21 replies to this topic

[LiamMann]

I was just wondering the sills on my Mini are slightly worn and are in overall average condition, i do not have any experience in welding and would only weld parts in which wouldnt affect the overall body shape, so taking these sills out is out of the question really as i don't want to disturb the structure

I was just wondering the best way to look after them? get rid of surface rust and seal them with something? 

Thanks Liam

[sonikk4]

Sills are an easy job to do and quite cheap.

 

If the outside of the sill is starting to shows signs of rust then it normally starts inside and works it way out. Worth investigating as this will save potential issues with the inner sill which is not an easy job to do. 

[LiamMann]

What do you reccomend i should do? As i believe replacing the sills in welding skill is beyond my experience?

[LiamMann]

Thanks for the reply!

[sonikk4]

If for the moment they are sound then i would suggest you wire brush any surface rust off, treat with something like Krust then etch prime prime then topcoat followed by Waxoyl.

 

That will help and also pump some waxoyl into the sill cavity.

 

Once thats done look for a second hand welder, something like a Clarke 135TE Turbo mig welder, do not get a gasless one. Then get some sheet steel of 0.9mm thickness and 1.2mm and learn to weld.

 

You may surprise yourself and its a good skill set to learn. 

[LiamMann]

I gues i have to learn how to weld sometime ay! Haha thankyou!

[WishIHadAName]

Im in the same boat I think! Picking up my first welder this friday! I have over sills fitted so will be taking these off in September! If the inner sills has gone is this put of question for a beginner? Also will this necesitate a full respray of the car?

[corrado vr6]

Definitely not a to bigger job for a beginner, infact it's where I started, yes it's more involved than just doing the outer sills but very doable, just make sure you don't get tempted to buy the rubbish patch panel like this one http://item.mobilewe...Id=400262844283 as its not up to the job and very flimsy!!!

As for needing a full respray I would say no, however you will have to do some bracing in the door apurture to stop any flexing and movement which will require some paint removal for welding in your bracing, so bear that in mind

[sonikk4]

Im in the same boat I think! Picking up my first welder this friday! I have over sills fitted so will be taking these off in September! If the inner sills has gone is this put of question for a beginner? Also will this necesitate a full respray of the car?

 

It is doable for a newbie but a big job. If you want i can run you through it step by step and no a respray will not be needed. You will have to touch up the paint on the door step and the bottom of the quarter panel.

[WishIHadAName]

Yeah step by step sounds good! as I said not starting for a couple of months! know ive got problems as water is getting in from the sills which have over sills fitted! So not expecting it to be pretty!

So I shouldnt be using those inner sill panels? Does that mean a floor as well?

[sonikk4]

Yeah step by step sounds good! as I said not starting for a couple of months! know ive got problems as water is getting in from the sills which have over sills fitted! So not expecting it to be pretty!

So I shouldnt be using those inner sill panels? Does that mean a floor as well?

 

Ill send you the guide and its got inner sill part numbers on from M machine as well.

[LiamMann]

Sonikk do you think you will be able to send me the guide as well? Thanks

[sonikk4]

Sonikk do you think you will be able to send me the guide as well? Thanks

 

Email sent.

[JonnyAlpha]

I was a complete beginner a couple of years ago and after having some professional welding done I bought a second hand Clarke 160EN welder and if you look at my project thread you'll see how Iv'e progressed.

 

Due to work commitments Iv'e only really spent a couple of weeks on it but Iv'e gradually improved and my weldings getting better all the time.

I'll be back on it in December (hopefully) and have both my sills to do.

 

A good web site for for welding is the mig welding forum: http://www.mig-weldi...forum/index.php 

And the internet is fantastic with loads of videos on You Tube.

 

This Mini forum has been instrumental in offering advice on how repairs are facilitated.

 

You get so much more satisfaction in doing it yourself.

 

Good luck.

[tmarmsi]

Sonikk do you think you will be able to send me the guide as well? Thanks

 
Email sent.

Would also love the guide if you'd be so kind to send :)