11 replies to this topic

[nollyd]

Hi all,would it be mot legal to not weld the rear valance to the body,instead weld it to the closing panel that sits between the boot floor and the subframe,then bolt it with bumper holes.so what im trying to say is it would be held on by the closing panel and the bumper.just a thought as i think it would be easier if i come to replace the valance again.

[slidehammer]

I can't see that being a problem as it isn't structural. i can remember seeing minis driving around with out them on in the past.

[nollyd]

It was just a thought,ive just replaced most of the rear end and just thought it would make life easier in future.

[gazza82]

Would a modern MOT tester even know how it was originally fitted?

[nollyd]

Haha probably not.

[gazza82]

Haha probably not.

 

Make it look professional and you will fox them forever!

[nollyd]

I dont mean a bodge to dodge mot,i mean making it easier in future to replace,also are bolt on wings an option,would be stronger than spot welds,just throwing ideas out there.any ideas from you guys would be great to hear.

[Bobbins]

If you weld on the rear valance properly and treat it with the correct paint process it'll outlast plenty of other parts on the car ... so why not do it correctly.

[nollyd]

Totally agree,but lets say you want to re do the underseal behind the valance or replace the closing panel,would it not be easier to just unbolt it,do your bit then bolt it back on.i know what you are saying about keeping the mini in its original state,im just thinking about how to make life a little easier for the mini enthusiast,i also know the purist will not agree at all.

[Tupers]

Do a proper job and weld it on. There’s no reason a rear valance should last 20+ years if you do a good job with the paint, under sealing and wax oiling.

It’s only the cavities on each and that you really need to worrying about and those are easily waxoiled from the inside of the boot if you drill a small hole and pop a plug in afterwards.

[andyapanel]

Is there no rust on the other two panels there?

When I did this job, I also had to replace part of the boot floor and the base of the rear panel as well.

As mentioned, the new panelwork lasts a long time as long as you keep waxoyling the area.

Good luck whichever course you go down

[jaysmini1983]

my personal thought is that if it isnt spot welded and only held with the 3 bumper bolts then you have a bigger gaps to collect water and have movement/rub etc. however a different option would be you glue/bond a fibreglass one on instead. then no rust.