260 replies to this topic

[daveeeeee]

Thanks mate, I've been at it most of the day, run out of cutting discs :@ I'm one step away from the fabrication part! Going to make my own panels as it's cheaper - I've already got the sheet in the garage.

I'll worry about the fresh air vent later ^^

[daveeeeee]

Getting the hinge panel out was an absolute nightmare. I drilled out all the spot welds I could find, grinding here there and everywhere, finally resorted to beating the crap out of it with a hammer and hey presto it's off! (I didn't damage any other panels other than maybe a couple of tiny hammer glances on the door post )

[daveeeeee]

Time to do some tidying up, think about trying to ducktape my door back on haha, then probably repair the hinge panel - but I think it's a slightly heavier guage than what I've got, need to check.

[bandad]

Getting the hinge panel out was an absolute nightmare. I drilled out all the spot welds I could find, grinding here there and everywhere, finally resorted to beating the crap out of it with a hammer and hey presto it's off! (I didn't damage any other panels other than maybe a couple of tiny hammer glances on the door post )

Nice case of hammer rash on that panel!

[daveeeeee]

haha "you should see the other panel"

[AndyMiniMad.]

Well done getting that panel out and managing to leave the "A" panel on. That must have been fun!!! Making up your own repair panels, Wow, im impressed. You done this before?? Id be tempted to weld up the air vents. Not to sure if they do any good anyway.

Edited by AndyMiniMad., 27 September 2010 - 06:26 PM.

[daveeeeee]

I've made panels before, but I've not got the right gauge of metal for the hinge panel I've bought two genuine hinge panels, also a pair of new rubber cones for the rear - couldn't get the old ones off the trumpets for the life of me!

Earlier in the build I made some large ish panels as patches, and I think I posted my brothers bmw before. Best acheivement so far was fabricating from sheet a 90 degree angle with a curve that fitted the boot of his beamer perfectly ^^

I'll fabricate some repair panels for the flitch panel though, it's only got one fold in it! As you said I will blank it, I'll probably open it up again at a later date but for now I cant be bothered with it =)

I might end up very carefully removing the a panel, at least at the top, so that I can get the full genuine hinge panel in. I'm not really sure what's required, I won't really know until I see it ^^

If it's stopped raining I might go out and make a template for the flitch panel at least. Had to do some tinkering on the motorbike when I got home so I've done nothing on the mini today =/

More distractions on the way with the bike, as I've ordered a new chain and sprockets. Spending so much money at the moment it's crazy :S hoping it won't catch up with me any time soon

Edited by daveeeeee, 27 September 2010 - 06:42 PM.

[AndyMiniMad.]

Yeah motor bikes are a distraction. I used to ride a Honda CR 250 Moto cross bike and that thing ate chains and sprockets. Was changing them every second race.. But im to old to ride anymore So it had to go.. Sorry Mods I know im of topic here!!!

[daveeeeee]

Haha not at all, maybe I should have bought a bike with a prop for the winter! It's my only transport other than this mini...

[rosco454]

Nice to see this starting up again!

Cheers Ross.

[daveeeeee]

Thanks mate! Maybe some inspiration for you to get stuck in on the miglia, looks pretty sweet though any way.

So got some deliveries today, 6m of square section and some new cutting and grinding discs. If the weather is good tonight I'll get back to some panel work, otherwise I'll make up the brake pipes for the radius arms etc. Had a bit of practice last night with my tool, trying to figure out the right punch to use because the intructions are hopeless!

Cheers.

[rosco454]

Thanks mate! Maybe some inspiration for you to get stuck in on the miglia, looks pretty sweet though any way.

I was working on it last night as it happens,first time in about 6 months!

Had a bit of practice last night with my tool,

Too much info!

Cheers Ross.

[daveeeeee]

Well come on then mate you need to do the write up!

Anyways, it's a nice night, although dark. I've slayed many daddy-long-legs, which were abominally huge. I've also done more faffing around with the brake lines (which I'm stuck on) and made a template for the flitch panel.

Good stuff first.



I recycled some of the brake line I was using to mould to the inside curve on the a panel.


This gave me a great start point, I only had to make one adjustment to the curve. Then as I was using thin cardboard I simply pressed it into the edges, which showed me exactly where to cut to match up to the straight edges.

[daveeeeee]

So onto the pipe, I need some professional advice I'm using a bluepoint flaring tool, basically I can make a bubble as per pic below - but I don't think that's the right flare for the join pictured below. I believe I need something more like ----< which I don't have the punch for.

This equates to two questions:

How can I improve my bubble? (think i need more protruding from the die)

What type of flare do I need for this join?

Thanks!

[AndyMiniMad.]

I used my mates flareing tool and although it was a long time ago ive got memories of a female and male type flare end. cant remember which one I used tho. Sorry I know this doesnt help. So thats why the floodlights arent working at the Arsenal game. Youve nicked them!!!LOL.