Any place a guy can get some body/rocker panels for these great tool chests on wheels?
I just got an 88 Aerostar for free. Mechanically it is fine but the body is going to need a bit of work.

Thanks in advance

Mc

 

yeah, i'm curious about this as well. not wanting to go to the dealer for replacement panels (cost an arm and a leg). i'm wondering if there are any sources in ontario, canada that are cheap?

 

If you check with some body shops in your area you might find that they use jobber or, as my insurance company calls it, "economy parts". I've seen body shops that use cheap aftermarket, made in China, parts. The quality doesn't seem to be all that good but you get what you pay for.

 

Right now Princess Auto has a 30" bench-top bending brake for sale for 50 bucks. I just bought one for the express purpose of bending a new rocker panel repair patch for my 95 Aerostar. Worth checking out.

Cheers,
Eric

 

Thanks Eric
I will definitely look into that bender for sure.
Sounds like the tool I need.

 

i found rocker panel repair pieces from jc whitney auto parts . i used them to replace rusted out areas under driver door and another section along bottom of sides to back wheel on drivers side and also on passenger door rocker panel. now i need a piece under the sliding door. i'll probably have to create on....but i found those other ones through the catologue whitney puts out. they worked out well for me. rick

 

Saw some on e-bay today for cheap.

 

AeroVan
Don't go to Cross Canada, they charge too much. I got mine made for about 20$ for a rocker panel and side panel for 50$. Ye I know 300$ from the dealer for a side panel. I wish they made floor panels. Mine are a lil ruff at the frame. I welded, in a panel but would like to get a nice full one.

 

thanks for the heads up cdnsoldier... i was about to call cross canada for a quote on the panels. i need all the rocker panels, the lower quarter panel on the driver side and also the fender for the driver side as well. do you know of a place around the GTA area to source these parts? my van is an 89, i don't really want to spend thousands in getting the body back to shape.

 

I'd look for a front fender at a wrecking/recycling/dismantling yard. Aerostars made after about 1990 were very rust-resistant. You might even get a good colour match. I don't think the stampings changed over the model life.

I don't think you'll find any yards in the GTA that will still have parts for Aerostars - they are too old & land is too expensive. You'll have better luck if you head out of town a bit.

Try these places (they more than likely advertise in the GTA yellow pages)
- Dominion Auto in Stoney Creek (between Hamilton and St. Catharines)
- Cookstown Auto in Cookstown (up the 400 at either Hwy 88 or 89).
- There's a huge yard on the north side of the 401 in the Oshawa/Whitby-Ajax area. I have no idea what it's called, but it's massive.

If there is a van in good shape, you can probably get them to cut out the rear quarter for you.

The rockers on later vans still rusted out if the drain holes were not kept free (mea culpa - mine's a 95). If only the straight sections of the rockers are rotten, you can have a body shop bend some up for you or you can bend them yourself. If the curved sill parts at the front and rear of the door openings are shot... well that's a whole other kettle of fish...

Good luck with your bodywork.

Cheers,
Eric

PS: I'm in Bolton - 20 minutes north of the airport.

 

Canadian fellas
I am out east until next yr. But there are lots of wreakers around. The name of that wreakers is Dons'. The last time I drive down to Windsor. All Aero parts fix. 86-97. Just they have a different red or grey colour. Some are darker than others.

 

try quinte bumper an fender i got mine from there was only 96 with taxes an it was both side an went inside the doors to . they have lots of replacement for the aerostar they are in woodbridge ontario on 55 silton rd . www.qbfonline.com

 

tky all for this post its very use ful on the body work and mine is a 93 thats been sitting around for a wille i need to do both sides but shes still good

 

I just ordered that bendin breaker thing from Princessauto
I am gonna bend me some panels.

 

Please let us know how well the sheet metal brake works.
Maybe you could ummm borrow some sheets of aluminum from Alcan to use and you'd never have to worry about rust again