15 replies to this topic

[will_]

Hey guys. So far I’ve used Heritage panels on the mini - they seem to fit as well as can be expected, I did buy a magnum panel which I wasn’t impressed with (a door step, it diddnt have the razor sharp 90 deg bends like the other side heritage panel I used ) people seem to talk highly of M machine panels ? I’d love to stick with Heritage where possible but obviously a saving where possible is a bonus.

Went to Classic Car Show at NEC - saw the magnum mk2 escort on display and wasn’t impressed at all - I get that it’ll need lots of prepping and paint - but loads of filler too !! Thanks in advance

[sonikk4]

Personally Heritage and M Machine OWN PRESSED panels only for any of my cars. Notice how i mentioned OWN PRESSED!!! M Machine supply their own, Magnum and Heritage.

 

Also they do not fabricate every panel so if you use them, talk to Doreen who takes your order and she will tell you whats what.

[will_]

Hmmmmm see, I just think from that to use heritage.
I think it’ll just stand out and maybe best to stick to what I know.
I need outer sills, o/s door step & a post, and the usual boot/vallance repairs - it’s all visual and will stand out if it’s not right.

So far you’ve been a great help with good info on a few things Sonikk - so thankyou

[sonikk4]

I always use M Machine for their inner and outer sills. They are very good and thoroughly recommend those panels.

[harrythehat]

as above M machine for my panels everythings been good so far except heritage bonnet don't like where they have set the bonnet pin leaves the bonnet release spring hanging loose once assembled.

 

Just ordered steps was pre warned by Doreen that there Magnum and will need work. Looking forward to that (not)

 

Will say patent wings are not worth the effort, had to spend a few hours of filler work to bring the edges up to fit nicely against the bonnet (panel was already fitted)

Use heritage fits nicely  straight away.

 

May have to spend a few bucks more for heritage, MORE THAN WORTH IT. As it does not compute cost wise for the hours to put other panels right

[will_]

As per Sonikk’s recommendation - I’ll be ordering some M machine outer sills next week. I really wasn’t happy with my magnum door step - I’d rather fill the old one !!

[bartman]

i would avoid magnum for nearly every panel they are much thinner metal than heritage and they aren't very accurate i only used their lower repair panel for under the rear lights. i did message magnum about there door step panel and how poor it is compared to a heritage one, they didn't have the decency to reply even.

 

M-machines own panel are very good used their 1st flute inner seal repair panel very good and accurate. 

 

Heritage are good, nice quality and good finish. the only panels i have trouble with are the passenger side wings they never fit as nice as a driver side one.

[DUF2]

M Machine panels are good, I have a complete floor from them going into Duffy
Magnum panels? Unless an Elf is longer than a Mini? these rear quarter repair panels appear to be around 30mm short!!!

Attached Files

•  C6E0409A-B55E-4A85-94D8-0040300CD175.jpeg   59.69K   0 downloads
•  5A0D3F53-7B65-46F6-99FC-5C99ED2BB5BA.jpeg   79.91K   1 downloads
•  C4B3B603-6A23-4837-AF58-9DAF4F88C6F6.jpeg   66.49K   2 downloads

[Homersimpson]

The difference in length you have there is because your Elf has MK1 doors and the panel you have is for the quarter of a MK3 mini (or elf) with MK3 internally hinged doors.

[Daz1968]

I have used panels from m machine, heritage and magnum on my two restorations, some magnum panels are not perfect but then some heritage aren’t either, I would say but what you can within budget and be prepared to modify all panels to get a perfect fit.
On my latest project I used a full m machine floor with mainly heritage panels, but I did use magnum modified front panel from m machine and magnum rear quarters and door skins. To be honest on my previous car I used all magnum front end panels and never had any issues but the heritage front wings where more difficult to fit on my current project.

[DUF2]

The difference in length you have there is because your Elf has MK1 doors and the panel you have is for the quarter of a MK3 mini (or elf) with MK3 internally hinged doors.

Ahh OK that figures. Can’t see anyone listing tha5 part for a Mk1

[Homersimpson]

 

The difference in length you have there is because your Elf has MK1 doors and the panel you have is for the quarter of a MK3 mini (or elf) with MK3 internally hinged doors.

Ahh OK that figures. Can’t see anyone listing tha5 part for a Mk1

 

I think you can buy it with the door step and then cut that off if you don't need it.

[Daz1968]

M machine do that panel for mk1 style,

[MacGyver]

Doesn't stop the Magnum panels being thinner than they should be. But they are cheaper... ?

[Cooperman]

I often think we classic Mini owners don't know how lucky we are to have such a choice of body parts.
Recently I was looking at parts for a Cortina GT Mk.1. The availability is poor and the prices horrendous.