14 replies to this topic

[mk=john]

Hi
I am currently working on the font end of my mini restoration, and will soon have to weld the front panel and wings into place.

One of the things I want to be certain of is a watertight weld along the front panel/wing joining flange, below the headlight holes. I have previously been advised to offer all panels onto the car, then tack weld the flange in a few paces on the inside, then remove the three panels as one assembly for final seam welding on the inside of the flange. Then, to put the whoel thing back on the car so it can we welded.

But if I do this, then it is very diffficult to weld the tabs (on the inside of the front panel) to the inner wings, and the wings will be already welded to it (access with the welder is restrictive).

Any advice? Does anyone have a step by step guide to fitting these three front end panel? Also, what is the best method of welding the front panel tabs to the inner wings, plug weld, seam weld etc????

Thanks
John

[jjojjas]

I just "fit them"
I don't take them off to do the inside lip, I just seam weld it on the inner then seam seal the outside

don't fill it though, just put enough in to seal it then smooth the rest out with your finger.


As for the flanges, I do both. You can get in there with the wheels off easily. I do three spots welds then I seam the bottom. You tend to find you can seam the top of it as they are angled slightly away from the inner wing. Then you can put some sealer in that gap to keep the water out.
You can just see here...

Jas

[scrippo]

I believe Panelbeaterpeter used a subframe to fit mine, to make sure it was all nice and straight. And it is lovely and straight!

[mk=john]

I believe Panelbeaterpeter used a subframe to fit mine, to make sure it was all nice and straight. And it is lovely and straight!

Hi
The frone panel i have is a non-genuine one, and it was supplied with m-Machine. The primer is not the e-coat type as on genuine Heritage panels, but a matt black regular metal primer. Shall I strip the front panel to bare metal, and etch prime it?

I have paint stripper, but is it actually worth doing?
Thanks

[jjojjas]

I believe Panelbeaterpeter used a subframe to fit mine, to make sure it was all nice and straight. And it is lovely and straight!

Hi
The frone panel i have is a non-genuine one, and it was supplied with m-Machine. The primer is not the e-coat type as on genuine Heritage panels, but a matt black regular metal primer. Shall I strip the front panel to bare metal, and etch prime it?

I have paint stripper, but is it actually worth doing?
Thanks

I remove it back to steel. It actually wipes off with some 2k thinners and a rag.
Jas

[mk=john]

I believe Panelbeaterpeter used a subframe to fit mine, to make sure it was all nice and straight. And it is lovely and straight!

Hi
The frone panel i have is a non-genuine one, and it was supplied with m-Machine. The primer is not the e-coat type as on genuine Heritage panels, but a matt black regular metal primer. Shall I strip the front panel to bare metal, and etch prime it?

I have paint stripper, but is it actually worth doing?
Thanks

I remove it back to steel. It actually wipes off with some 2k thinners and a rag.
Jas

Hi
Will cellulose thinners remove it?

[KEV@POWARTEK]

Im at the exact same point as you, I think I may bolt my inner tabs as im not sure if I want a removable front still.
Thanks to jjojjas for the pics.

[jjojjas]

Hi
Will cellulose thinners remove it?

hmm. Don't see why not. But I can't say for sure.
Jas

[mk=john]

Hi
Will cellulose thinners remove it?

hmm. Don't see why not. But I can't say for sure.
Jas

hi
yes, celly thinners worked great, the primer just seemed to fall off on some paper rags. I now hope I can get to all of the hidden areas with etch primer, but forst i will use wire wool to key the srface, then panel wipe.

[Charginglemon]

When you sealed the join between the wing and the front panel, what did you seal it with? Body filler? I was perusing a mini resto book and they brazed the join together.. any thoughts?

Thanks,

e

[minidaves]

seam sealer is what should be used. brazing never seen that on a factory car

[tiger99]

Brazing is an MOT fail, as is bolting where it was originally welded.

[midridge2]

If you read the post, they are talking about the outer seam being brazed to keep it water tight not brazing the inside flange. no MOT fail.

[Charginglemon]

To conclude then - Inner seam should be welded and outer seam filled with seam sealer?

[midridge2]

correct.