6 replies to this topic

[classic chris]

I have recently bought my first mini with the idea of using it as my daily drive but when I got it home I found it had a few water leaks. I have since managed to fix them and thought I was close to gettin it on the road but this was not to be. I knew that when i bought it that the scuttle was not in the best shape but hoped it would see this year out but it has unfortunetly given in and rust has really broke through and is now leaking water into the n/s footwell. I wish to replace the scuttle and have no idea of what is involved or how to go about doing it. Any advice on what to do would be really helpfull. I personally cannot weld but know a good welder who would do my welding if i told him what to do.

thanks in advace,
Chris

[MGBailey007]

you need to cut it out and weld the new one back in it goes into the window frame abit, depending how it was done before you might have to drill the rivets out if it had been riveted when my brother did his he had to drill out about 100 haha, i would get the new one and make it out so you know how much to cut out, have never done one myself my dad did mine lastweek because im in germany working away from home and my brother did his last year

Matt

[tiger99]

Look through the restoration threads, as practically everyone there has had to replace their scuttle, and there are plenty of pictures.

If you want to keep the Mini for a while, you will find it worthwhile learning to weld. Don't be scared of it, you will be able to do it, especially if someone can give you a few lessons.

[sonikk4]

If you are going for a full scuttle replacement then your wings will need to be off. Do use a Heritage scuttle, they are not cheap but the best fitting by far. You may or may not need the scuttle closeout panels each end as well. The biggest things with replacing a scuttle is hidden rust so expect the worst.

When the scuttle is replaced trial fit the windscreen this is to make sure you do not need to trim off anything after its painted.

[classic chris]

thanks for the advice guys. If you are saying my wings will need to be off I would probably be aswell replacing them at the same time because both have slight rust and I do wish to keep the car for a long time. Do u think it would b woth while replacing with a fibreglass front end to eliminate rust for the futer? or stick with genuine panels? I do also intend on learning to weld but would rather my first welding wasnt on my little mini

thanks again.

[sonikk4]

Personally i would steer clear of fibre glass and stick with good quality original steel panels. If your originals are showing signs of rust around the front seams where they are joined to the front panel then replace them. You may find the front panel will need to be done as well.

[classic chris]

The rust is on the top of the wing above the side repeater, it just seems silly to put rusty wings back on if you say they need to be off for the scuttle anyway. As far as i can c the front panel is ok so that is one good thing.