12 replies to this topic

[Fatharrydog]

Hi

I have to replace the rear valance and I am wondering if the copy part from Mini Spares is ok or if I should go for the genuine part? I am also replacing the boot floor panel rear section and boot hinge panel at the same time,

Thanks

[pete l]

The rear valance from MAGNUM was the only "copy" part I used on my car. It's fine, not perfect, but it's good enough for that part of the car.

[wile e coyote]

This is the only non gen part I'd be happy to use - the heritage part (for late model cars) does have the captive nuts in for the foglamp which is a nicety (Magnum ones doo too)  though but hardly worth the extra cost. They all require a wee bit of fettling / trimming to fit properly though and the indent for the exhaust doesn't account for bigger exhausts than the old pea shooter type - go tight on this one....

[Fatharrydog]

Thanks for the replies

[purplerob]

non genuine are junk, they leave a large space to the subframe as the profile is wrong, they were used in the day of rot box repairs and oversills.

[Cooperman]

In general I have found pattern parts from Magnum & M-Machine to be quite reasonable.

My Gramdson's 1986 car which is coming to completion had a new wing, both door steps, outer both sills and one A-Panel. All were pattern parts excepf to the A-panel and all fitted reasonably easily.

Anyone doing body restoration on old vehicles will, in theory, have some experience with bodywork and the amount of 'adjustment' required is normaly not too much. Even the door steps went on easily.

In fact, the wing I received from Mini Spares at 2 pm one afternoon and it was all trial fitted, positioned and welded in place by 4-45 pm including linishing back the welds.

If a bodyshell has previously had restoration or repair work, the pattern parts may well fit as well or beter than original ones due to 'tolerance creep' over the years.

We are so fortunate with our Minis in having a choice of new panels. If you look, for example, at restoring a Mk.1 Cortina there are virtualy no panels available and those that are are super-expensive. They are pattern parts as well.

[Daz1968]

I used a magnum on my mk1 and heritage on my mk2, both fitted ok. Only are I found better on the heritage was its profile matched the boot floor better with far better pressing definition where the short covers fit on end of quarter panel. Something you can easily modify on the magnum one prior to fitting. But depends if you are fitting the small covers.

[Fatharrydog]

I used a magnum on my mk1 and heritage on my mk2, both fitted ok. Only are I found better on the heritage was its profile matched the boot floor better with far better pressing definition where the short covers fit on end of quarter panel. Something you can easily modify on the magnum one prior to fitting. But depends if you are fitting the small covers.

Thanks. What do you mean by the short covers? Do you have a picture?

[Daz1968]

Not got a picture to hand but the part is this one

 

http://www.minispare...ck to catalogue

[Bobbins]

My limited experience of non-genuine rear valances is that they don't have the correct vertical curvature when compared to genuine, if that makes sense! The genuine valances have a "deeper dish" in profile which makes non-genuine items very easy to spot due to being flatter. If I recall correctly the difference is around £35-£40, I'd always get the genuine version.

[Fatharrydog]

Not got a picture to hand but the part is this one

 

http://www.minispare...ck to catalogue

These were on the car when I bought it but seemed to attract rust. Would you recommend fitting new ones or just omitting them altogether. If I did fit them, are they welded in place or brazed? Thanks for the help.

[cal844]

Not got a picture to hand but the part is this one

http://www.minispare...ck to catalogue

These were on the car when I bought it but seemed to attract rust. Would you recommend fitting new ones or just omitting them altogether. If I did fit them, are they welded in place or brazed? Thanks for the help.

These are usually spot welded like all other panels on the mini. Brazing as a repair method is out dated but it can work and look good if done correctly

[Daz1968]

I fitted mine with same clips as seam strips and put some sealant on before pushing home, they were fitted after top coat so should be well protected.