I have come to that realization with my XJ. I originally bought it to restore back to factory condition. Since I have owned it and had time to work with it, I have decided that it is not a good base for a factory restoration. So, though I am still restoring the original fasteners as I work on it, I'm not being too OCD about being totally original. I'm adding a trans cooler(not original), debadging the body like I have done all my other cars, adding some OE Ecco wheels which are not original, etc. It's mine and when I sell it, someone if probably going to take it can chop it up into a rock crawler/mud bogger anyway.

 

Given the work required and added expense of paint and sealers, etc.. I am inclined to buy the best pan. I dont know about these here pans, but know sometimes pans and body parts can be poor fit, wrong appearance, thinner than stock metal, more rust prone, etc.... Also note that price alone is not an indication of quality, i.e. you dont always get what you pay for.

I note the vast difference in what is supposed to be the same parts. Let quality be your guide.

 

Says it is galvinized, a nice thing. Id write them and ask about thickness of metal. Stamping is the other issue, so compare pictures of this to stock or oem replacements for a visual inspect if they got it basically right or not. Pay with credit card, that way you can challenge the purchase and shipping cost if you find part to be unacceptably bad fit. ebay warrentee may also apply.

 

I would stay away unless you can find more info on them.

 

Thanks to everyone for their input! Do to the money and my experience, I decided to go w/ Key Parts. I bought one full size pan and will do one side at a time. I'd love to do it all at once but, given money and other circumstances - gotta get the seat back in this thing ! I'll let you all know how it goes. Off to study all these weld-thru primers!

Many thanks,
Andy.Raleigh

 

Good choice! How is your seat mounting bracket?