146 replies to this topic

[Dan6061]

Thought I might aswell start the thread now so I can ask questions before I start the work.
As some of you might know from my 'I Crashed' thread, I crashed my Sidewalk. Nothing major, front light smashed, panels got dented and split apart from rust. Typical.
Anyway, i've still got some waiting to do before I actually start working on it. I'm currently waiting to recieve the cheque from my insurance, then that's got to clear, then I can start ordering everything.

This is how it looks at the moment:

Pretty bad sight...

From what I can see, I'll be needing the flip front (obviously), new headlights, new grill. Already got a stick-on numberplate that I might put on there, and I plan to have black mesh instead of the slats on the grill. Also keeping the front bumper off.
All I need to know, is what to look out for whilst fitting the front end. I know to look out for rust! I mean what problems I might end up facing along the way, just so I know what to expect!

Could someone please link me to a step-by-step guide to this? Preferably pretty detailed, as i'm new to this sort of work with my car. I know I need to chop the front panels off, and the wiring won't be a problem, just need to know what I should be cutting, and what I should be keeping?
Also know I need to get some bars made to stiffen the front end up once the front panels have been cut off, and hopefully my mate's dad can sort me out with that...
One last thing; I need some pictures of how you've got your flip fronts mounted, so I can get a few ideas going! Still unsure how I want to do it.

I hope some of you could help me along the way with this!
Tomorrow I start making room in the garage to fit the Mini in there...

Edited by Dan6061, 20 March 2009 - 10:05 AM.

[Down&Out]

good luck

[Dan6061]

Finally finished sorting the garage out, and the Mini's now nice and snug in there.
Took a few pictures to show my progress :


What a mess!


Nice and tidy. - After a 3hour tidy up!


Mini sat in there away from the rain. Looks much happier in there now! Haha.


Spent a lot of time just trying to get the damn bonnet open! Pulled the release, pulled it up as hard as I could, even got a mate to help me... then he gave it one last go, and pushed it back whilst pulling it up, and thankfully it flew open!
Too dark to go back out there now, and I don't have a light in there yet... Going to take the bonnet off and have a good look at what damage I might've done. Does look ok though!

[bamby]

Good luck with this mate,hope it goes ok for you !

[Dan6061]

Bonnet, bumper, grill, headlights and indicators all off. Started to poke at the rusty panels and made some holes..and split the drivers front wing away from the front panel... it's a bit messy.
Had a look around the engine bay, nothing's broken! Just need to fix the engine steady, and give it all a good clean!

One question, with cutting the panels off, what do I cut and what do i keep? Anyone got pictures of one after it's been cut off so I know what I need to do?
My mate should hopefully help me with this soon, as him and his dad are doing the same to his Mini, but it'd be helpful if you lot could show me exactly what needs doing! He lives 5miles away, so I can't just nip round for a look. Plus his one is always covered up so I can't really remember...

Cheers!


EDIT: Just found/read the FAQ on flip fronts! I know what I need to do now.

Edited by Dan6061, 25 November 2008 - 06:36 PM.

[Deathrow]

See my thread: http://www.theminifo...x...t&p=1143815

Also look here: http://www.theminifo...showtopic=66434

Hope that helps .

[Dan6061]

Thanks for the links! I'm sure I'll be reading through them a few times...
Just started cutting the panels off, came up to find a light for the garage, and double-check what i'm cutting off!

I'll get some pictures posted when i'm done.

[analogue_radio]

Looking forward to some pictures Dan, which way are you flipping it & what are you securing it with?

[Dan6061]

I'll be flipping it forwards. Probably just with hinges at the bottom. I haven't figured out how to secure it yet, bonnet will be down on bonnet pins, and I might still use the internal release if I can. Could do with some pictures or something to get some ideas of securing the rest down.

Just ordering some new discs for the grinder. Came across some flap discs, which I think would come in use! Do I want 40 grit, or 80 grit?

[jonny f]

nice little mini you got there.

Is that your trials bike? i used to be into push bike trials still got my old T-pro in the garage. Ride motorbike trials so got into push bike for a bit. Ride BMX/MTB now.

fixing the bike rack to the seals is bit dodgey aint it i always keep to a maximum of two bikes at a time lol

[Dan6061]

Yeah, that's my trials bike. Doesn't get used as much anymore, I blame the bad weather!


Question: Do I actually need the indicators on the wings? Or could I get away with not having them on the flip front?

[Dan6061]

UPDATE.

Just finished cutting the front panels off. Grinder did give up after a minute, then I found a big chisel and hammer, which did the job! Then I took the grinder apart and fiddled about, got it working again.

Anyway, few pictures:










I'll start smoothing it off when the new cutting and flap disk arrives. Think tomorrow i'll start cleaning up the engine bay a bit!

[Tom Booth]

You'll need side repeaters Dan, I forget what year it is for no S/R's but mine's not old enough either

Looking good thou matey. Just keep cracking on with it and she'll be done in no time

[Dan6061]

Ah damn. Thought I might!
I ended up bending the passenger A panel a little whilst pulling at the wing trying to get it off. I had rust on my side when pulling off the drivers wing! Literally just fell off after a little tug...
Might be able to bend it back into shape, or I might get some new ones. Can you buy them with the holes cut in for side repeaters?

[Tom Booth]

I doubt it, but some of the small chavy oval ones etc just have a round mounting hole if it's any good to you?? Would make it a hell of an easy job fitting.