185 replies to this topic

[Jordie]

i'd replace it, will last longer in future and give you a better finish at respray.

Thats what i'm doing wiv my mini.

[Dan]

Well, I'm certainly no expert at the welding but IMO since you have the solid mounted subframe, you have the ideal jig to build your front around. Surely the best result will be from replacing the damaged side first and proressing from there. But I suppose it depends on how contained the damage is. I mean if the panels are all bent you'll be lining up new metal to stuff that's in the wrong place. Are you sure the subby is square, I mean have you done the measurement thing where you drop plumb lines to the floor and chalk out the diagonals?

Why don't you ask M-Machine for their advice? They are the experts at rebuilding shells and you certainly give them enough money. They might even rent you one of their body build jigs.

Also try Cambridgeshire Classic Cars, they 'aint too far from you I believe and they have been known to do good work on estate shells in the past.

[Pickup76]

I havent measured the sub frame but the floor is still straight around the mounts and as the frame wasnt hit i recon it should be straight. here are some pics of the damage. I recon i might just take the whole front off and build it back up with self tappers so i can adjust it to get it straight.

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[Pickup76]

crunch2

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[Pickup76]

The wing has popped out!

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[Pickup76]

the floor seems straight

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[Dan]

Good idea.

Why not rent a load of welding clamps from HSS or someone for a weekend? It'll be easier than sticking in loads of screws and easier to make the adjustments for alignment. Since all the parts on Mini's have nice big flanges it'd be easy to do. They're like mole grips with big flat jaws instead of pliers, but I expect you knew that what with all the welding you're doing.

[Pickup76]

Good idea, ive got a few clamps like that but not enough for a whole front. Ill check out the prices for hire.

cheers
Chris

[Pickup76]

boy do i feel good about my pickup now!

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[tom]

,Aahh, it'll be OK in the morning.

[mr. mini man]

Alright mate,
hows the pickup goin? long time no speak, has the dosh from your autojumble helped u speed up the process at all?
Hope ur all good,
speak 2 u soon
Mr. Mini Man

[Telejmp]

Hey
I dont know if you have the 'poundshop' wherever you are from, but there is one in hull that sells everything for a pound. Well, for £1 you can get 4 black plastic clamps that are pretty strong. you can also get 2 big ones for a pound that are pretty powerfull. I havent used them for holding panels yet but im sure they will be strong enough.
The clamps are the ones you squeeze open with your hand, not the screw ones, like G clamps.
Just thought id add that, Ive already got 8 big clamps, every time I go past I buy some, so Ill have enough to do my front end, eventually.
pEaCE
Dom

[Pickup76]

cheers dom ill have to look out for one of those shops. B&Q sell that sort of thing but really expensive!

The pickup is coming on well. With the floors all finished ive taken the front end off and tidyed it all up so its ready for the new pannels. Im just fitting the inner A panels at the moment, its really tircky getting them to look just right so its taking me ages.

Progress has slowed on the project at the moment as ive been working 4 days a week but the money is really helping the project funding and ive got enough for another mini.

The new mini is also slowing the project down (but the smile on my face has got way bigger)

I looked in loot then other day and saw a mini jet black special edition for £550 with 10 months mot, bargain! so i went to have a look and it was better than i expected, with very little rust and original cills. anyway i pointed out a few problems with rust on the rear valance and got it for £450! Ill give it a bit of a tidy over the next few months and sell it when th pickups done i think. Got to be able to make a profit! :grin:

[Miniman]

Kool Show Us A Pic Of The Black Mini

[Dan]

Plastic clamps for welding might not be the best thing! Unless you have loads and loads of heat stop putty :wink: .

Glad to hear from you mate, it's been a while!