Everything restorers ask us, answered directly. Can't find yours? Ask us — we reply within one business day.
Fitment
Will your panels fit my vehicle?
Every listing states exact model, year range, side and (where relevant) drive configuration and era. Match those and the panel fits. Unsure? Send your VIN or build details via the contact page and we'll confirm before you order.
Do replica panels fit as well as originals?
They're pressed to original-style profiles on tooling developed from measured original panels. Like all restoration panels — including old-stock originals — they're trial-fitted before paint, and minor flange adjustment during fitting is normal professional panel work.
Are these genuine manufacturer parts?
No. Our products are aftermarket replica restoration parts. Vehicle make and model names are used for fitment identification only; we are not affiliated with or endorsed by Toyota, Land Rover, Ford or Nissan.
Why might a panel differ slightly from my original?
The original manufacturers built these vehicles through different plants around the world, so retro body and chassis parts can differ slightly from country to country. Slight variances between markets are normal: these parts are expected to be DIY-fitted and adjusted as needed, the buyer will need to accommodate such variances, and we don't provide refunds for them.
Will a panel for an Australian or UK vehicle fit an American one?
Body pressings are largely shared across markets for these platforms; drive-side matters mainly for firewall, dash and cowl parts, which are listed as LHD or RHD. Because the OEMs pressed panels in different plants, expect to accommodate slight market-to-market variances during fitting — these aren't defects and aren't refundable.
Do FJ40 panels fit a BJ40 or HJ45?
Body pressings are shared across petrol and diesel 40-Series; engine-bay-specific parts may differ and are flagged in listing notes.
Materials & manufacture
What are the panels made of?
Automotive-grade steel in gauges matched to the original, aluminium alloy where the original panel was alloy (Defender skins), glass to safety standards for glazing, and stainless steel for upgrade hardware. Material is stated on every listing.
What finish do panels arrive in?
Steel panels arrive in protective primer, ready for preparation and refinishing. Alloy and plastic parts arrive ready to prepare and paint. Trial-fit before paint, always.
Do panels include mounting holes?
Original-position holes are pressed or pierced where the factory placed them. Holes previous owners added are not reproduced.
Why buy new instead of repairing?
Is it worth repairing my original panel?
If corrosion is confined to a small area, a patch panel can be economical. Beyond that, repair means paying for blasting, fabrication hours and filler — and you still end up with fifty-year-old steel. A new replica panel is a fixed cost, arrives straight, and saves your weekends for the build itself.
Should I just buy a donor vehicle for parts?
Donor vehicles usually carry the same corrosion in the same places, plus storage and freight costs — and cutting up a survivor removes another classic from the road. New replica steel ends that cycle with predictable cost and fit.
Installation
Is welding required?
Depends on the panel: fenders, hoods, doors, tailgates and hardware bolt on; quarters, floors, housings, pillars and firewalls weld in at factory seams. Every listing states which, with difficulty, time and tools.
Do I need body filler?
A skim over dressed welds on welded panels is normal trade practice. Bolt-on panels need only normal preparation.
Should I use a professional installer?
For structural welded panels — floors, pillars, firewalls, quarters — yes, unless you're an experienced welder. Bolt-on panels are well within home-restorer skills.
Ordering & shipping
Do you ship to my country?
We ship worldwide: US, Canada, Mexico, South America, UK, Europe, Australia, NZ and most other destinations. Checkout shows options; if yours is missing, contact us for a quote.
How long does freight take?
Couriered parts 5–12 business days; boxed panels 1–3 weeks; crated assemblies by sea 4–10 weeks depending on destination. Tracking is provided on dispatch.
Will I pay import duty?
Possibly — duties and local taxes are set by your customs authority and are the recipient's responsibility unless checkout states otherwise. We declare accurate values and HS codes for clean clearance.
How are panels packed?
Purpose-built cartons with edge protection for panels; engineered timber crates for assemblies. Inspect on delivery and report damage within 48 hours — shipments are insured.
Returns & warranty
Can I return a panel?
Unused, unmodified panels within 30 days — see Returns. Trial-fit before any cutting or paint; prepared panels can't be returned. Slight regional OEM variances aren't grounds for a return or refund.
What does the warranty cover?
Manufacturing defects — pressing faults, profile errors, weld or material failures. Slight variances between OEM plants and markets are normal, aren't defects and aren't refundable. See Warranty.
Business
Do you offer trade pricing?
Yes — restoration shops and resellers get tiered trade terms. See Dealer & Wholesale.
Can you make a panel you don't list?
Tooling is demand-driven: request it via Support and it joins the roadmap tally.