64 replies to this topic

[MiniGrin]

My mini had pretty much all new body panels put on by its last owner shortly before he sold it. I was looking through the photos he had taken at different stages and still cannot believe how rusty it was! Why are minis so bad for the rust? For example a similarly aged Rover/MG seems to still be reletivly rust free still (mine is a 98). And also will the heritage panels used to replace the rusted ones be much more durable than the originals (as technology on rustproofing and rust prevention has advanced)?

[seancv1]

Modern cars are e coated so a special primer reaches every normally un reachable nook and cranny.

[KernowCooper]

I read a lot of the MK5 shells were stord outside until finished and therefore the UK weather did its bit, which they said is why so many of the newer Coopers and others are worse thern the MK4s and back.

[sonikk4]

For the later minis there is a distinct lack of paint between flanges etc so this is their biggest downfall. Also lack of decent rustproofing does not help either.

 

Now to restored cars. There are issues between pattern and Heritage panels. For example the pattern panels have a very poor coating on them that does need to be removed before painting. If not then this will cause issues. Also have the new panels been seam sealed before painting etc.

 

Has weld thru primer been used when attaching the new panels. This plays a big part in a decent resto.

[IainNeon91]

They also have a lot of places which just hold moisture and water

[jaydee]

You clearly never had an MK1-2 fiesta or an old fiat

[Richey]

Does anyone know if specific models were better than others? I drive a Sidewalk, and it's stood up really well over the years. Other Sidewalk owners I spoken to have said the same. Mine has been stored outside most of its life, and is doing pretty well on the rust front...

[firstforward]

You clearly never had an MK1-2 fiesta or an old fiat

 

Add Lancia's to that.

[IainStallard]

Does anyone know if specific models were better than others? I drive a Sidewalk, and it's stood up really well over the years. Other Sidewalk owners I spoken to have said the same. Mine has been stored outside most of its life, and is doing pretty well on the rust front...

My Sidewalk has stood up pretty well too, however there have been a few I've seen that have been completely attacked by the weather

[mab01uk]

Modern cars have plastic wheel arch liners and floor undertrays as well as galvanised steel in vunerable areas, wax injected cavities to allow long rust warranties to be offered. Also all body panel seams are bonded together with a special sealant applied by robots which adds strength and waterproofs the spot welded seams. None of this was or could easily be applied to the late 1950's design of the original Mini and would have further added to cost.

You can however fit plastic arch liners and wax inject sills and box sections yourself.

INNER WHEEL ARCH LINERS (ONE FRONT PAIR ONLY)

http://www.minispare...ty=pb&pid=37262

Edited by mab01uk, 20 September 2013 - 05:10 PM.

[alicetheauto]

The later MPI cars (like yours) were at a point when they were cutting corners at Rover. Paint cost money, so they used as little as possible. I have seen pictures of the area under the rear seats with NO paint. These cars are often in a worse state than cars 10 years older.

[SecretSugar]

Because they crave attention and TLC! 

[Mk1Dave]

You clearly never had an MK1-2 fiesta or an old fiat

 
Add Lancia's to that.

Or a 10 year old Mercedes. Most of them have no boot floors left

[Daz1968]

Minis unfortunately have a lot of water traps and construction techniques are outdated compared to other cars mentioned. Add in the fact it is assembled before painting so no paint under hinges and external seams, also the lack of front under wing protectors and rear subframe with even more water traps then all this adds up to a car that will rust easily, it don't stop us wanting one though.

[Tamworthbay]

Does anyone know if specific models were better than others? I drive a Sidewalk, and it's stood up really well over the years. Other Sidewalk owners I spoken to have said the same. Mine has been stored outside most of its life, and is doing pretty well on the rust front...

Mini 30s seem as bad if not worse than MPis. Every one I see is either rotten or restored.