retire early on £35 though.

Submitted by charles_claxton on Sun, 20/03/2016

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Previously richard_payne wrote:

Oh that's a relief as I hate selling stuff that might come in one day...The amount involved would have to be life-changing....I can't retire early on £35 though.

Don't worry, Mr Cameron will scupper any such plans, Richard!

Mind you, the hob-nobs might have to give way to Rich Tea instead :(

Submitted by richard_payne on Sun, 20/03/2016

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I've emigrated within the EU, Charles. If you lot vote to leave then I'll be even worse off than I thought I was. Still, there are always Belgian chocolates. :)

 


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