22 replies to this topic

[E.L.M.O]

Is there anywhere that build shells with mk1 door hinges?

I like the look of them, and If I ever did go the reshell route could it be done? What would be easiest if there is no one who builds shells with the hinges on the outside, get some from a scrapper and fit them? could this be done to a fiberglass shell easily enough? I know anything is possible but feasibility, what the chances of it?

[Paul Wiginton]

It can be done, I could do it for you but I would need to reinforce the A panels with brackets on the inside. Just depends whether its worth the money to you as it could cost a few hundred for the conversion. New hinges are about £90 alone

Paul

[Matt.P]

This is one of the options I had considered before I got my mk1, but from what I hear it really isn't the simplest mod.
You can try looking for hinges from scrappers but fewer mk1's are being scrapped as they are recognised as true classics nowadays.
One idea you could use is:
attach the hinges to the door + A panel - but.... do not connect the hinges. When the door is shut it will create the illusion that your car has external hinges, but this is soon found out as soon as you open the doors.
I think there is a shell company that offer restored mk1/mk2 shells for sale (have external hinges) so it would be worth contacting them. However, I can't see this option being cheap
Alternatively, buy an australian mini - they all have external hinges, even the clubmans

[Paul Wiginton]

Ive done this mod before, as said above its not the easiest thing to do but is doable like anything.
PM me if you would like to discuss it

Paul

[GraemeC]

One idea you could use is:
attach the hinges to the door + A panel - but.... do not connect the hinges. When the door is shut it will create the illusion that your car has external hinges, but this is soon found out as soon as you open the doors.

This isn't possible due to the difference in the hinge centre lines on the two different systems. On an internally hinged door the front edge actually goes 'in' (towards the inside of the car) as the door opens.

[mab01uk]

Dummy add-on Mk1/2 external hinges are available for Mk3 onwards Mini doors in Japan but have larger gaps to allow the standard internal hinges to work normally.
(see pictures below)

Attached Files

•  dummy.gif   14.67K   26 downloads
•  dummy2.gif   21.56K   23 downloads

[mab01uk]

Also on Arc Angels website..............but not seen any yet?

Mk1 Composite Door Hinges
New to our range are these fantastic door hinges, they give the external appearance of a mk1 to your mini and you simply remove the backing and stick them on, couldn`t be simpler!!
(scroll down)
http://www.the-arc-a...lt.asp?PageNo=6

[tomkidd]

I have a friend who works for Turtle Trading in Japan and he says the fake hinges are rubbish.

[davejf]

Hi, it can be done as i have done it. you need to add stiffners to the door skin and a panel, see photos.
if you want anymore info just ask.

Dave

Attached Files

•  DSCN1275b.JPG   61.34K   116 downloads

[1984mini25]

Hi, it can be done as i have done it. you need to add stiffners to the door skin and a panel, see photos.
if you want anymore info just ask.

Dave

I’ve also retro fitted mk1 hinges to a mk3 shell although it was a lot of work getting the inner a panels with brackets a later mk3 outer a panel and the doors to line up.

There are a few picks in the link (the 1989 retro Mayfair) in the bottom of my sig.

[SolarB]

Mini doors in Japan but have larger gaps to allow the standard internal hinges to work normally.

Didn't know that about Japanese Minis. Was the door aperature larger or the door smaller?

[THE ANORAK]

Mini doors in Japan but have larger gaps to allow the standard internal hinges to work normally.

Didn't know that about Japanese Minis. Was the door aperature larger or the door smaller?

read it again, that's NOT what he said

[Mini-Mad-Craig]

Its true japanese "clubmans" which is what all export Park lanes were called had a larger gap.

[THE ANORAK]

Its true japanese "clubmans" which is what all export Park lanes were called had a larger gap.

what ???? what are you talking about ????

[taffy1967]

Its true japanese "clubmans" which is what all export Park lanes were called had a larger gap.

what ???? what are you talking about ????

Eh? The Mini Clubman and the Mini Park Lane LE were 2 different models?