Hi;
Just about to carry out some repairs on my son's mini, one repair is to replace the front L/H Floor Panel which is pretty shot.
What I need advice on is the following:
Do I cut out the floor panel and leave enough of the old one to Lap Weld, or should it be Butt Welded?
Also do the fuel line is in the way so should it be removed (how hard) or unclipped and held to one side?
Photo http://i1043.photobu...ha/IMAG0648.jpg
Thanks
Fitting A Floor Panel
Started by
JonnyAlpha
, Aug 30 2011 07:55 PM
7 replies to this topic
#1
JonnyAlpha
-
- Members
-
- 2,748 posts
Up Into Fourth
- Location: North Devon
- Local Club: Exmoor Minis
Posted 30 August 2011 - 07:55 PM
#2
Tupers
-
- Members
-
- 4,148 posts
Up Into Fourth
- Location: Devon
Posted 30 August 2011 - 08:12 PM
I over lapped mine by around an inch and ran a row of plug welds down the middle with seam welds on each side.
#3
Deathrow
-
- TMF IT Specialist
-
- 5,734 posts
Have you tried turning it off and on again?
- Name: Adam
- Location: Manchester, UK
Posted 31 August 2011 - 01:46 AM
Bleedin' 'eck, that repair isn't going anywhere! Very thorough!
Whether you choose to use a lap joint or a butt joint is very much down to your own preference. I prefer butt joins as if you take your time and get them spot on you can dress the weld so that it doesn't even look repaired. It is a skill though.
Beneath the floor pan on the passenger side is where the fuel line will be running on the underside of the floor pan. You will want to unclip it and move it out of the way before attempting any cutting or welding in the area. Probably a good idea to check that the line is in good condition and not leaking before you start as well just to be safe. I think that's all the safety measures you'd need to take but you might want someone with more experience to confirm it. My lines were dry when I did work in that area.
Whether you choose to use a lap joint or a butt joint is very much down to your own preference. I prefer butt joins as if you take your time and get them spot on you can dress the weld so that it doesn't even look repaired. It is a skill though.
Beneath the floor pan on the passenger side is where the fuel line will be running on the underside of the floor pan. You will want to unclip it and move it out of the way before attempting any cutting or welding in the area. Probably a good idea to check that the line is in good condition and not leaking before you start as well just to be safe. I think that's all the safety measures you'd need to take but you might want someone with more experience to confirm it. My lines were dry when I did work in that area.
#4
ferritboy
-
- Noobies
-
- 67 posts
Stage One Kit Fitted
Posted 31 August 2011 - 10:39 AM
Only Butt weld it if your a experinced welder... and unclip the fuel pipe and just bend it out the way, then you can bend it back when your finnished... 
#5
minisi35
-
- Members
-
- 723 posts
One Carb Or Two?
- Local Club: british mini club shropshire
Posted 31 August 2011 - 04:07 PM
#6
ferritboy
-
- Noobies
-
- 67 posts
Stage One Kit Fitted
Posted 02 September 2011 - 10:53 AM
Minisi35, i like the look of that of that fuel tank you might not be using.. if it needs a new home let me know!!
Cracking welding by the way
if it needs a new home let me know!!Cracking welding by the way
#7
minisi35
-
- Members
-
- 723 posts
One Carb Or Two?
- Local Club: british mini club shropshire
Posted 03 September 2011 - 10:44 AM
Minisi35, i like the look of that of that fuel tank you might not be using..
Cracking welding by the way
Thanks ferrit, ive been trying to emulate C4NNON on my welding but nowhere near as good as his. The tank will be up for sale. Im taking it to the uttoxter mini show
#8
sonikk4
-
- Admin
-
- 16,037 posts
Twisted Paint Polisher!!!
- Name: Neil
- Location: Oxfordshire
Posted 03 September 2011 - 03:46 PM
Like previously mentioned butt welding should only be done if you are really confident in your ability.
If you want a flush fit on the floor either on the underside or inside you could joggle the edges then that way you can seam weld both sides for a nice strong repair that when its cleaned up will be nearly invisible.
http://www.theminifo...howtopic=194176
As a rule of thumb for me disconnect the battery and alternator before you start welding to prevent any possible damage. The other thing to remember with the fuel line is if its really old and crispy it may break so be careful how you move it away.
If you want a flush fit on the floor either on the underside or inside you could joggle the edges then that way you can seam weld both sides for a nice strong repair that when its cleaned up will be nearly invisible.
http://www.theminifo...howtopic=194176
As a rule of thumb for me disconnect the battery and alternator before you start welding to prevent any possible damage. The other thing to remember with the fuel line is if its really old and crispy it may break so be careful how you move it away.
1 user(s) are reading this topic
0 members, 1 guests, 0 anonymous users
