35 replies to this topic

[Benoit_Dupont]

All right folks ! this is dry run time! :)

 

finally got the pictures ready and you'll see here below pictures of the Arc Angels Elite Carbon fiber boot lid (option 1), for late mini models. it's called an MK3 on their website, although I understand people here are very sensitive about MK's and since mine is post 91, some people will call it mk4 or mk-whatever.

 

point is: it's the shape that was on my car. 

 

here is the boot lid on my car: 

 

 IMG_20191013_171047-W600.jpg   55.98K   2 downloads

 

the panel is not adjusted one bit. it's straight out of the box, the boot lid closes and the gap is rather constant around the edges.

 

the panel is ticker than steel, but thinner than fiber glass, it's easier to fit using the standard hinges. you can keep the washers, etc. there is provision for the little cords as well.

 

I did try to fit the latch, but it's kind of a pain to fit. I think the new rubber gasket I bought for that purpose is rubish. rubber sux all the way those days.

 

here is the gap on the side:

 

 IMG_20191013_171105-W600.jpg   25.24K   1 downloads

 

there is a little gap definitly, but to be fair, it's rather constant. I have fitted my steel original boot lid and guess what :

 

 IMG_20191013_171737-W600.jpg   28.67K   1 downloads

 

the gap is still there. it's the original panel and apparently it left the factory with a gap and everybody at Rover was fine with that    

 

for consistancy, a shot at the other side of the boot lid:

 

 IMG_20191013_171057-W600.jpg   25.08K   2 downloads

 

so no complain here.

 

something I have noted however: there is no holes to fix the plate that keeps the latch in place. so I guess that I will still have to drill a grand total of 4 holes in there see:

 

 IMG_20191013_171135-W600.jpg   28.3K   1 downloads

 

 

so it means 2 things:

- this boot is ok with no trimming. it will sand the edges a bit to clean them up, but that's it. nothing special there to be done.

- I will definitely order the Elite bonnet when it becomes available. I think the quality is really there. 

 

is it "perfect" ? Well, it looks as perfect as what Rover considered "ok for delivery" in 1991, and I can definitely live with that. 

 

[haz]

A word of advice from fitting mine, you may need to get a set of mole grips on the inside of the car to adjust the latch plate. I just bent mine towards me until the boot latched correctly... Although I do think the new boot seal was working against me somewhat.

 

When drilling, to get a good quality hole, the best method is to clamp some material on the other side (thin plywood is ideal), might not be too easy for the lock but could come in handy if you're doing the boot light. Just be careful when clamping, don't go too tight!

[Benoit_Dupont]

Thanks for the good advice !

[markking]

Fantastic Benoit, and great advice also Haz. I’m excited for my package to arrive, speaking of which:

I received an email from George (Tristan’s assistant) today.
The courier company have picked up my bootlid and it is in transit.

[markking]

It’s here!!!
The quality is as I expected (hugely due to Benoit’s in depth explanation of everything) and I am not disappointed.

If you’re thinking of ordering... do it! I can’t wait to get it fitted to the car when it’s back from having it’s new floor fitted.

Attached Files

•  9BCA4EA8-3FB0-4B23-B491-56443F473CD0.jpeg   43.78K   1 downloads
•  128CF389-EE08-4916-9F9F-EB40874F6593.jpeg   39.59K   3 downloads

Edited by markking, 22 October 2019 - 05:03 AM.

[Benoit_Dupont]

Happy to help! :)