4 replies to this topic

[stevo1]

Hi Everyone,

I have recently bought my first mini a 97 mini cooper that had a new paint job in 2004, the paint is immaculate, however both doors have rust bubbles at the top near the window seal.

I have been told that this is a regular issue with mini´s as the water gets lodged in the doors.

Since I live in Sweden its extremely exspensive to get the doors repainted I have had 2 quotes on £700 per door which I think is way to much.

Any tips on how to fix this DIY would be much appriciated.

Cheers

Stevo1

[AndyMiniMad.]

£700 per door? WOW!!! that is expensive, I can see why you would want to fix it yourself. First step is to remove the door trim and see how bad the rust is. If its just surface rust then you could rub it back with some 800 grit wet and dry paper. Once all the rust has been exposed or if your lucky rubbed away you can treat the affected area with some Krust. Its a chemical liquid that changes rust into.....Errrrr.....well not rust, It will turn blue/black on the affected area, Once its dry you can then etch prime and paint. Or if you dont feel comfortable painting then maybe the garage will do it. Because you have done most of the prep work it should help to bring the costs down.


Of course the other option is just to leave it and save up for a couple of new door skins. I reckon you could bring the car to Scotland, have a weeks holiday, Get the car repaired, and still have change from £1400..

Edited by AndyMiniMad., 26 August 2011 - 07:53 AM.

[stevo1]

Yeah thats typical Sweden exspensive, Thanks for the advice!
I have thought of preping the doors myself and having the body shop paint it but once again it is still alot of coin.

Another thought I had was to order 2 new glass fibre doors in the UK and have them painted by a panel shop there then shipped to Sweden, probrably still would work out cheaper.

Should I decide to do the whole process myself and I have never painted a car before do you have any learner tips?

Cheers

[AndyMiniMad.]

Prep...Prep....Prep...and then more Prep......Once its all done dont expect a perfect finnish. It takes years off practice and a lot off skill to be a good spray painter. I painted my own car "Haggis". Bought a compressor and spray gun, Then bought the paint and went for it. Took approx 1 week of solid work rubbing it back and recoating then rubbing back again...Trust me. these spay painters earn their money. My finnish is just about passable, but I was not looking for a show type finnish. Haggis is a TOY and gets well used and abused.

Click on the link below to see how I did it! The bit you want is from page 12 onwards....Its all engine and gearbox before that..

Edited by AndyMiniMad., 26 August 2011 - 08:35 AM.

[stevo1]

Hi Mate,

Thanks very much for the info!

I will start in the winter, I had a look at your link really helpful you have done a great job!

Cheers