33 replies to this topic

[Craig89]

My mini recently failed its mot due to the rear subframe rear mounts in the boot requiring attention so I have got the car jacked up and the subframe off to have a look at the damage, here are some pictures:

 

 

 

 

 

Im just after some advice on the best way to repair this as its obviously quite an awkward area. I have toyed with the idea of replacing the whole boot floor panel as it is a bit of a patchwork quilt full of various old repairs.

 

Any advice welcomed,

 

Thanks

[benjy_18]

the closing panels don't look to smart either. I guess the main question is how far do you want to go with it? just need an mot to keep it on the road or do you want it mint?

 

if it was me I would go for a pair of closing panels and then just carefully remove the previous patches (but leaving the arch stiffeners in place) and then make up your own repair panel to replace all the rust and previous patches.

 

obviously doing it this way could show up more rust in the valance or arches but its probably the most effective way to remove the rust.

 

regards

ben

[Carlos W]

I'm inclined to agree about the closing panel! 

 

What does the fail sheet actually say?

 

As above, if you can leave the stiffener in place then it'll make lining up easier, but I'd be test fitting the subframe to check alignment before welding the repair panel in place!

[Craig89]

Thanks for the replys

 

The fail sheet reads: Offside/Nearside rear subframe mounting prescribed area is excessively corroded

 

Im not trying to achieve a concourse car however i want to make a proper job of it so that I don't have to come back to it next MOT.

 

I have got a pair of closing panels, can these be removed and replaced with the rear valence still in place?

[Tamworthbay]

They can but it can be awkward to get them out. How does the rear valance look? They often rot inside of the closing panels.

[Craig89]

Rear valence looks and feels pretty solid. I might just remove it anyway if it gives me better access

[Daz1968]

Easiest option is to cut off rear valence and repair rear floor and replace closing panels and subframe mounting panels then fit a new valance. I presume heel board area is ok as subframe has been removed. Not a difficult job to do as long as its only localised rust.

[Craig89]

Yeah heel board is solid. I was thinking of taking at it like that, for the cost of a new valence it's not worth trying to save the existing one so I will just lop it off and replace with new. Are the pattern valences any good?

[Daz1968]

I used a pattern valance from mini spares centre and had no difficulty fitting it, only thing I can remember was the flanges where it joins the rear wing needed trimming and reshaping a little

[Craig89]

That's great thanks. As regards to the repair how should the original boot floor be welded to the inner arch? So I know how to detach and replace some of the floor from the in the offending area

[sonikk4]

Everything is spot welded apart the the subframe mount stiffener.

[Craig89]

There's obviously a lip then? Is this part of the arch or floor?

[alex-95]

The lip is on both so that they can be spot/plug welded together. have a look at page 9 of "My project" below, you can see how it's done even though Thats part of the rear seat.

[sonikk4]

You should see some spot welds where these plug welds are

 

This is the damage i had to contend with

 

And new section welded in place

[Craig89]

That's great thank you