7 replies to this topic

[Cooper1997]

I am looking to restore the front end of my mini cooper in stages starting with new door skins and A panels. I am sourcing my own panels from Moss Europe using genuine parts. As far as the A panels are concerned are there any other panels required such as an inner panel or A post panel? Does it depend on their condition? Any help will be gratefully received.

[widerim_pickup]

Yor'll probably find you need to replace the rear edge of the inner wing as well as this rusts from inside where the a panel is folded over. The only way to find out is to cut old a panel off, but have a look at the edge where it joins the floor pan this will give a good indcation. Also possibly might need to do the scuttle closer as well but you can inspect this with a torch when the car is on axle stands.

[jjojjas]

Guessing by your username that your on about internally hinged doors.
The A panel just fits where you see it. Theres nothing behind it except the A post and inner wing / foot board referred to as the fitch panel often in minis. Here its removed (albeit very roughly...), as is the door...


there is a good "fitting your A panel thread in this section at the top of the page
Jas

[jjojjas]

ps. if your restoring, why not change the whole front end in one shot. It will be cheaper in time and paint in the long run.
Jas

[Cooper1997]

ps. if your restoring, why not change the whole front end in one shot. It will be cheaper in time and paint in the long run.
Jas

Thanks for that.

I had thought of doing the whole front end but to be honest its not that bad at the front; just the usual bubbling at the seams. I thought I may just have them tidied up and respayed and then change the panels next year. It will cost more over time but the "hit" will be spread out. I have had the car from new and I have no plans to sell so there is no particular hurry and the doors and A's are in need of urgent replacement. I want to use gen parts as well which increases the cost.

Stephen

[Waffs1984]

Hi mate,

Here's some pics of the a-panel area and inner wing/flitch panel bit from last week when i was replacing my front end ready for a fibreglass front. Note the BIG hole in the panel where the old airvent was lol! Patched it all up now using the old wing for metal sheeting







Hope this helps! By the way the a-panels are dead easy to replace, just be careful when cutting them out! I spot welded the bottom to the door step (which was also replaced in my case) and then a small seam weld along the top of the new a-panel.

Cheers,

Matt.

[woody17]

which moss branch?

[Cooper1997]

which moss branch?

I am planning to use the Stockport branch.