1498 replies to this topic

[Steely]

What are your plans? Make original?? ;)

[Ben_O]

Yeah, Its going to be totally as it should be even down to the smallest detail I hope.

 

Cheers

Ben

[Ben_O]

Been back out on the Mini today to have a play with the new dash top rail and scuttle that I got last week.

I started by removing the old crusty top rail and then carefully grinding back the welds where it is seam welded to the windscreen frame closing panels either side.

I clamped in the new top rail and scuttle and now im at a standstill again as somerfords haven't delivered the new o/s windscreen frame closing panel and I don't want to weld in the dash top rail until I have it.

 

I have some pictures and also a question........

 

 

 

 

And then to test the bonnet fit, I popped that on too.

 

 

 

My question is about the bonnet gap with the scuttle.

I don't have any before photos of the gap to compare it with. It is very even but i'm concerned that it is a little wide. Can anyone clarify this for me or perhaps post up a pic of theirs so I can see?

It is fitted as far back on the hinges as it will go so I can't move it back.

Also with the bonnet level with the scuttle at the middle, the back corners dip down slightly so they are not flush with the scuttle and then if I raise them level, the bonnet is higher than the scuttle in the middle. Only slightly but it matters unless this is how it is supposed to be.

 

So please, if someone can advise me on this, I would be very grateful.Cheers

 

Ben

Edited by Ben_O, 14 September 2013 - 03:30 PM.

[rally515]

Mmm fresh shiney metal

 

Looking good Ben, id say that scuttle to bonnet gap looks fine although if you build a little weld up on that area (common practice on the doors to get the tight door gaps) then it'll look smashing, you want to watch the rear corners of the bonnet for catching the scuttle though as they,re the first place that catches if not adjusted right

 

Cheers,

Cliff

[Ben_O]

Cheers Cliff.

The bonnet opens and closes perfectly without catching although I don't actually have a slam panel! lol so at the moment I have the level set using my trusty bonnet prop!

I'm  quite happy with the gap as it's nice and even but just think it is a little wide. But as I said I haven't got anything to compare it to.

 

I have decided that I might as well leave that for now and get the innerwings and wings on with the front panel then have another look.

Plus after looking at it again just now, I think the bonnet is slightly out of shape along the back.

 

I would still like to see pics thouh if anyone could put some up please. Its the back bonnet gap im interested in.

 

Cheers

Ben

[Ben_O]

Just had a quick measure up.

 

The windscreen aperture is 411.3mm from top to bottom in the middle and either side measuring from the outermost holes for the demister vents. 

I had been told that the left and right measurements were 412mm and the middle one is 410mm.

so pretty much spot on considering.

 

Cheers

Ben

[1984mini25]

If it's of any help this is the scuttle/bonnet gap on mine with the original scuttle and bonnet...

 

 

[Ben_O]

Thanks a lot for that mate. Looks like your bonnet gap is the same as mine so that's good enough for me! I measured mine at 11mm evenly across.

That has been a huge help, it looks like the 'ears' at the back of your bonnet dip down slightly too so I feel better now.

 

Thanks again

 

Ben

[1984mini25]

Yep, the bonnet sits flush with the scuttle and dips very slightly in the corners. Although both corners of mine (as little as I can get away with) and a small hole in the centre will need repairing at some point.

 

[Ben_O]

Small update.

I received the windscreen frame boxing panel from somerfords so I could finally check everything fits and lines up properly.

A couple of pics for you.

The second one  is just of the inside of the bulkhead which I de-rusted and put zinc primer on before clamping in the dash top rail.

 

Everything lines up and the measurements are correct so ill get it welded tomorrow.

 

Cheers

 

Ben

[Ben_O]

Right, got the top dash rail and windscreen boxing panel welded in today. The shell has a lot more strength in it now and with the scuttle clamped on and bonnet on, the gap between them is much nicer now. Only a few mm smaller but looks a whole lot better.

Pictures:

 

Somethings not right somewhere with the dash top rail but i'm sure I can make some adjustments to sort that out.

Tomorrow i'm going to finish the passenger side of the top rail-boxing plate then its going on its side for the drivers floor quarter to go in at last!

 

Cheers

Ben

[Steely]

Yeah, Its going to be totally as it should be even down to the smallest detail I hope.
 
Cheers
Ben

Thumbs up to originality :). Do you need anything that was specific to the 25?

[Ben_O]

A few bits mate.

Don't tell me you have stuff???

I hope so!!

 

Most hopefull thing is a flint carpet set but that's a bit of a reach I think. I also need a pair of those rear shelf mounted speakers they had fitted. Also need a steering wheel (preferably original leather one with red stitching)

Besides that I need a grille which I believe won't be too hard to get and a set of Nimbus arch trims.

 

I know im missing stuff but I cant think at the moment! there was quite a bit missing when I got it so im not certain exactly what 25 specific things im going to need.

 

I already managed to get a pair of nimbus bumpers and a set of 25 wheel trims.

 

Cheers

Ben

[Zeemax Adventure]

Coming along nicely.  I was only thinking tonight i must get my screen surround panel ordered to get my dash rail in :)

[1984mini25]

A few bits mate.

Don't tell me you have stuff???

I hope so!!

 

Also need a steering wheel (preferably original leather one with red stitching)

 

I've got these I keep forgetting about...