12 replies to this topic

[Niall W]

Hi guys,

I've got a 1994 mini35 and i'm looking at modding it for a Mk1 look

I've been looking at the Mk1 grilles and i was wondering:

A. Can i fit a Mk1 grille to my later model? (moustache and all)
B. It's an internal release bonnet ... However can i still fit an external release grille (As i like the look)
http://www.minisport...nfo_24A198.html - External release
http://www.minisport...fo_24A2159.html - Internal release


OR

Would i have to buy one of the Mk1 replica grilles in the same shape as the more recent surrounds?
Like this -http://www.minisport.com/mini-spare-parts/info_8B12508.html

[GTIAlex06]

Did you ever find out what width your tyres/wheels were mate? are they 4.5 using spacers? or 5?I asked in a previous thread but i forgot to check back and a presume u forgot as well

As for the question....to fit a mk1 grille you will have to remove the chrome bonnet lip and then have to actual lip removed.
Im looking at doing this as well in the summer.

Edited by GTIAlex06, 30 March 2010 - 11:20 PM.

[shorty]

as alex says

all you really need to do is grind the front lip of the bonnet and jobs a good'un

[Nick Warwick]

would the bonnet need a repaint?

[evansisgreat]

Mini spares do a kit you can buy, includes the grille, mousache, all the fixings etc etc. >click me<
I also like the mk1 grille look and this is what I intend to buy.
And unless you're VERY careful and your bonnet is in good nick then chances are the bonnet will need some paint.

[M44K TS]

you might be able to get away with drilling out the spot welds then just touching up the paintwork. When I did my mk1 grille, i added a length of the push on rubber sill trim to the edge of the bonnet lip, It'll hide the touch up marks and stops the bonnet vibrating too.

[Niall W]

Did you ever find out what width your tyres/wheels were mate? are they 4.5 using spacers? or 5?I asked in a previous thread but i forgot to check back and a presume u forgot as well

As for the question....to fit a mk1 grille you will have to remove the chrome bonnet lip and then have to actual lip removed.
Im looking at doing this as well in the summer.

They're 12 x 5 I believe mate, with 165/60/R12 Yoko's no spacers as far as i'm aware, but they do look wider |

Cheers for that guys, it's cleared it up I've also just found a minimag article on fitting a mk1 grille

That's a pretty sweet kit with the moustache etc, thanks for the heads up

Can i fit an external release grille even though i've got an internal? ie. Is the only difference the open top slat?

Thanks guys

[mini-man-dan]

Yep you can fit an extarnal release grille on an internal release car, just not the other way round!
You could consider doing what some rally-ers do, and put a black piece of vinyl acrtoss the front of the bonnet the stick the numberplate onto that. Will go with the retro look and also save the need for repainting the bonnet!

Like THIS
Although that looks to be painted on black...

Dan

Edited by mini-man-dan, 31 March 2010 - 03:36 PM.

[Niall W]

Yep you can fit an extarnal release grille on an internal release car, just not the other way round!
You could consider doing what some rally-ers do, and put a black piece of vinyl acrtoss the front of the bonnet the stick the numberplate onto that. Will go with the retro look and also save the need for repainting the bonnet!

Like THIS
Although that looks to be painted on black...

Dan

Cheers Dan

I've always admired the rally style number plates and often thought about getting a decal of my number plate for the end of the bonnet, or something along those lines.
But i believe it's illegal as it won't be the standard reflective number plate it has to be (due to it being a later model) ???

[rubex]

iv got a mk 1 grill n tash on my car now and we just drilled out the spot welds on my bonnet, as far as painting goes it depends what you find under the lip, mine was awful got a new bonnet because the rough edges and rust failed my mot :/

[liamharries]

Yep you can fit an extarnal release grille on an internal release car, just not the other way round!
You could consider doing what some rally-ers do, and put a black piece of vinyl acrtoss the front of the bonnet the stick the numberplate onto that. Will go with the retro look and also save the need for repainting the bonnet!

Like THIS
Although that looks to be painted on black...

Dan

Cheers Dan

I've always admired the rally style number plates and often thought about getting a decal of my number plate for the end of the bonnet, or something along those lines.
But i believe it's illegal as it won't be the standard reflective number plate it has to be (due to it being a later model) ???

if your car was pre 1973 you could but if its after that then it is illegal but your highly unlikely to get stopped because its the rear numberplate that is important because of cameras etc there's many threads on hear about it, too many infact.

[Ryang556]

I did this not long ago!

Went from:



To this

[liamharries]

I did this not long ago!

Went from:



To this

That looks awesome!
Wish my paint job was as good as yours :/