13 replies to this topic

[j0-rdan]

So christmas is coming up and my list of mini parts has grown..
Got home from uni last night and started playing around with the car when I noticed that I can poke holes in the inner rear arches..
My list is now going to have to be filed away, and I would be very appreciative of anyone telling me how to go about solving this problem, as I have no idea.. New panels are involved but how much work is this going to be?!
Heres a picture:

The passenger side arch is a similar (slightly better) condition, however I poked a hole in it that I can't see when im in the car, so I imagine that it will be visible under the petrol tank?
I really am upset about this, as after originally replacing just about every other panel on the car and getting a respray I thought I was past finding this sort of damage..
Please let me know what you think I should do, thanks..

Edited by j0-rdan, 13 December 2009 - 02:29 PM.

[Ethel]

Have a good poke around. particularly by the shocker. Wheel arches are easier to fit than you might think.

[j0-rdan]

Have a good poke around. particularly by the shocker. Wheel arches are easier to fit than you might think.

Ok thanks Ethel, I really am hoping this isnt going to be too much of a set back..
What needs to happen in regards to the pannels seperating the back seats from the boot? It looks like they are joined together.
Also I know it doesnt matter if it gets messy inside, as its all covered with seats, but am I going to get away without needing a paint job outside?

[Saxo-Fiesta-Mini]

if it was mine id juast remove all the loose metal and weld a patch in then make sure to coat the cleaned fresh weld with grey stripe and plenty of stone chip that should sort it for a good while

[j0-rdan]

if it was mine id juast remove all the loose metal and weld a patch in then make sure to coat the cleaned fresh weld with grey stripe and plenty of stone chip that should sort it for a good while

Hmm this is indeed an interesting notion, how long is a good while? Long enough to let me finish uni and win the lottery?

[Saxo-Fiesta-Mini]

if done properly a patch will last as long as new pannel is treated properly

[j0-rdan]

if done properly a patch will last as long as new pannel is treated properly

Thanks SFM, shame I can't do my own welding, but will defiantely keep that in mind..
Don't suppose anyone knows where I can find a picture of the pannel id need? Would be very helpful..

[Ethel]

You may get away with a patch if it was an isolated paint chip. You can get 2 arch panels, just the curved bit or the whole section to the boot floor. Unpick the welds with a spot weld drill or cut just inside the seams with a grinder then roll what's left of the arch up 'n pop the welds a bit like opening a can of sardines . You can locate the new arch with a shocker, thread a bit of pipe on the rod to keep it extended. Then just clamp & weld the seams together.

[tadleysimon]

http://www.minisport...log/14A9559.jpg

[brianmini]

if done properly a patch will last as long as new pannel is treated properly

I agree with this, I refurbished my mini over last winter/spring. I couldn't afford too many panels, and the front end was of primary concern. I had to patch my arches, just take your time, and do a good job.

I cut the hole to a regular size, made up a patch to fit, treated the area with weld through primer, welded in the patch and then painted it. Its now well dosed in Bilt Hamber rust proof wax and I expect it will last several years before I have to consider a new arch.

[paul6266]

if it was me i would patch that as it doesnt look too bad but you have to make sure that you have a good poke around and see how bad it really is

[pru]

I am with u on the hating rust! I bought my 1st mini a couple of months ago...I don't have answers for you, sorry, but just wanted to know how you went about replacing panels. I have a similar plan (finances willing), to replace panel by panel...poss with fibreglass? I use mine daily so can't afford to have it off road for any real length of time. Do you have any advice having been through it? Does it matter that the chassis is also v rusty? ...sigh...so much rust, so little time (and money) .

[Jonny998cc]

may aswel tub it when you repair:)

[D1k1m4y]

i welded up a hole there and set fire to something (some crap had accumulated and decided it was flamable) wasnt happy.