62 replies to this topic

[mk1leg]

Not that drastic ...................learn how to weld and the job becomes cheaper...............

[mini danny]

Not that drastic ...................learn how to weld and the job becomes cheaper...............

a hell of a lot cheaper trust me my clubman estate i got a quote from a mini place to do the welding on here was alot and they came back with a quote of nearly 12k done it my self and so far it cost me 90 for a welder

[fattail95]

I've got a friend that can get me a good deal at a body shop, also my Dad knows a mechanic and he is usually much cheaper that £45/hr.

Speaking purely parts here, what do I need?

[fattail95]

Well, if I wait until the summer holidays off school, I could always learn how to weld I guess?

[mini danny]

Well, if I wait until the summer holidays off school, I could always learn how to weld I guess?

if i was you thats what i would be its a lot cheaper and you then can say you did the work :)

[benb12]

They are all common places for MPI minis to go, especially around the scuttle like that. I wouldn't say the rust on the wings and front panels is bad enough to justify a new front end though. The windscreen definitely needs taking out and the top dash rail to sort that rust, there probably isn't much of a lip left on the scuttle to fit the windscreen to. I'd say repair what you can rather than replace, and put the savings towards getting those sills sorted (looks like oversills in the pictures, a better picture from underneath would confirm)

Edited by benb12, 06 February 2012 - 04:44 PM.

[fattail95]

How hard is it to weld?

[AVV IT]

How are you getting a figure of £2k?

£1,500 is about the going rate for a new front end alone. When you factor in the panels, paint and the welding & paint prep labour at upwards of £40 per hour, trust me that £2k will soon disappear! You could get it done cheaper by removing the old panels yourself and then paying a mobile welder to fit the new ones for you. Then either respray yourself, or do your own prep before getting a the paint done professionally.

[fattail95]

Do I really need a complete new front end?

[benb12]

They are all common places for MPI minis to go, especially around the scuttle like that. I wouldn't say the rust on the wings and front panels is bad enough to justify a new front end though. The windscreen definitely needs taking out and the top dash rail to sort that rust, there probably isn't much of a lip left on the scuttle to fit the windscreen to. I'd say repair what you can rather than replace, and put the savings towards getting those sills sorted (looks like oversills in the pictures, a better picture from underneath would confirm)

[AVV IT]

Well, if I wait until the summer holidays off school, I could always learn how to weld I guess?

Trust me it's time and money well spent. If you own a classic mini, you will need to learn to weld sooner or later. (or have very deep pockets.)

How hard is it to weld?

It's not the easiest thing to learn, but with the right welder, kit and a few tips from others, it's an awful lot easier. Like most things it just takes time to pick it up and to practice. .Also TMF has all the advice you will ever need on How to weld, the best kit to buy, where to get your gas, etc.

Do I really need a complete new front end?

On reflection I reckon you might get away with not replacing the front panel, but I don't think you will be able to salvage the wings, scuttle or A-panels, without the rust coming back to haunt you.

Edited by AVV IT, 06 February 2012 - 04:55 PM.

[fattail95]

Yeah, thats what I thought anyway.

On the list:

New wings
Scuttle
A Panels
Windscreen rubber
Door skins

Edited by fattail95, 06 February 2012 - 05:05 PM.

[AVV IT]

Add door skins to your list!!

Edited by AVV IT, 06 February 2012 - 05:02 PM.

[fattail95]

Do I just need skins or a new door completely?

[ANON]

id try and save the scuttle and wings that is only just stating to rust get it bare metaled and see if its rooten if its made tiny hold weld them up as the wings are original so they have the best panel gap but door skins look like the need doing and above the rear quarter window

are we looking at the same scuttle? it's shot.

Upwards of £2k? I'm not going to have a full respray of the car, just the new panels. The small patches of rust like below the window, I will probably just rub down, treat and paint.

How are you getting a figure of £2k?

it's easily £2k, if you haven't looked under the carpets yet you'll find more there.