Been looking now for over 2 months Globally! There appears to be plenty of reusable Front 1/4 Panels, Doors, Lids Fronts & Rears. Sills because of the construction with age seem to turn into Biscuits, therefore for all Copen owners a serious issue, however very few folks are talking about it? Firms are making some replacement parts for Daihatsu models BUT not Copens.... Tried The Brittons, Hepworths, SG Petch, now with no hope I'm still reluctant to scrap my car, anyone out there with any ideas? Thanks to ALL who take the time & effort to reply .......
For anyone who is having a sill problem I posted on several Forums the same post. On this "Problems , Fixes & Tips" the issues raised have received no feedback, however a thread of info has emerged on "Wanted" which hopefully may help anyone with sill trouble. Cheers Norman
I believe rust issues are a common problem for Copen owners. I, too, faced rust problems with my Copen. Last year, I had a rust prevention company apply undercoating to the car's underside, and the entire sill was repainted. Despite these measures, I've noticed minor rust forming, particularly at the corners. I'm considering taking the car to a body repair shop for repainting, but I'd rather not make this an annual, costly endeavour. In my search for solutions to protect the sills, I've come across two options: Paint Protection Film (PPF) or installing the Cross Stage Copen Side Step available at クロスステージ コペン サイドステップ [CST0020]L880K｜TAKE OFF SHOPPING SITE. Unfortunately, they do not offer international shipping. I have sent two inquiries but have not received a response. I believe this product would offer better protection than PPF.
Well after all this time, I can finally report on the task which started in January 2023, after being told that our 04 Copen would not pass another MOT! In Fact, the cost of any repairs would be "beyond economical repair" as the sills & panels required are unavailable. For those who've followed this story will know the rest but for almost a year after no one I spoke to was interested in offering advice, so after speaking to folks who came highly recommended, I was in fact no nearer a solution. At this point I do after admit we were very close to throwing in the towel, to give away what on the surface was "a good little runner"? Placing the car on a SORN (yet keeping the insurance policy live) the car commenced a turbulent few months of can we , can't we until I read a post on Copenworld from Shane (July 2021) who'd suggested that using Micra Sills as an alternative "Body Part" could work. Quickly I viewed the said parts on a site "Carvanbits.co.uk" I'd even had correspondence with them, still available a pair including delivery £99.00....A bargain!.... Finally after several months work, along with a considerable sum? In August 24 the Copen rolled off the ramp complete with a new battery & adjusted brake cable which provided a 12 month MOT certificate! Whilst up on the ramp the car was well treated on its underside, an almost full re-spray & its fancy wheels re-Gilded. With grateful thanks to all those who did bother to chat but particularly Shane for his "light Bulb" moment! Can also report now at the end of October that after many more outings, no one is the wiser, its as if it never happened! Cheers!...... Norman
Good day Norman! I'm glad you managed to get the Copen fixed up and on the road! I am brand new here, and just got my Copen a few days ago. Being in Canada, I am getting the underside of the car coated this Friday, and I will have a mechanic look for rust, particularly the sills now that I have read your thread here. Thank you for the information, and I will be keeping it in mind moving forward so I know where to start looking for rust. Cheers!
