7 replies to this topic

[JZG88]

Does anyone know how to fix these little cracks on a mini? They are in the front, in the seam near the bonnet and as well as, the seam next to the indicator lights of my mini.

 

[Artful Dodger]

Basically, someone has used filler in the cracks when putting a new front on. Dumb move. This doesn't flex and just cracks as you see here. What you should do is use seam sealer, which allows for flex.

To rectify you are gonna have to dig out the filler, seam sealer and respray. And as its on the seams you are going to have to pretty much the whole front end bar the bonnet...

Doh!

[Jayme 1275]

oh that sucks.

[myredmini]

As above, that needs digging out, rust removal for example deox gel. Etch primer, high build primer, seam sealer, then top coat. That will offer great protection so long as the seams behind are well sealed and waxoyl'd too.

[JZG88]

Basically, someone has used filler in the cracks when putting a new front on. Dumb move. This doesn't flex and just cracks as you see here. What you should do is use seam sealer, which allows for flex.

To rectify you are gonna have to dig out the filler, seam sealer and respray. And as its on the seams you are going to have to pretty much the whole front end bar the bonnet...

Doh!

 

Gee whiskers!!!..Is this something I have to fix, as soon as I can? How difficult would that be to do?

[Tarks]

have you ever tackled bodywork before...no? then yes difficult but not rocket science to be honest.  mask off any areas you do not wish to damage ie 10mm either side of your cracks.

 

Use a wire wheel in a drill to remove the filler on seams, then remove the tape an inch from the area and use 800 grit paper to feather the painted/non painted edge.

 

then use the seam sealer wipe with a rag and thinners to get a very neat clean seam allow to dry overnight or 20-30 mins with a infrared heater.

 

use acid etch primer first a light coat will do then a high build primer. After you will need to have the paint matched in aerosol. with all protection tape removed 1000 grit wet n dry the whole area. making sure its nice and smooth and primer is blended nicely with the top coat.  

 

then with a first light dust coat use your colour wait 7-10 mins then do another covering coat in even sweeps. wait 7-10 mins then another..

 

 

leave overnight and wet n dry 1200-2000 (is better) flat back even then buff up with some T-cut and a cloth  job done. done correctly you can save huge respray bills and you can fix this yourself.

 

be lucky n hope you understand my poor instructions lol

[Tarks]

oh and how fast you need to fix this depends on how long its been cracked and how often your car gets wet. ideally sooner rather than later mate. rust will soon destroy your wing to front panel joint and shortly after do the same for the scuttle to wing joint. turning a light fix to a major panel repair/replacement.

[minidaves]

and thats paint crack on seam sealer, i recon, i would just fine line brush the seams