13 replies to this topic

[mayunmarlady]

Hi,I've got a 1994 Cooper,I love the Mk 1 look ,I'm changing the boot lid,bonnet and rear lights and bumpers with corner bars etc....I'm wandering if i get external hinges is it possible leave the internal hinges in place and bolt on the external hinges,the hinge does'nt have to work, i.e i could remove the hinge pin,its the look i'm after, any help please? Thanks

[panelbeaterpeter]

It wouldn't work because with internal hinged doors, the door edge tucks behind the A panel when it's opened, so the hinges would just hit each other, that is if you could open the door at all. It would be possible to remove the interior hinges and fit functional exterior hinges, but you would need to weld strengthening brackets to the A panels and the flitch, and possibly the door. You'd also have to fit the early type check strap. It would be easy enough to do, with some time and the right skills.

[colinu]

It can be done (e.g. see http://www.theminifo...x...t&p=1389605)

or...

Arc Angels do a dummy Mk1 hinge kit (i.e. stick-on parts) http://www.the-arc-a...p?CategoryID=22

[mini_hobnob]

Arc Angels do a dummy Mk1 hinge kit (i.e. stick-on parts) http://www.the-arc-angels.co.uk/shop.asp?CategoryID=22

Haha £212.00 are they having a laugh!

[colinu]

Yes, £212 ain't cheap... but they do come sprayed the colour you want (i.e. stick em on and job's done). Although I've never seen them in the flesh, I'd say it's cheaper and far less hassle than doing a proper Mk1 hinge conversion (parts, panel resprays, and hours of your own labour and cursing)... especially if all you want is the cosmetic look of Mk1 hinges.

[panelbeaterpeter]

They do paint them to the colour of your car for that price, but still

[1984mini25]

Arc Angels do a dummy Mk1 hinge kit (i.e. stick-on parts) http://www.the-arc-angels.co.uk/shop.asp?CategoryID=22

Haha £212.00 are they having a laugh!

I converted the 89 Mayfair to PROPER mk1 hinges for less than half that, including the reconditioned genuine hinges and replacement panels Lol.

[miniobsessed]

I'd be interested to see how long the hinges will last as the later doors (internal hinge) are MUCH heavier than the early doors.

[1984mini25]

The above is true, but on my doors I’ve removed as much of the inner skin as possible, ditched the heavy metal window regulator and glass and fitted polycarb-sliding windows.

[davejf]

I'd be interested to see how long the hinges will last as the later doors (internal hinge) are MUCH heavier than the early doors.

4 years so far and no problems, but i'm about to change them for the lighter streetfighter doors.

Dave

[miniobsessed]

I'd be interested to see how long the hinges will last as the later doors (internal hinge) are MUCH heavier than the early doors.

4 years so far and no problems, but i'm about to change them for the lighter streetfighter doors.

Dave

That's alright. I took the doors off my 87 mini the other day and noticed how much heavier they are than all my other mini's (all external hinges - aussie wind-up's). They feel double the weight...

[mini-pli]

I ordered and payed the arc angels mk 1 hinges 8 mounths ago (living in Austria) and waiting up to now for it.
So I think they have a lot of troubels with that hinges.

[jefinabox]

oof, 8 months is a bit long, you gonna get a refund and try something else?

[mini-pli]

Hi,
no refund,it's really hard to get in contact.
After mailing last week every day and two times trying it to ring them last week I got a answer that he is in holidays.
I give them time for the next 2 weeks,when not, I will send a mail to paypal for refund,but hoping everything will going good.