12 replies to this topic

[spud]

Just a simple question really

When welding on new front wings and front valance, is it normal to weld them together first and then weld the whole lot to the A panels and inner wings etc afterwards. I thought that by this method the wings and valance would look perfect and use the tops of the inner wings to line it up and weld where it touches
-if you know what I mean.

Cheers,
spud.

[ed4ran]

Yeah thats pretty much how we replaced the front end on my brothers car.

[Al*]

It's easiest to acheive nice gaps when you fit the panels on the car.... vice grip everything in place and then you know you won't have any issues lining it all up..... if you weld it before putting it on and there is an issue you have to then try to take it all apart again and that wouldn't be fun.... remember that these panels are usually requiring a bit of "tweaking" to get them to fit right so welding them before hand might work but on the other hand it might not..... just my 2 cents.

Al

[dklawson]

I agree with Al. Fit them to the car, tweak their positions, adjust all the margins and gaps, then weld.

[spud]

Ok everyone, thanks for the info.

Another thing...... I assume that I put on the A panels first, so does the scuttle closing panels get welded to the inside of the A panels? if so, is this before the wings are put on so that it easy to get to?

Cheers,

spud.

[Al*]

basically it would be scuttle panel first.... followed by "scuttle panel closing panel" (assuming you mean the peice inside the scuttle corner?), then I'd do the front end and do the a panels last.... making sure to check and check again the door gap.

Al

[spud]

Is the scuttle closing panel welded to the A panel?

[miniboo]

nope dont think so

[spud]

Wouldn't that leave a gap for water etc to get in and start the rust problem all over again

spud.

[Jammy]

I don't think the scuttle actually connects to the A-panel does it?

[spud]

I thought it is called a closing panel as it closes access to the scuttle above it - same as the rear valance 'closing' panel bits, but maybe I'm wrong. The reason I ask is because when I bought the car it only had very small bits of rotten steel where these panels should be so I have nothing to compare.

spud.

[Jammy]

Ok, well I'm not sure about the panels with the scuttle, but there should be a seam of weld across the top of the A-panel, then a few spot welds down each side (the seam shared with the wing, and to the door frame).

[miniboo]

the scuttle closing panel does not get welded onto the A panel

Look at Mini Sprockets general overhaul project to see some very good pics.

http://www.theminifo...x...24178&st=20