14 replies to this topic

[rich_959]

Afternoon all,

 

I'm having a new front end fitted on my MPi mini, but as its going to be mk2/mk3 style exterior, I plan to lose the front repeaters (lets say it's a track car to avoid discussions regarding MOT etc!). Would the older style wings fit, and accept the modern headlights? Or will it be easier for the bodyshop to fit MPI wings and weld up the side repeater holes?

 

Cheers.

Rich.

[nicklouse]

track does not need headlights so it does not matter.

 

so where are you going to fit your side repeaters so that car is road legal?

 

the headlight opening is the same for all Minis.

[Ben_O]

If it were me, I would go for the Heritage repeater wings and weld them up.

 

The earlier wings do not have provisions for the headlamp height adjuster in the headlamp mountings hence the teardrop shape of the correct wing

 

Ben

[Ben_O]

track does not need headlights so it does not matter.

 

so where are you going to fit your side repeaters so that car is road legal?

 

the headlight opening is the same for all Minis.

Post 96 has teardrop shaped headlamp openings to accommodate the electronic adjusters.

 

You do have a point regarding the side repeaters so the OP would have to decide if it's an option although I'm pretty sure anything post 89 must have repeaters

Edited by Ben_O, 01 February 2018 - 01:13 PM.

[nicklouse]

ahhh so that is what the tear drop was for.

 

sides are needed post 86

 

Vehicles first used on or after 1 April 1986 must be fitted with one side repeater indicator on each side. Instead of a separate lamp, the side repeater might be part of the front direction indicator if it includes a wraparound lens

 

[rich_959]

Many thanks Ben - I did notice the recess at the bottom of the headlamp opening when stripping the car. Wasn't sure if there were any other differences, where it joins inner wing etc.

 

Yes, side repeaters are required by law on road cars of this age.

 

I'm stretching my budget, so was considering M-Machine panels, but will probably end up with heritage. Read mixed reviews of all, and I guess it depends on the rest of the car you're trying to fit the front end on to....

[slidehammer]

M-Machine panels for the front end will only be the Magnum panels unless they list them as Heritage or Genuine. The panels they make themselves are mainly for the floor areas.

[rich_959]

Thanks slidehammer, that's good to know. Does the same go for bull motif spares and minispares (using magnum for non-genuine panels)?

[andy159]

hypotheticaly though if someone didnt like the look of the side repeaters could they be moved to a less obvious place like on the wing mirror or bumper using led bulbs or strips, or even making a custom indicator that is flush with the body?

[Ben_O]

Thanks slidehammer, that's good to know. Does the same go for bull motif spares and minispares (using magnum for non-genuine panels)?

Everywhere selling panels will sell either their own (m-machine), Magnum or heritage.

Some places still stock Hadrian panels and the like but they are no better than Magnum.

 

That said, some magnum panels are 'adequate' but don't tend to be formed as well so don't expect crisp swage lines and mind your hands on razor sharp edges.

Their wings can be ok as can the front panels but the finish is not great and be prepared to spend considerable time making adjustments to get them to fit ok.

 

This is why I only tend to use only Heritage panels at work as the extra cost of them works out less than the extra labour to make the magnum stuff fit and avoids disappointment of ill fitting panels that don't look quite right.

[bartman]

bull motif stock an italian made front wing by RHIBO, metal quality and E coat is good but fit is no better than a magnum and they are not suitable for MPI as they have the round headlamp rings not tear drop.

[minidaves]

the rhibo wings fit well, cut the bottoms out to take the motor of the mpi , or fit standard headlamp bowls, 

[rich_959]

Speaking to the bodyshop, they prefer to modify the headlight hole on an older wing, rather than weld up the side repeater holes, so those rhibo wings might be a good option.

 

Only issue is they'd then have to fit to a different brand of front panel, but they're comfortable with this.

 

If budget allows, I'll still go for all heritage panels (with older front wings).

 

Last question, I promise: !

 

What is the deal with the Minispares 'upgraded' A panels? They're obviously cheaper than heritage, but the blurb says they use thicker steel...... any good?

 

http://www.minispare...earch/classic/a panel.aspx

[spraybeater]

Speaking to the bodyshop, they prefer to modify the headlight hole on an older wing, rather than weld up the side repeater holes, so those rhibo wings might be a good option.

 

Only issue is they'd then have to fit to a different brand of front panel, but they're comfortable with this.

 

If budget allows, I'll still go for all heritage panels (with older front wings).

 

Last question, I promise: !

 

What is the deal with the Minispares 'upgraded' A panels? They're obviously cheaper than heritage, but the blurb says they use thicker steel...... any good?

 

http://www.minispare...earch/classic/a panel.aspx

Have used that Apex panel, fits well, is  made well, and e-coat is to the same standard to Heritage

without the rust star marks, you sometimes get! They do seem like thicker steel, (never measured it.

[rich_959]

Thanks Spraybeater, I may go for those then.

 

And thanks to Ben, Minidaves, Bartman and slidehammer for the info on the different panels/suppliers. I should probably leave it to the bodyshop to decide what's best, but I'm in control-freak mode!