1 reply to this topic

[lewishollings]

Hey there, I have recently fitted the mk1 moustache to my mini and it looks great! However I have the whiskers, I have the clips but have no clue how to fit it... can anyone help me out? even a picture would help :) Thanks!

[dklawson]

There are several ways to locate them.  The problems surface when you actually attach them to the front panel.  Everyone has their own unique method.  I'll suggest you try mine but be open minded to what others suggest.

 

First put the clips in the whisker. 

Position the whiskers at the end of the moustache where you think they look good using tape them to hold them in place.

Once you are happy with the location, tape around the perimeter of the whisker so you know exactly where it was, then remove the whisker.

Apply a dot of modeling clay to the back side of each clip.  You want something big enough that it will squish out under the clips covering their entire back surface when flattened.

Offer the whisker back up to the front panel placing it inside the tape outline you made.

Push down to mash the clay out.

Carefully lift the whisker back off starting from the outboard end.  You will need to use a small screwdriver to peel the clay off the clips and leave it attached to the front panel.  Work slowly so the clay stays on the panel.

When you are done you will be left with two blobs of clay on the front panel and each one will have a dot sticking up where the clip rivet hole was.  Center punch through that dot to mark the front panel and drill your rivet hole there.

 

The original method of installing the clips was to pop rivet them in place.  I chose a different route.  I used acid flux to soft solder small machine screws through the holes.  These became threaded studs sticking out of the back of the clips.  I was then able to fit the clips to the whisker, insert the whisker's studs through the front panel, get the whisker on the moustache, and finally tighten little nuts on the back side of the panel to secure the clips.  

 

It sounds like more work than it is.  The nice thing about the studs is you are able to remove the whiskers without slipping them over the paint and scratching it.