Cross Member Thickness - How important?

[RobSirg]

Guys - appreciate your thoughts on this.

I finally received the various panels I ordered from the Warsaw based supplier in the supplier list. There was a series of delays unfortunately including a fire to one of their buildings. Full credit to the proprietor, Krzysztof, who still honoured his commitment and sent the parts. (I hope his insurance company treats him well).
The parts appear fine, however, the front cross members (2 parts circled in the diagram) are clearly of thinner material than the original. I didn't measure the difference but we are probably talking about 1mm difference In thickness. This has my the guy doing my body/panel work concerned as he believes this is quite important for the structural integrity of the car.
I notice SLS are selling them in 3 different material thicknesses including what appears to be the original 1.3mm thick cross front member for EU107 (less tax + delivery). So both parts will cost me about EU150 in total (not too bothered about delivery cost as I am always buying parts from SLS.). N.B: SLS sell the front cross member in 1.2mm, 1.3mm and 1.4mm thicknesses  - with the 1.3mm stated as original. I'm fairly certain I have the 1.2mm thickness.

I'm interested in the opinion of the members - Do you think it is worth repurchasing the correct / thicker material cross members from SLS, or do you feel my panel guy is being too conservative? ( he will install the parts I have if I insist).

Thanks in advance

Rob

[stickandrudderman]

I never knew that SLS offer different thickness panels! (I don't buy my panels from them). The thicker the panel the more resistant it will be to damage. Given that it's right at the front of the car I would recommend the thicker panel.

[johndillman]

You will never notice until something really bad happens, and probably not then.  Hard to know what to do, but I have learned I fret and fret over these things that matter little in the end ..  .

[Benz Dr.]

I agree with stick. It's your car, your life and your money. Not hard to decide on this one.

[tel76]

Rather than purchase another set why not weld inside the two half's a strengthening piece, you can then make it as strong as you want?

[RobSirg]

Thanks Guys,

Given this car is receiving a full resto, and I have my other one, it is not likely to get a lot of use( good because it can stay in mint condition - bad because these cars should be driven).
 I'm comfortable to stay with what I have purchased. If someone strongly cautioned me against it then I would probably reconsider.

Regards

Rob

[johndillman]

Great idea about reinforcing the one you have.  Cheap and strong . . .

[RobSirg]

The only problem with reinforcing what I have is that I am not doing the work myself. If the guy spends more that 1.5hrs doing the reinforcing it will run over the cost of purchasing the thicker ones from SLS. I could also possibly sell what I have if I bought again.

Good idea, but given the labour rates here I think I will stick with what I have.

Rob