30 replies to this topic

[Clayman]

Hi there! I recently just bought a mini, so im new to the whole thing. I noticed that the thing below the rear windows (whatever it is.. paper rack?) has fallen apart with rust. Just wondering how this is fixed? What panel would i need to replace?

Thanks!

[Bungle]

take a few pics for us and we can tell you what pannel you need

[TJenkos]

Parcel shelf?

Never heard of one of these rusting before

[Feeble]

The bins, maybe>

[Clayman]

I'll take some pictures tomorrow! Dark now..

Its not the parcel shelf. Imigine sitting in the rear seat.. and putting your hand down the side!! that bitty!!

Well all i will do is confuse you guys so i'll just get some pictures taken tomorrow. Thanks for your help!

[Steve Rowe]

I'll take some pictures tomorrow! Dark now..

Its not the parcel shelf. Imigine sitting in the rear seat.. and putting your hand down the side!! that bitty!!

Well all i will do is confuse you guys so i'll just get some pictures taken tomorrow. Thanks for your help!

there like huge door pockets know what u mean but dunno what there called

[pikey7]

Yep. Thems the bins alright. Is it just that thats gone, or inside it too? Definately post some pics 'because there are quite a few panels in that area. Unfortunately the rust usually starts from the outside in, and as these are the "furthest in" parts.........

[Clayman]

Yep. Thems the bins alright. Is it just that thats gone, or inside it too? Definately post some pics 'because there are quite a few panels in that area. Unfortunately the rust usually starts from the outside in, and as these are the "furthest in" parts.........

Pretty much the whole bottom of that is rust. Theres even chunks of rusty metal kicking about. It had the rear subframe replaced by the previous owner, could the rust have started from that?

[pikey7]

it starts 'because its a mini. That's part of the game of these cars unfortunately.

What do the outer sills look like? (on your knees! and look at the underside of where those bins are.) You may get away with a few minor repairs, but if the outers have gone, then you can relatively easily say that you'll need the outer sills, inner sills, some patches on the floor, a couple of closer panels and maybe the bins too. Not a pretty job. I'm in the middle of doing mine now, and while the panels aren't too bad (pricewise), its a lot of cutting and welding.


But.... Don't panic yet. Get those pics up and we'll take a look.











Then panic!

[gsms]

As Pikey said, check both sills, all the way down (ie: from the front to rear arch, both sides, up to around 6 inches in). Mine had rusted through on both sides, and I got it welded up about a month ago.

Get yourself an angle grinder, and doing some of the simple prep jobs like this yourself can save you money on the final welding costs (if your getting it professionally done).

[Clayman]

Heres a picture!

Attached Files

•  13_03_06_1540.jpg   30.39K   46 downloads

[Sprocket]

Something does not look right with that bin, not to mention the rot looking a bit nasty

[Jackman]

Its been cut to see the damage more.

[pikey7]

That's inner sill, pocket bottom, maybe floor (although you may get away with just the inner sill as it comes down onto the floor there), and probably the subframe mounting point (but the picture doesn't really show it). MOT failure right there.

You may also have issues with the outer 3/4 panel at the bottom, and possibly outer sills (if the inner looks that bad, the outer probably ain't pretty. Did you have a look at it while you were there?).

Are you gonna attempt the repair yourself, or get a garage to do it?

[Feeble]

I'd be worried! But then I dont like hard work!