Marko wrote:as long as I own it never! it's a 2nd car and will be kept spotless all year round and garaged, the panels have lasted 40+ years already so I don't see why they can't last another 40! it's all well sealed and painted inside out with all new seals etc..
it may be a different story if it was kept outside all year round but even then as long as it's well looked after who knows..
If I had a garage, mine would reside there too and would have no doubt lasted longer!
As you say Marko, I have not had issue with the original metal, but where there are patch panels and repair panels, a lot of these have needed repair/replacement in the last few years. I was curious of whether the thickness of the repair panels had altered, I bought a cheap repair panel a while back, and measured it at 0.9mm, I then measured the car it was intended for which came in at 1.4mm, considering that repair panels are likely to take the most grief in terms of weathering, I was quite disappointed to say the least. The cills were both replaced on mine around 10 years ago, and I have now patched both of these at least twice since in the last few years, so I'm afraid from my experience the quality of the panels comes into question a lot, as the previous cills were the originals lasting 35years+, why have the replacements become rotten so quickly?!
Alas, I feel these discussions are detracting from your stunning work!
I'm now stuck until I order a few more bits and pieces.. oh, and some new wheels! yes, it's now grounded with no wheels so limited access to get in and do a few jobs on the interior. still got doors to finish building up and add some deadening whilst I'm in there 
