7 replies to this topic

[YoungUn]

Hi, Ive tried the search function and crawled through loads of pages of results but nothing came up.

I was wondering if anyone had done an internal hinge conversion on a mini van.

I am looking at doing this, and just wondering if there are any links or pictures that would help me.

I origonally was going to try using mk3 doors, but since learnt that it would be alot of metalwork on the door recess... so Im going to use mk3 inner door skins with winder mechanism etc welded onto a reinforced mk1 door. then cut the chanel out for the glass and put some seals in....

If i were to use mk3 hinges would I have to modify behind the A-panel?

As much as I like the look of sliding windows, the security and usability is a big issue.

Again if anyone has done this before please could you post some pictures or links to give me some more ideas

Cheers, Charlie

[CobraV8]

Everyone is trying to do the opposite! Keep the external hinges, they are part of the character of an older Mini.

[dave21478]

I looked into this for my van. The main stumbling block is the door handle. on a mkI door, the handle has a solid bar that crosses the door from the exterior handle to the latch mechanism on the inside. This means wind-up windows cant be wound down at all if you fit the mkIII interior parts of the door.. I started to look into finding an alternative door latch and handle, but never got round to it and went with the original mkI doors in the end. Using the mkIII style handle and latch requires a fair bit of bodywork mods to get the striker plate etc in the right location.

Edited by dave21478, 15 May 2010 - 05:34 PM.

[YoungUn]

Cheers for the replies - I Like the exterior hinges and slidey windows for looks, but my van needs to be abit more practical, and secure.

how about not having handles and using solenoids like tvr cerbera?

[Timify]

Just pray you never leave your headlights on and flat the battery

My brothers tuscan had those, they are nice. But i bit annoying as in true TVR build quality, they didn't "pop" the door every time. Some times it took 2 or 3 attempts to get the door open.

[Stevee]

Cheers for the replies - I Like the exterior hinges and slidey windows for looks, but my van needs to be abit more practical, and secure.

how about not having handles and using solenoids like tvr cerbera?

With Doing That You Still need a way into the van via handles

on lambo's and some itailian sports cars theres a small button under the wing mirror but they are prone to not working

its best to have door handles

just fit a damn good alarm system with motion sensors and that you'll be safe enfu then

[josh370]

Just sell the MK1 doors and buy some MK3's you'll make some money and it's much easier.

[Tupers]

Just sell the MK1 doors and buy some MK3's you'll make some money and it's much easier.

No it's not MK3 onwards door wont fit into MK1 door frames they're a completely different shape.