12 replies to this topic

[Genji]

I've put a new set of wheel arches on the Mini but the screws supplied are not very good quality. They are just blacked (is the finish called "Japaned"?) mild steel and so after about a week they started to rust - they don't look good. Now I appreciate that the kit Mini Spares sells is produced to a price and I'm grateful for that but the screws aren't good enough for me and I'd like to find some better ones. I tried some stainless ones but they just look wrong, I guess I could use rivets but I keep thinking there has to be some black screws that don't rust available somewhere!

What have other people used? These are just the standard plastic arches - correct for the car (1990 Japanese Spec SPI)

 

Thanks

[rally1380]

Why not just spray up some stainless steel ones black. That way they won't rust and if they chip, you can just touch them up.  Just tap them gently into a block of softwood to hold them upright and a quick spray with a rattle can and away you go.

 

Failing that i'm sure someone out there does powder coated ones.

[Wise Old Elf]

Have you thought about pop-rivets?

 

 

http://www.ebay.co.u...=STRK:MEBIDX:IT

[AVV IT]

Whatever screws you use there will always be corrosion issues, as the screw will expose bare metal behind the panel as the thread screws and bites into the body work. I always use pop rivets as it avoids all these issues and was what was used to hold most arches on in the factory. If you must use screws, then at least dip the thread of each in Waxoyl, or similar first, so that any exposed metal that's created then gets some form of anti corrosion protection. Alternatively Riv Nuts seem to be a popular method used here.

[MikeRotherham]

Have a look at this:

http://www.titgemeye...ind-rivets.html

I've managed to fasten my back wheel arches on but only able to use 2 each side because the other holes were enlarged.

I've not had time to get some larger ones to experiment.

They do look good though and they are reusable.

If you do decide to get some I'd be interested how you get on.

Regards

Mike,

Edited by MikeRotherham, 22 December 2014 - 05:17 PM.

[leaky]

You can buy anodised bolts. Or just fit stainless ones and onces you have screwed them in go over the screws with black nail polish.

[Daz1968]

I go as above, small stainless bolts with nuts and foam or rubber washer on back to prevent water ingress, just make hole in body big enough so it isn't chipped when pushing bolts through, you can get stainless pozi pan head in black finish

[Wise Old Elf]

http://www.westfield...t_SHBtn_M4.html

 

 

I am thinking of using these M4 stainless bolts. 

[Steve220]

Stainless steel bolts will be the best option. Some great stainless steel fastener suppliers on eBay.

[GraemeC]

They're what I use Wise Old Elf - perfect for the job.

[Wise Old Elf]

Yeah I have fitted others with pop rivets but there is always a risk of cracking the new arch.

 

I will use the button head bolts this time.

[Cooperman]

I use M4 Riv-Nuts in the wings and stainless steel socket head cap screws with stainless steel washers (bought from Namrick) to ensure there is no corrosion. Before fitting, coat the riv-nuts with Waxoyl on both sides.

[Genji]

Thanks for the suggestions guys, I wasn't able to find any commercially coloured screws so I painted some stainless ones. I haven't installed them yet but will do when the car comes back from The Real Mini Company - it's having a little rusty bottom fix (the only rust I could find, under the tank and along the rear valance seam)