13 replies to this topic

[venkman]

Hello,

Just taken off a front wheel arch on the mini,which is a group 2 arch, the wing lip has been cut off and on the a panel. While the wing is in good condition there is a lot of flex, I know it would be fiddly but would you weld a new lip back on? The a panels are going to be replaced.

Thanks

[Carlos W]

There is a strengthening piece that goes between the wing an A-panel 

 

http://www.minispare...|Back to search

 

 

I'm not surprised there's flex, if you're skilled enough to weld a lip back on then go for it

[venkman]

I've seen them before thanks for that. This doesn't have that as the lip is missing. If I welded a piece say 1 1/2" by 1/2" on the back I guess that would stiffen it up a bit???

[tiger99]

I think you probably want these:

 

http://www.somerford...products_id=154

[venkman]

I think you probably want these:
 
http://www.somerford...products_id=154

Is that basically a lip? Or what I can't tell if so there's a sheet metal place near me that would cut a strip for me.

Thanks

[tiger99]

Yes it is basically a lip, so you could most likely get a pair folded and rolled. A bead roller machine would do almosr the entire job, I think, but it might also need a little bit of attention from a shrinker/stretcher to put in the lateral curvature.

I would suggest making a template of some sort for them to work to. Ask what they need.

The material is 0.9mm mild steel.

[midridge2]

If there is enough of the wing and A panel left, use a pair of pliers and bend a flange in, then use a hammer and dolly to finish of shaping it.

[venkman]

Yes it is basically a lip, so you could most likely get a pair folded and rolled. A bead roller machine would do almosr the entire job, I think, but it might also need a little bit of attention from a shrinker/stretcher to put in the lateral curvature.
I would suggest making a template of some sort for them to work to. Ask what they need.
The material is 0.9mm mild steel.

Ah so what your saying is it's basically it's kind of an L shape were as I thought it was just a flat piece!!!! Doh on my part!!

If there is enough of the wing and A panel left, use a pair of pliers and bend a flange in, then use a hammer and dolly to finish of shaping it.

Have to look into that not to sure if there is enough metal but it's an idea!

[tiger99]

Only if you are skilled with hammer and dolly! Maybe you are, it is a skill worth having, but is not that easy to acquire, for me at least. Remember the little stiffner at the joint if you go that way. The L section makes that unnecessary as it bridges the joint, and adds a bit of extra stiffness too, to make up for what is lost when the arch is enlarged.

 

Actually I have often wondered why the wing and A panel can't be made in one piece, but that is another topic altogether.

[sonikk4]

Although never used this particular method but seen the results, draw a line approx 1/2" up from the cut edge.

Then get yourself a piece of round or square bar 1/2" or slightly larger in diameter or width. Cut a slot in the end to a depth of 1/2" so that it mirrors your marked line.

Push the slotted bar into the depth marked on the wing then gently pull the bar up 90 degrees. Carry on the whole way around the wing and A panel.

It's been done by a few members on here and is a very cheap option. Take your time and you may need several passes at a smaller angle to start with rather than trying to go the full 90 degrees in one go.

[lawrence]

The chap on project binky did that also with some round bar.
I did the same with a brass rod when I tweaked my front panel

[venkman]

I guess the only slight issue could be, if the person who cut the lip off originally has left enough metal to 're make a lip. It would put the arches high up the wing if not enough material so have to look into that when I get back.

Thanks

[tiger99]

I assumed that the wing had been cut to the correct profile with no lip, which is why I suggested the need for the official lip or a substitute. If you have spare metal it is worth having a go at forming a lip as suggested, but do got at it slowly. Say 10 degrees on each pass. 9 times around and you should get your 90 degree lip with minimal excess stretching.

Edited by tiger99, 01 August 2016 - 12:12 PM.

[Ethel]

Essential that you go at it very gradually, in order for the bit in the tool to stay bent you'll have to stretch what's between the new and old profile. I'd go for something that doesn't give too much leverage, is a close fit to form a sharp bend and has a square edge that'll be perpendicular to the bend, so you stretch in the right direction - an adjustable spanner. 

 

If there's little spare to form a return like the original, you could have a go at forming a double by bending out and bending back down, to create a small small ridge. Then bend the last few mm of the edge back in to wheel arch, with the aim of creating something similar to the stiffening ridges in a van roof.