Mk1 Escort Door Pillar Rust

[MK1_Oz]

I knew I had some rust pinholes in the outer door pillars on my Mk1 Escort but upon making an exploritory hole it would appear that the rust is more substantial than I hoped. This second picture doesnt really show just how deep and flaky the rust is on the inner panel.

It is most likely that this rust is over the entire surface of the inner panel. I would like to remove the rust and have some peace of mind. How do I go about removing the outer door pillar panel??

From what I can tell I need to unpick the spot welds on the sides of the panel, I expect there are more on the front face of the panel (?). I then thought I would cut the panel at the locations shown by the white lines in teh first photo.

Can anybody help me out with any info and suggestions you have please?????

[MK1_Oz]

Had a further think and poke. The double skin section of the door pillar is on the right hand side only (when looking at the pillar). I therefore am now thinking that there is no real advantage of taking the whole outer skin off (other than maybe cleaning up any rust that has formed within the joint) so pehaps I should cut it off as per this picture?

[Steven F]

This is what I did on my Mk2. Once you take part of the A pillar off, you'll find more has rusted out. You're better off replacing as much as you can.

Have a look at the Hadrian page as it shows the three pieces that make up the A pillar.

[MK1_Oz]

Thanks Steven. Did you use Hadrians panels or Expressed? I have heard, as with most panels, the expressed ones fit much better.

I was thinking about taking the outer off, cleaning up underneath then putting the original outer back on but with sections let in to replace the rust.

I have spent a fortune on panels so was trying to avoid buying more. I guess well fitting replacement panels should be quicker although having bought inner and outer spare wheel well Hadrian panels from SmckaPerformance that were totally unfitting I am hesitant to buy more(=they were a waste of money).

[Steven F]

My replacement A pillar came from Expressed. So far i've used a mix of Expressed (A pillar, Heater Plenum and rear scuttle) and Hadrians (Slam panel, front panel, OS wing and rear well patches). They've all fitted well, although I only used parts of the rear well patches.

I'd lean towards getting the panel from Expressed.