17 replies to this topic

[fattail95]

Hi there,

As you may know, I'm going to be changing out all the rusty panels on my car, and I have found these on eBay.

Is this a good deal for it all and would they fit the car?

Its a 2000 Rover Mini 1.3 MPi, just so you know.

http://www.ebay.co.u...#ht_1145wt_1180

Thanks.

[mininuts]

They'll fit your car, no problems. Some say Heritage are best, some prefer the cheaper pattern panels. I think Heritage are better quality though.

Have you priced them up at Mini Spares? Don't forget that you get 7.5% discount from them

[sonikk4]

Having priced them on Somerfords they do work out cheaper however do check out Minispares as well like previously mentioned.

[PetePinnington]

I bought mine from minispeeds ebay store. came the very next day! fit nicely too and without any problems!

[fattail95]

About to order them, very excited! I am going to get them painted professionally, but I would like to rust proof them as I'm sure they won't bother...

2 questions...

- What should I use to rust proof them?
- Are they definitely the right panels?

Thanks.

[fattail95]

^^

[fattail95]

These will definately fit my car?

[AVV IT]

- What should I use to rust proof them?

On the back/underside of the panels:

Etch primer first (some people use some sort of resin based stuff used for painting oil rigs instead), followed by a good zinc based primer, then stone chip, then body coloured top coat, then clear waxoyl over the top (followed by plastic wheel arch liners beneath the front wings http://www.dereksmin...sale/4529669452 )

Leave the top/outerside of the panels to whoever is respraying the car, don't go putting anything on the front/outer side of the panels, in case it reacts with the respray paint put over the top..... Sorry to state the obvious, but with the exception of etch primer (of the weld through variety), you cannot rust proof the underside of the panels until they have been fitted/welded on, because the welding will just burn it off and probably cause the car to catch fire too!!...

These will definately fit my car?

They should be fine, the wings, front panel and A-panels for a mini are pretty much universal (with the odd exception for cars with external door hinges etc.) You just need to make sure that any wings you buy have the holes in them for the side repeater indicators (which these do appear to have.)

If you are getting a pro to fit them though, I would hold fire on buying these for a bit until you have checked what price they themselves can get hold of them for. Most traders will be able to source panels at trade prices, that are a fair amount cheaper than the prices that you can get them for. Also do some research on "Minispeed" before you buy too, I've bought stuff from their trade stand at shows with no problem and they have worked on my mini once too and I have no complaints. But there have been a few people here who have had some rather bad customer service experience with them.

Edited by AVV IT, 07 February 2012 - 09:05 PM.

[fattail95]

I'm not giving the car a full respray, just the panels needed.

[AVV IT]

I'm not giving the car a full respray, just the panels needed.

It doesn't matter, you still need to leave putting anything on the outside of the panels to who ever resprays them. If you don't and the paint reacts with whatever you have put underneath, then you will have to pay for them to take it all off and do it all again!!

Edited by AVV IT, 07 February 2012 - 09:14 PM.

[tiger99]

I think you should read this before buying from Minispeed.

http://www.jackknight.co.uk/newsstories/charged.php

3rd October 2006
Today, 3rd October 2006 Mr James Sutton, Managing Director of Minispeed Byfleet Surrey was charged at Woking Police Station for receiving and handling stolen goods from Jack Knight Developments. More news to follow
Anyone who has purchased Jack Knight components from Minispeed since August 2004 and are worried should contact our customer service centre.

Not long before that, Jack Knight suffered a massive theft and had to close their Woking factory.

[cliche]

bloody hell

[Cooperman]

Don't try to paint before welding. You can't weld through paint or to rust! To get a good weld both pieces of metal must be shiny metal with no paint or sealant on.
Personally i wouldn't buy any panels until the car is stripped so that you know exactly which replacement panels you need.

[shed]

And don't worry about what happened 6 years ago, if it was such an issue they would've shut down before now.

Not far from me, I've been several times over the years and never had problems with minispeed.

[JonnyBMX]

i would always stick to heritage panels, i just ordered new front panel, 2 new wings, new scuttle and bonnet + grill for £700.. could have saved like half getting non gen panels but not worth the risk IMO