12 replies to this topic

[mab01uk]

Anyone fitted these Japanese dummy external door hinges from MOS International to a Mk3 onwards Mini with winding window doors? (£111 set reduced to £89 with 20% discount + approx. £16 shipping from Japan)
http://www.mosintl.com/dummy.php

[Jon1739]

No but I've done a proper MK1 hinge conversion on a later shell

[mk3 Cooper S]

No but I've done a proper MK1 hinge conversion on a later shell

Got anypictures of this conversion?

[Jon1739]

I did a full guide in Mini Magazine a while back,will try and find out which issue it was and let you know.

[1984mini25]

I've also recently just done this conversion, as well as going one-step feather and converting to sliding windows as well. The hinge conversion has probably cost me £100 in parts, £35 for the mk1 inner panels, £6 for a pair of non-gen mk3 a panels and £60 on a set of second hand refurbished hinges.

[attachment=72663:HPIM0193.jpg][attachment=72664:HPIM0207.jpg]
[attachment=72665:HPIM0217.jpg]

[Jon1739]

looks just like how I did mine

[1984mini25]

looks just like how I did mine

Pretty much and the issue with the conversion guide is January 06 (ish)

[Shifty]

Been thinking about this conversion myself.

Is there any reason why you couldn't use the MK 1 A panel and then reshape the MK3 door to suit?

Also, is it just me or does the Jap kit just look all wrong?

[1984mini25]

Been thinking about this conversion myself.
Is there any reason why you couldn't use the MK 1 A panel and then reshape the MK3 door to suit?

The a pillar is different on the mk1’s external hinged minis and the a panel isn’t folded along the door edge like it is on the mk3’s, so it might not fit?

And the only reason for the mk1 inner a panel (unless you make up some brackets) is the extra strength to take the weight of the door, which the standard a panel alone is not capable of.

[mab01uk]

Also this website below says coming soon........... from The Arc Angels (South West Mini Specialists) :

Mk1 Composite Door Hinges

New to our range 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!!
http://www.the-arc-a...lt.asp?PageNo=6

[monkey]

Im not being funny, i fear im going to be shot down, but aren't stick on external hinges abit...... tacky? I think someone had to say it?

[1987_ParkLane]

Im not being funny, i fear im going to be shot down, but aren't stick on external hinges abit...... tacky? I think someone had to say it?

I agree with this a LITTLE, but the only reason I do is because I think you should add some other MK1 features to it rather than just the hinges.

[mab01uk]

Those that have done the full conversion using the genuine external hinges..........do you think it would it be possible to fabricate some gusseted "bolt on" strengthening hinge support brackets/plates within the inner arches and behind the existing A panels? Perhaps using the existing concealed hinge mounting holes?
Therefore avoiding the welding /replacement and repainting of the cars existing A panels, the reason I ask is because the retro style Mini to be converted has immaculate paintwork and is rust free in this area.
Welding could be carried out on the inner wheel arch as this paintwork will not be visible.
I am a mechanical engineer so design and fabrication of any brackets/plates is not a problem.