9 replies to this topic

[zkap]

I am looking to purchase this mini which has undergone full restoration by a previous owner. I do not like the look of the bulky wheel arches and would like to replace them after i buy the car.

From the pictures do you think these have been glued or welded on? How easy would it be to fit standard sized black plastic arches?

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[Bobbins]

Those look suspiciously like late model Sportspack (or style) arches that may have been blended into the body, in which case the rears should be straightforward to remove and the bodywork rectified, but the fronts may have had the wings cut to allow wheel clearance. Do you have any photographs of the front arches?

 

Depending on what you plan to fit in place, or leave off completely, you'll also need to rethink the wheel offset.

Edited by Bobbins, 13 January 2021 - 11:11 AM.

[zkap]

Yes, not the best images but here they are

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[Quinlan minor]

It may be the quality of the photograph, but area 'A' looks a little off. Area 'B' suggests there's a lot of filler in there. Check the inside of the wing to try to establish if the arch has been "trimmed", but I'd be tempted to go over the whole car with a magnet.

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[elliot341]

Yes, not the best images but here they are

 

Hi zkap, if I'm honest I think that car is hiding a multitude of sins. I'm fairly local to you (I'm in Blackrod) shame with lockdown I could have a look if it was a local car. Essentially there looks like a lot of filler all over that car. You might be lucky and there is no rust underneath the blended in arches but I wouldnt bet on it. I would say that over time the filler will crack and it wont look great on the scuttle, front panel and where the arches meet the wings/quarter panel. And rust will start coming thru too. Unless there are detailed resto pics showing u exactly what has been done I'd steer clear. You are looking at a lot of work to remove wings, tidy up and fit new wings, plus any other nasties you find when you remove the arches.

[sonscar]

I also think there is a whole world of pain waiting for someone with that car.If you want a project and it is priced accordingly?.I would have driven past that.Steve..

[Ben_O]

There is full restoration and there is patch up and blow over.

This looks like the latter from what is shown in the photos.
I wouldn't trust the quality at all when you start seeing things like body seams that have been filled over.

Of course, it may be solid and rust free underneath the paint.
I would go right over it inside and out before considering purchasing it

[dyshipfakta]

Tonnes of filler wouldn’t touch it unless very cheap sooner have one that’s abit scabby but honest

[Cooperman]

Be afraid. Be very afraid!

[zkap]

Thank you everyone, especially Elliott who offered the possibility to view the car. Good news is I chose not to proceed with the purchase. I’ll stay clear of a patch up resto like this!