Aftermarket replacement body parts, just 0.8mm thick ?!

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Rob_farmer
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Post Thu Jan 02, 2014 11:37 am

Guys,

I` looking to replace some rusty body parts like side sills, tail panel etc. OEM parts cost too much, therefore looked at aftermarket - Van Wezel, Klokkerholm and Schlieckmann. Emailed every company and asked what`s the thickness of their metal? All replied - 0.8mm. To me, it looks paper thin.

Phoned stealership and they said they don`t know how thick it is as they don`t stock parts, all arrive from warehouse after I place an order.

Is there any aftermarket supplier who has more than 0.8mm?

Thanks
I`m driving E30, 1989, 325i, 4 door. Restoring 1990, 4 door.
Grrrmachine
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Post Thu Jan 02, 2014 11:50 am

0.8mm is the standard thickness across the bodyshell, including the floorpan, bulkhead and inner wings. I bought a 1mm sheet for my body repairs and it was noticeably thicker than the existing metal on every single panel I welded (which was pretty much all of them).
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Rob_farmer
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Post Thu Jan 02, 2014 1:22 pm

Grrr, I emailed this seller and he just replied its 2.03mm thick:

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll? ... TQ:GB:1123
I`m driving E30, 1989, 325i, 4 door. Restoring 1990, 4 door.
Grrrmachine
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Post Thu Jan 02, 2014 1:26 pm

2mm plate would be hell to press; you'd ruin the dies in the press in no time, making them that thick. Even the old post-war cars were only 1.2mm thick.
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Rob_farmer
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Post Thu Jan 02, 2014 1:27 pm

Ok, I`ll accept 0.8mm then and get Klokkerholm.
I`m driving E30, 1989, 325i, 4 door. Restoring 1990, 4 door.