Bout 4 years ago I got hold of some 1mm plate to repair sections of my oval. Back then twas nice an shiny but now it has plenty of surface rust... Do you think it will be ok to use again if I rub off the surface rust, or should I go buy new plate?

For the price of panel sheet steel, it would be quicker and easier to buy some new stuff.

Get a 3M blue disc for your angle grinder. Should clean it up - if not, yep, buy more.

Thanks guys .. Is it possible to buy replacement panels sections for areas say around the windscreen or in the seal area of the rear window .. Is there a selection of parts available? Is the a catalogue on line?