4 replies to this topic

[Tom Sanderson]

I'm going to be buying a new bulkhead panel for my van. this....

 

 

http://bullmotifmini...ulkhead_czh3216

 

 

but i have noticed that the MPI style bulkhead is around £100 cheaper...

 

 

http://bullmotifmini...lkhead_aha36005

 

So other than the obvious no large hole in the center is there any other difference i should consider? is all the dash the same etc. for the sake of cutting one hole i'll save myself some money.

 

Cheers for any help in advance.

 

Tom

[tiger99]

They are basically the same shape, give or take a few odd fixing holes etc, which can be welded up or drilled as needed. Also the gussets to the inner wings may be different (hole size and shape), but these can be swapped, or made at home (1.2mm thick!!!) If you do cut the big hole, be sure to put the raised rim round it, for stiffness and originality, or for £32.99, Somerford can sell you a "hole" ready for welding in, or more correctly, the entire area including various small holes too.

 

http://www.somerford...products_id=599

 

Presumably your van does have a rubber mounted subframe? If not, the extra work is not worth the price difference.....

 

That seems to be a good price for such a complex panel.

 

You may want to seam weld it all before fitting, and seam weld to the rest of the shell (double seam, inside and out, at the lap joints, e.g. toeboard/floor). It will make a significant difference to crash protection and may just save your life one day (although we hope your van will never be in an accident, of course). Some modern cars are seam welded in vital areas for that reason. And, it increases stiffness, so reduces noise and improves handling, albeit marginally. I would definitely seam weld the top edge of the bracket for the engine steady, as it helps prevent really annoying fracture later, and it is also a good opportunity to fit stiffening plates in case you shold want to fit a subframe solid mount kit later.

 

Bulkhead change is a huge job, and if you are doing it, I guess that you value your van highly. Sadly I had to scrap a van in about 1973, as economics of that era meant that repair was not viable, DIY MIG welders did not exist, and the local BMC dealer was allegedly unable to obtain panels like inner wings, which is really all that it needed.  It was a lovely vehicle to drive, and if I ever find a good one at the right price, I will be buying it.

Edited by tiger99, 22 December 2013 - 12:43 PM.

[Tom Sanderson]

Thanks for the reply,

 

So it is basically just the hole then, that area of the bulkhead actually isnt too bad so i could always cut that section out and weld it straight onto my new bulkhead. I also considered just leaving it as a solid piece and just drilling the holes for the center dial to fasten to and for the speedo cable to run through as it would probably neaten the engine bay up a little, rather than being able to see the back of the center dial.

 

yes my van is already rubber mounted so there is no problem on that front, although it doesn't have to be original i would like like it to be fairly factory looking and as you say seam welding all the joints is a good idea too. 

 

My van is pretty far gone and does require a bulkhead panel, i plan to make a jig to mount the subframes on and then build up the whole bottom of the car onto this including bulkhead inner wings complete floor load floor and sills and valence etc then lower the top half roof rear panels windscreen surround b pillars etc onto it. It probably isn't worth saving but hey, its a mini van of course its worth saving! anyway doing this i should end up with a virtually brand new van.

 

I am a panelbeater by trade so the extensiveness of the work wont be an issue (hopefully!)

 

Ive added a couple of pictures too...

[Tom Sanderson]

 

 

 

 

[tiger99]

That needs a LOT of work, but a professional like yourself is better equipped than most of us to succeed. It is definitely worth saving, in today's economic climate.