8 replies to this topic

[Mini Mad Drakeley]

i need to replace basically the whole front end (wings, A panels, front panel, bonnet) i know that genuine panels fit better but are very expensive. if i was to use all non genuine panels would that affect the value of the car at the end of the project or is it worth using non-genuine panels to make them fit to save some money bcus my budget is very tight?

[AVV IT]

i need to replace basically the whole front end (wings, A panels, front panel, bonnet) i know that genuine panels fit better but are very expensive. if i was to use all non genuine panels would that affect the value of the car at the end of the project or is it worth using non-genuine panels to make them fit to save some money bcus my budget is very tight?

It's more likely to effect the value in that the pattern panels wont fit as well, as opposed to the actual label of them being non genuine. Opinions vary on this but in my experience some non genuine panels are actual quite good, certainly pattern A panels are OK, as are pattern front panels. But avoid non genuine wings like the plague! (I so wish I had!). I'm not sure about a non genuine bonnet as I've never had one, but I would be tempted to pick up a used genuine one off flea-bay instead. Unlike all the other panels bonnets are bolt on, don't tend to rust and a used one is pretty much indistinguishable from a new one, once it has been resprayed. A well resprayed, used, genuine bonnet has to be a better bet than a new pattern version (and a damn sight cheaper too!) Also standard mini bonnets are usually readily available, as people tend to sell them on once they have fitted a fiberglass or vented version.

[lrostoke]

I doubt it will affect the value, there won't be many people checking if a panel is genuine except maybe on sills and even then they will be looking if they are the no vent over sills or vented type.
Can only speak from experience but we've used pattern A panels and wings on two of ours fitted a treat. One of those two as also had a pattern complete front panel, again no issues.

The only genuine panels I've fitted have been heel boards, rear seat base repair sections and a boot hinge panel. The biggest difference I've noticed is the thickness of the panels they do seem to be thicker metal.

Also with pattern parts its advised to remove all the primer paint they come supplied with it doesn't stay on very well. Genuine you can paint over the supplied finish.

[Mini Mad Drakeley]

ok thanks i think il just destroy the budget nd get genuine panels just in case bcus i think the front panel on mine is nongenuine and it has bumpy metal nd its crap nd rusted

[Frog]

ok thanks i think il just destroy the budget nd get genuine panels just in case bcus i think the front panel on mine is nongenuine and it has bumpy metal nd its crap nd rusted

I say if you can afford it get genuine panels, they are usually mad of thicker steel & fit better. I do fit both genuine & non genuine As per customer requirements/budget but would always use genuine if possible.

[bobs]

I heard a few years back about some non-genuine bonnets not fitting due to discrepancies in the size, think they were cheap Asian copies and about half an inch too long!

Plenty of good second hand ones about.

As for wings, I like the better metal used in the genuine ones that's about it, and they do fit better, but still even with genuine ones a bit of fettling is always needed to get wings, front panel and bonnet to fit and give that nice neat small line gap between all.

Recently seen some later mini's come off the production line with really badly fitted "genuine" front ends as standard!

[mk3cortina]

ive got a non geniune front panel and a pair of wings, everything fitted fine and the fit is as good as factory.

[ricky_mini]

new bonnets are a PITA! ive heard the genuine ones can be just as bad as non gen, you are far better off finding a decent second hand one than buying new.

ive just fitted a complete non genuine front end, the wings can be tricky but the rest of it hasnt been to bad at all.

[1275GTS]

I rebuilt the front end of my spi including the whole scuttle panel using pattern panels. Granted they did need a bit of fettling to fit and look right, but i was on a very tight budget and it cost me £120 4 years ago. I did use genuine 'A' panels as I had them already. At the end of the day its how you value your money and the time scale you have to fit them. I didn't need the mini as i had a daily driver and therefore could spend the time fettling the panels to fit. I'm more than pleased with the results.