948 replies to this topic

[colinf1]

Good job Victor, looking forward to seeing the roof repair!

[sonscar]

Impressive repair,well done,Steve..

[Viktor]

Thanks guys, appreciate the comments :)

 

Today I finished the roof repair, but unfortunately I got a bit of panel distortion. I think I didn't wait enough between welds! Anyway, nothing that a bit of filler can't fix...

 

 

I started with the repair panel. Marked it up and cut it to size.

 

 

 

 

Then I tried it in the car and grinded the edges to get a 1-2mm gap between the panels. Then I clamped it in place.

 

 

 

 

Next was to tack the panel between the clamps.

 

 

Clamps removed and continued with the welding.

 

 

Next I spot welded the repair panel along the gutters.

 

 

All grinded down...

 

 

And painted. It cannot be seen in the photos, but there's a bit of distortion in the junction of the panels. As I said earlier, I think a bit of filler should make it good.

 

 

Similar to the other side, the gutter would need to be repaired as well...

 

 

And that was it for today. I'm glad that now the roof is all done and dusted.

 

More coming next week.

 

Victor.

Edited by Viktor, 08 May 2023 - 04:51 PM.

[Viktor]

Today I started getting these two guys in.

 

 

As you can see, the old parts are not in good condition.

 

 

 

I started on the passenger's side, removing some of the spot welds.

 

 

New VS old...

 

 

Then I tried the panel on and realised that the inner sill should be over this panel, but it is already spot welded in place. I might need to cut the final bit, so I can put it in position.

 

 

Panel prep, black paint removed and zinc primer added on the inner face.

 

 

 

 

And that was it for today. Tomorrow I should be able to finish this side and perhaps start with the other side...

 

Victor.

[gaspen]

Viktor ! Do not make the same mistake as me 

 

That panel should be fit a little higher. There an arc at the bottom, it should follow the upper edge of the floor panel. 

 

If you leave it as on your picture the door check strap won't meet the big hole on the top.

 

 

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[Viktor]

Hi Gaspen, good to hear from you mate.  How's your Mini?

 

Yes, I noticed that something wasn't right.  I will push it up a bit tomorrow before welding it in place.

 

Thanks for the advice! :)

 

Victor.

[gaspen]

Hi Gaspen, good to hear from you mate.  How's your Mini?

 

Yes, I noticed that something wasn't right.  I will push it up a bit tomorrow before welding it in place.

 

Thanks for the advice! :)

 

Victor.

 

Thanks mate, Manuel is fine :)

 

Now I thinking about the next one 

 

Pros : matching numbers and documents, 998 engine, but with 1098 crankshaft, Cooper head, big valves, twin carb

Cons : rust, rust and rust with additional terrible previous repairs

 

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[Verderad]

There is a bracket that’s attached onto the closing panel that goes behind / inside the lower dash. 
I’ve been through my posts but can’t find any pictures, you can buy the closer with the bracket fitted. 

There is also a folded bracket under the dash to door post.  
I folded my own up based on what was left of the original rusty one 

[Viktor]

Thanks guys for the comments. I managed today to put the panel in the right position and weld it in place.

 

Panel aligned.

 

 

 

Then spot welded along the inner side.

 

 

And also along the outter side.

 

 

 

Then where I cannot reach with the spot welder I used the mig.

 

 

 

Then I cleaned up a bit the top welds ready for some primer.

 

 

And that was it for today. I will try to finish it tomorrow, but not sure if I would have time...

 

Victor.

[Viktor]

Today I managed to get the other side done.

 

The starting point, removing the old rusty panel.

 

 

 

All cleaned up and primed.

 

 

 

Panel prep and primed.

 

 

 

Then I put the panel in place and had it aligned.

 

 

 

Then it was time for the spot welder.

 

 

 

 

And then I used the mig welder where I couldn't reach with the spot.

 

 

All grinded down and primed.

 

 

 

And that was all for today.

 

 

I still need to weld the dash rail on the other side, but that will be next week.

 

Victor.

[colinf1]

Good work Victor, I like the neat weld along the bottom dash rail to closer!

Good to see the spot welder is getting a good workout 💪

[Viktor]

Thanks Colin. I'm getting more confident with the Mig now... It's about time after almost 3 years into this restoration! ;)

 

Yeah, the spot welder is great, what a brilliant buy.  When doing a repair, I'm always thinking how I can use the spot welder, just to avoid grinding Mig welds!

[Viktor]

These arrived today!

 

 

I will be taking care of them over the long weekend...

 

Victor.

[colinf1]

Nice fresh metal. Is that rear bench stiffener there too?

[Viktor]

Hi Colin, it is indeed! For £5 I don't bother fabricating one myself!

 

Cheers.