3 replies to this topic

[Scott Howard]

Hi all,

I am wanting to change the front panel on my Mini and was wondering if anyone could advise me on what to do.

Thanks very much in advance,

Scott Howard.

Edited by Scott Howard, 03 January 2012 - 03:11 PM.

[Andyagl]

can you weld?
Unbolt the subframe front mounts. cut underneath the join with each wing. then go under the arches, on the inner wing its attached with two welded on brackets. a verticle one and an angled triangular piece, they both need cutting. (careful of the inner wing though). front panel should come away now. clean up all bits you've cut, brackets need fully coming off, along with the bits still attached to the wing.
Then offer up the panel, clamp it in place, and bolt it through the subframe. weld wings to front panel from under the arch, plus the two new brackets that are attached to the front panel need welding to the inner wing on each side.

Done.

[crazypainter]

Dnt for get to tac the wing join and the flitch join in the bonnet shut, make sure ur bonnet lines up and opens and closes b4 u weld it and for god sake remember to move the wiring loom out the way or u will cut thru it

[minidaves]

remove old front panel carefully with grinder and thin disc, I would say dont take the 2 long tags on the inner wings and clean them up, the lower mounts clean remove spot welds and clean area up, New front panel, clean off the long tabs 3/4 spotweld each side, clean welding faces and drill some plug welds in the lower mounting areas, Fit some new tear drop mounts, bolt on loosly to front subframe, aline to wings and check all the gaps, clamp it all up and weld it up