23 replies to this topic

[tomb1992]

Hello Decided to get to work today as the weathers been Roosting for a change . i decided to try and tackle my pasanger side wing and front panel as it is untidy and needed filling. but as i was going about sanding i thought about filling the gap between the wing and Front panal to make my mini look abit smoother.
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i will go other this again as it definatly needs some touching up.

Comments and Critisums welcome. im only just learning

[myredmini]

Just a warning. That filler will crack in that join

[dave-88_123]

you really need to use fiberglass bridger over the seam first as filler will just crack when the panels flex when driven

[1984mini25]

Nope, what you really need to do is seam weld the seam, grind it back and then fill.

[dave-88_123]

welding it would be best but the fiberglass works well i did mine 6 years ago and its still good

[minidaves]

really need to get paint off before putting fillter on

[tomb1992]

Thanks for the advise Guys. i queryied about getting my car welded but nether thought about the seam.im rubbing it down again so i will try some fibre glass instead . Much appreciated Comments

[rally1380]

I'm assuming the cracking people are on about is the joint between the wing and front panel.

If you wanted a finish that looked closer to the original factory fresh look, try and get hold of some flexible seam sealer rather than filling with fibreglass.

If you go down this route, make sure the seam sealer it's 'over paintable' though otherwise you'll swear alot trying to pick it out.

A flexible sealant pushed right into the seam will offer a more durable, watertight and standard looking fix.

If you want the smoothed look then go with above advice.

[toms]

I'm assuming the cracking people are on about is the joint between the wing and front panel.

If you wanted a finish that looked closer to the original factory fresh look, try and get hold of some flexible seam sealer rather than filling with fibreglass.

If you go down this route, make sure the seam sealer it's 'over paintable' though otherwise you'll swear alot trying to pick it out.

A flexible sealant pushed right into the seam will offer a more durable, watertight and standard looking fix.

If you want the smoothed look then go with above advice.

Well im glad I joined this forum. This has helped me out a lot too.
Where do you get the flexible sealer? I take it most DIY shops would supply it? Or is it a specialist product?

Edited because my spelling is appauling

Edited by toms, 19 August 2012 - 10:13 AM.

[1984mini25]

Looking again at the first pick, it looks as if rust has already taken hold in the seam...

[tomb1992]

Looking again at the first pick, it looks as if rust has already taken hold in the seam...

yer the rust on the seam isnt very deep tho thank god just rubed it down and put some rust treatment on it before i got messy with the fittler.

[sonikk4]

Nine times out of ten the rust will have started from within the flange then working its way out through the seam into the surrounding bodywork. You can treat it, clean it up etc but it will come back.

There is no real way to eliminate it other than replacement.

[rally1380]

I'm assuming the cracking people are on about is the joint between the wing and front panel.

If you wanted a finish that looked closer to the original factory fresh look, try and get hold of some flexible seam sealer rather than filling with fibreglass.

If you go down this route, make sure the seam sealer it's 'over paintable' though otherwise you'll swear alot trying to pick it out.

A flexible sealant pushed right into the seam will offer a more durable, watertight and standard looking fix.

If you want the smoothed look then go with above advice.

Well im glad I joined this forum. This has helped me out a lot too.
Where do you get the flexible sealer? I take it most DIY shops would supply it? Or is it a specialist product?

Edited because my spelling is appauling

You can get a product called 'Brushable seam sealer' from companies like Frost (and any other bodyshop or resto supplier) but i've always found this stuff doesn't really work. I don't know why, it just seems to shrink and crack.

I'd use a polyurethane sealant like this one http://www.toolstation.com/shop/p67949. Don't use a silicone based one as you can't paint it.

I 've found from experience (not just an arm chair know it all spouting off behind a keyboard....oooo they do annoy me!!) thay Polyurethane stuff works really well and remain's very flexible. Ideal for sealing most things to be honest.

[rally1380]

Nine times out of ten the rust will have started from within the flange then working its way out through the seam into the surrounding bodywork. You can treat it, clean it up etc but it will come back.

There is no real way to eliminate it other than replacement.

Totally agree that rust will always come back once it has taken hold (especially in a seam!).....you need to cut out and replace with new steel.

But replacing panels (even repair ones) is a daunting thought if you have no experience....or no grinder....or no welder....

[toms]

I'm assuming the cracking people are on about is the joint between the wing and front panel.

If you wanted a finish that looked closer to the original factory fresh look, try and get hold of some flexible seam sealer rather than filling with fibreglass.

If you go down this route, make sure the seam sealer it's 'over paintable' though otherwise you'll swear alot trying to pick it out.

A flexible sealant pushed right into the seam will offer a more durable, watertight and standard looking fix.

If you want the smoothed look then go with above advice.

Well im glad I joined this forum. This has helped me out a lot too.
Where do you get the flexible sealer? I take it most DIY shops would supply it? Or is it a specialist product?

Edited because my spelling is appauling

You can get a product called 'Brushable seam sealer' from companies like Frost (and any other bodyshop or resto supplier) but i've always found this stuff doesn't really work. I don't know why, it just seems to shrink and crack.

I'd use a polyurethane sealant like this one http://www.toolstation.com/shop/p67949. Don't use a silicone based one as you can't paint it.

I 've found from experience (not just an arm chair know it all spouting off behind a keyboard....oooo they do annoy me!!) thay Polyurethane stuff works really well and remain's very flexible. Ideal for sealing most things to be honest.

I cant thank you enough. experience is always better I agree.
Ive been looking at the car today having a look what needs doing. Front needs some attention but before I splash out on a new pannel im going to give this a go first. Im a bit of a perfectionist tho so if its not right I will end up replacing the pannels.
However I have no experience with a welder etc so I would take it to get done properly.
Then its choosing what colour I want to re spray my car.
Thanks again pal, appreciate your time!