12 replies to this topic

[jpw1275]

Hi guys.... Maybe a stupid question but what's the difference between over sills and normal sills.... Just thought it would be a good idea to explain for those who don't know...;)

Cheers james

[Vulcan]

Oversills = what gets put on over the top of rotten original sills by cheap garages.

[JustSteve]

Hi guys.... Maybe a stupid question but what's the difference between over sills and normal sills.... Just thought it would be a good idea to explain for those who don't know...;)

Cheers james

The Original sills (well, exept the VERY early ones) had vents in them, to let moisture out.

An over sill is also called a 'wide sill'. It is exactly that. It is wider and the vents do not exist. It is called an oversill because it is used to bodge over the original sills to get it through an MOT... or look good when selling.


Oversills are a big no-no. If all rot is removed before fitting they aren't as bad, but moisture always gets inside the sill area and they will rot from the inside out.



Genuine sills filled with waxoil will last for ever.

[jpw1275]

How do they compare in size? Are they the same size ?

Cheers James

[jpw1275]

What I mean is if you go to buy sills how can you tell if its a sill or over sill?

Cheers james

[JustSteve]

normal is 4.5, oversills are 9 inches.

You can clearly see when buying that the 'vented' type have the vents. The oversills just have 6 'bulges' in them but aren's open

Edited by JustSteve, 20 December 2012 - 09:52 PM.

[JustSteve]

Normal:

[JustSteve]

oversills:

[KLMOC]

the above is correct. If your worried bout buying the wrong sill and happen to have by mistake, all you need to do is cut the over sill in half neatly down the vent bulges that way you will create a normal sill with vents. Would be like fitting a non genuine normal outer sill.

Genuine outer sill panels are about £20-25 and fit alot easier. where as a £10 non genuine sill will need a bit of jiffling to get it to fit neatly but will still fit.

Edited by KLMOC, 20 December 2012 - 10:04 PM.

[jpw1275]

Thanks for the replies.... I've always wondered what the difference was..... If you have over sills fitted is it easy to convert back to normal or is it the case that you would need a floor aswell?

Cheers james

[mister bridger]

Technically, yes, you can just cut them off and fit proper sills instead, but if oversills are currently fitted they are BOUND to be covering up a lot of rust behind. Expect to be repairing more than just the sills!

[jpw1275]

Cheers for the replies..... Il have alook this weekend and see what state my sills are whilst the car is off the road....;)

Cheers james

[sonikk4]

You will find with pattern sills over or standard the metal they are pressed from varies in thichkness and the covering used.

I would recommend m machine short sills or if you can afford them Heritage short sills.

I fitted non gen sills to Project Erm and they fitted ok but when i bought a pair off M machine for Project Paddy the difference in metal thickness was very noticeable.

I would also recommend if you buy non gen sills then you will need to remove the dull grey paint they use on them. This will wipe off with thinners. M machine do not coat theirs so will need to be etch primed and then either zinc rich primer and paint or paint of your choice. Heritage have a very good E coat and will still need to be painted.