24 replies to this topic

[Danny_California]

Well I think it makes the front end look really untidy. I've got it looking a lot better than in that top pic, but I've seen better on an A-reg mini in a scrappy, so I'm not content.

[Artful Dodger]

err if i remember correctly you have to loosen the bolt inside the spring (takes some effort to do) and then put a screwdriver in the end and tighten it and then do up the bolt again and repeat if necessary. do up the screwdriver end as much as you like and/or is necessary.. hope this helps:)

[Yoda]

I think as already said, that you need to move the grill a tad. Is it fixed on with self tapping screws, or two large finger nuts on studs through the grill. If so, and the two studs are poorly lined up when fitted, you can get some movement on the grill by bending the studs a little or relocating them in oversized holes and larger washers. If it is fixed with screws, remove them and tape the grill in the right position and re drill for the screws or just fit a pair of these

http://www.midlandwh...hrome-Pair.html

[Danny_California]

Thanks for the advice, I hadn't thought to for grille buttons, never really liked them. But I suppose then the grille would line up perfectly. I still think however that the bonnet needs better alignment, since it seems to sit just about proud of the wings. And someone mentioned it should be a little lower there.
The locknut I undid was the large one that forms the spring seat, and that got the shaft turning no problem. Is there any way of adjusting it so that it both sits lower and still catches? Because the problem I had was when it was adjusted to the right place it wasn't locking shut so I had to work back up til it did.

[1984mini25]

I’ve been having problems aligning the bonnet on my project, but its got a mk1 grill do the gap is really obvious. Plus if I adjust it so it sort of close the bonnet springs back open at its own free will. I think I’ll attempt to shorten the spring and see if that helps in anyway.

[Danny_California]

Sounds exactly like my problem mate. I was thinking of cutting it shorter, but wasn't sure if that would actually help. Be my guinea pig and try it out haha

[1984mini25]

Will do, I’ve got another spare spring anyway if it goes wrong anyways.

[Danny_California]

Can't wait, try and get a pic if you can!

[MrMiniSpecial]

I remember reading somewhere that very often mini bonnets weren't pressed and rolled very well at the factory, and that the later minis often had poorer panel gaps and worse fitting doors etc because the tooling was getting old and worn!
Bending and twisting the panels and doors etc happened on the production line. Often a hammer and block of wood was employed.

Honestly mate as long as your bonnet opens and closes properly, a gap, even a bit bigger than normal still looks fine.
My bonnet sits about 1.5 cm higher on the right than the left. I spent prob half a day aligning it with my dad to get it that good

Its like having doors that never look like they're shut properly, its just a mini thing!

[Carvell]

Cool, cheers guys I'll have a go tomorrow. That spring is bloody strong though! Gonna be very tricky trying to undo the locknut. This is how the bonnet is now at moment anyway, as you can see there is way too big of a gap, and it's fairly uneven.

 

Hello,

Old thread but my mini is looking the same as this one, what is the solution to straighten up the gap?

Thanks