Before we decided to change the panels it was around £1500-£2000. Now we are changing the panels it involves more work, so i am going to take the car back to him so he can have a proper look at how the panels (especially the rear's) are fitted, then i can give you a better idea.
where does it usually rust on the front wings? These are just bolt on so an easy exchange or take off spray and put back? I've never took a wing off before so don't know how easy or difficult it is. Sounds simple in principle.
i had a very small bubble of rust on one of the rear arches on my copen when i bought it and had that rubbed back and treated back in oct and is still in perfect condition... i think the key to keeping the rust at bay is just baby the car and keep it properly clean... i clean mine every 2 or 3 days and i make sure the arches are as clean as too and i never drive it in rain either and watch out in winter for the salt... that will rust any car and will be the nemesis for the copen
DaG, I just read an article about the Copen, I wasn't looking for this but it said it has light weight parts.... bonnet, roof and boot!
New panels ordered yesterday from Daihatsu, are we all sat down.£1100 . thats for all the quater panels and the two front wings. once i have these the car will be going in for some major re-constructive surgery!! I will take some pictures and try to post them on here so you can see the horror!!!! Remember people "CHECK YOUR CORNERS"
Those are the aluminium parts so they will be classed as lightweight. The rest of the car rusts, unfortunately.
Are you planning to keep the car for a long time, because you're going to end up spending more or very close to the cars value? The Copen could become a classic in the future and increase in value for VGC models so this might not be a bad investment. You'll have to keep it at least 30 years mind.
I believe Princesses Copen is special! I think it's THE Copen off the stand at 2004 Sunday Times Motor show. http://www.carpages.co.uk/daihatsu/daihatsu_all_white_copen_04_06_04.asp It's the only Copen I've seen with a white leather interior & white tonneau cover. I also think the other versions that the article refers too came with red leather interior not white. What do you think Princess?
dwayner Is it easy to find rust? I know with Australian Design Rules, (ADR) with the government, their is dictates on what a car has to be put thru to be approved, and i know rust protection is in that. Under the mat, in the boot is a small metal plaque that outlines the rules and regulation numbers in the ADR that it has added to comply with ADR - New zealand for example doesnt have these requirements. I dont know if Europe or the UK do. I havent heard of any rust from anyone in australia, and mine doesnt have any visible signs of rust anywhere - i was wondering if it was hard to spot - mine has never been garaged. There is a stone chip on the side of the car - right to the bare metal, but it has never changed colour, or shown rust signs. its been there for 3 years or so. I was curious if it is happening under the paint
The common rust on Copens is around the wheel arches. This won't be from damaged paint it comes through from the back of the arch. I'm guessing there isn't much salt put on Aussie roads unlike the UK. Salt and muck gets trapped behind the arches and rots them away, the first you know of it is a bubble appears on the paintwork.
You are quite right Adam it is the copen off the stand. We intend to keep the car for a very long time so we must put the time and effort in to keep her in tip top shape. THEY REALLY ARE WORTH IT!!.
Picked up the new panels this morning and dropped them off at the bodyshop. Waiting for nsf wing, once i have this it's go time!!!
Finally got NSF wing. car is going in next tuesday to start restoration work i will try and post some pictures of the rusty areas before and after and hopefully during. remember people " CHECK THOSE CORNERS ".
GOOD news!! the car finally went in to start it's restoration on tuesday, i have attatched some photo's of the problem area's that you all must keep a eye on.Keep doing regular checks, look at adam's car to see were to underseal, my issue's arose fom it getting two bad repiars:-((,so i am now having to go down the full respray route.I will attach more photo's during the restoration.
Rust Surely the Bumpers are plastic. I've got bubbles on the wheel arches, going to get it fixed soon as it comes through paint. maybe last another year.
