6 replies to this topic

[eeae6000]

In the spring i am going to be removing my front end and replacing with a steel flip front with out inner wings, I've searched around and can't find a answer to my question so here it is

when fitting the new front panel and wings, from my understand, start off with bolting the front panel to the subframe and then add the wings, when adding the wings, do you weld in the inner seam and leave the outer with nothing done to it, or do you add seam sealer to the outside seam, trying to find out how to weld them together and how to make it look nice?

also isn't there a printable template for cutting the wings and front panel for larger wheels, i thought i saw it somewhere but can't seem to find it

[sonikk4]

You are correct in the sequence to assembling the panels.

The wings are normally spot or plug welded to the inner wing flange the A panel flange and also the the front panel flange. I would recommend using zinc weldable primer in this process.

Once you are happy with this then you can grind down flush the spot/plug welds on the A panel flange and the wing to inner wing flange. You can if you want do the same to the front panel flanges but as these are not seen its up to you.

Now you can use seam sealant on the inner wing area to seal up the gap along the edge and also the A panel to wing gap and along the front panel flange as you look up into the inner wheel arch area.

The outer wing to inner wing flange as seen under the bonnet can also be seam sealed but be careful doing this as it is seen.

You can if you want also seam seal the outer seams along the front panel and scuttle to wing area. With the scuttle i would force as much sealant as possible down the seam and smooth off under flush. Have a look at the Project Erm link and you can see where i have done all of the above. Please bare in mind though i have used Aviation sealant which is totally different to the normal sealant you can buy for the automotive industry.

[benjy_18]

i think sonikk has missed you saying its for a flip front without your inner wings.

but he still answers your question regarding the front seams, most people put a small amount of sealant along the frontpanel to wing joint just to even it out a little bit.

and for your question on cutting the wings for wider wheels, the template yoru after is on the minisport website IIRC

Merry christmas
Ben

[sonikk4]

Damn you are right i did miss that bit. Oppps ignore what i said.

[eeae6000]

thanks both of you, both answered my questions perfectly, i know its preference if i want to use seam sealer or not, just making sure, looked as if the outer seem was welded and the seam was grinded down to look smooth, but knew it didn't seam right cause thats almost impossible lol

thanks guys

[eeae6000]

i saw the template, it shows to cut the whole arch, on my current setup i cut the front half off and made it gradually big to small at the top, adding that lip seems like a pain

[benjy_18]

adding the lip is a vital thing to do though, as it gives the wing an aweful lot of extra strength. without the lip it wil flex and can ruin the paintwork