14 replies to this topic

[dotnose2]

HI ive got a few small rust spots coming through on the mini, i was wondering if i can rub them back treat them and touch them up myself or am i best to get a respray?

i took to a local body shop to see what they think and of coarse they said it will need a respray! but surely as there so small and there solid its not too big a job?

The rear pannel behind the bumper is quite bad though and i expect that needs replacing but the boot floor is sound and all pannels around.. please let meknow what you think.. cheers

[sonikk4]

A lot of that could be stripped back and treated but the door looks like there is a crack where the skin joins the window frame and the top of the A panel as well.

Yes the rear valance looks bad and will need to be replaced. You may also find when its off there maybe rust on the floor skin as well.

All of the seams could do with being spot blasted but if that's not possible a twisted wire cup on a grinder will get right into the edge of them.

The seam strips will need to be removed. These are clipped on and also a drop of sealant at the top of them as well.

[dotnose2]

Thanks for your reply sonik..much appreciated.
What do you think is best for the crack at the join of the frame?

[sonikk4]

Normally its welded at the top i believe and ground back so this would need to be done.

[GTIAlex06]

Wish mine looked that good

[Chance]

Wish mine looked that good

SNAP
should be soon hopefully though

[dotnose2]

Normally its welded at the top i believe and ground back so this would need to be done.

Ok thanks, i have a friend who weld so he will help me out.. How easy is it to remove the rear valance and replace?

Wish mine looked that good

lol cheers mate,its not bad for an mpi i supose.

[stretters]

You may want to pop out the windscreen and treat the lip while your at it, as it looks like a rust mark at the bottom. Then re-fit with a narrow seal instead of the wide water retaining one.

(EDIT)
Re the rear valence, they're not too bad to get off. You either have to drill out the spot welds or grind through as the spots are quite close together. Just make sure you only go through one layer, there are 3 in the join (valence, boot floor and hinge/back panel.)

The fun begins if you have to repair the boot floor as well.

Nothing else looks too strenuous, good luck!
(EDIT)

Edited by stretters, 26 April 2012 - 05:03 PM.

[dotnose2]

You may want to pop out the windscreen and treat the lip while your at it, as it looks like a rust mark at the bottom. Then re-fit with a narrow seal instead of the wide water retaining one.

(EDIT)
Re the rear valence, they're not too bad to get off. You either have to drill out the spot welds or grind through as the spots are quite close together. Just make sure you only go through one layer, there are 3 in the join (valence, boot floor and hinge/back panel.)

The fun begins if you have to repair the boot floor as well.

Nothing else looks too strenuous, good luck!
(EDIT)

Thanks for your replay, in that photo is does look like rust around the rubberbut ive just checked and therese no ruts there or around any of the rubber..also the scauttle it good too..

[stretters]

You should be ok then, I've seen a few MPi scuttles that have suffered from the wide seal as water gets trapped in the air-gap of the original narrow seal lip.

Looks like your cars been well garaged all its life, or extremely pampered!

[dotnose2]

ive not long bought it but its garaged now,i know the last year and a half its hasnt thoughmaybe thats whats starting to show.. hoping get it sorted soon as poss to prevent it getting worse..

[sonikk4]

With regards to the valance there are spotwelds all along the boot floor / rear panel/ valance lip. There are also several spot welds either side where it attaches to the valance close out panel (follow the arch line) then there are several more where the close out attaches to the valance further in. Have a look behind the valance in each corner and you will see the flanges from the close out that attach to the valance.

[dotnose2]

With regards to the valance there are spotwelds all along the boot floor / rear panel/ valance lip. There are also several spot welds either side where it attaches to the valance close out panel (follow the arch line) then there are several more where the close out attaches to the valance further in. Have a look behind the valance in each corner and you will see the flanges from the close out that attach to the valance.

Thanks Sonik and stretters you've been a great help.. ill let you know how i get on,,

[stretters]

Mini magazine this month has a great section on replacing the rear valance, just remembered!

[dotnose2]

Mini magazine this month has a great section on replacing the rear valance, just remembered!

Oh really.. I shall have to get a copy.. cheers