Technical 4x4 Climbing side sills replacement

[MajstrCz]

Hi all,

it seem that right side sill on my Panda rusted away, so I'm trying to get a replacement. However, scanning through eper, there is a difference between normal sills (71734757) that have reasonable price and availability, and Climbing sills (71738307), that are absolutely nowhere to be found (except Fiat dealer for hefty 692,75 EUR in Czechia). Does anyone know whether the normal sill can be used or reasonably hand fitted? And whats the difference? Many thanks for help.

 

[koalar]

I don't know for sure

The A pillar and rear floor pan are also different, so I doubt it will be a straight fit

If it's a small hole right at the bottom an inch or two in from the rear arch, or rusty down the weld seam

It's likely to be just the tip of the iceberg

 

[MajstrCz]

Yea, exactly the same spot and slightly lesser extend. The front of the sill seems relatively ok so far. The plan is to rewelt the internal plates and then cover it with the new sill. Maybe at least the rear section is the same. This is after initial grinding away of the rusty parts, mostly reaching metal now.

 

[koalar]

Instead of cutting up a new sill

You can buy repair patch panels for about £30

I don't know if the curves are the same though

I guess a comparison 4x4 with a standard panda is needed first

 

[MajstrCz]

Yea, I've been looking also into these, guess its worth trying out. Do you know if they go all the way up? But I guess I'll first get them and try out before cutting the whole seam off.

 

[koalar]

Sorry I don't know for sure, looks like it does to me

 

[MajstrCz]

Lets see, I'll report further progress. Many thanks so far.