3 replies to this topic

[weeloon]

I imported a Mini Countryman to Singapore earlier this year and after a long and perilous sea voyage on a RO/RO ship, it finally landed in Singapore.  As some may know Singapore has the most stringent regulations and highest car taxes in the world.  By the time the duties and import taxes were paid, I had paid three times the cost of the car!

As this was the first time i had embarked on a self import of a classic car from the UK, i guess i was a sucker for, lets just say less than scrupulous sellers.  the vehicle was a very badly repaired accident car, that was bodged.  I am not sure how this car made it to the front covers of "Classic Mini". i was sold a lemon by a man of low integrity in Wigan.

I am now in the process of licking my wounds and embarking on the process of again restoring this vehicle back to its former glory.  Doing this in Asia is an expensive process, with parts from the UK that is 6800 miles away.  I will probably need a lot of help and advice from members on this forum.

whilst i know many body parts are available, the current challenge is to find repair sections for the roof rain gutter.  where can i find repair sections and how does one repair this?  would be grateful if a member could provide some guidance.

[sonikk4]

Hi and welcome to TMF, you wont be the first or the last to be caught out by unscrupulous sellers of cars classic or otherwise.

 

So with regards to the roof gutters, unless someone can supply you with a cut from another roof which in your case is unlikely due to where you are, there are ways to repair these.

 

So first off you will need some 0.9mm sheet steel (standard metal thickness for most panels on a mini) then some round bar. I cannot really remember what i used but i seem to think its circa 6mm (you need to try a couple of different thicknesses to be honest.

 

Now remember the roof guttering is slightly curved so your round bar needs to follow the contour wherever your damage is. I then very carefully using panel beating hammers and a dolly to react against to fold the sheet metal over the bar. Don't worry if you go too far as you can trim back.

 

This is what i had on a car i restored for a workmate

 

 

 

 

[weeloon]

Neil, Many thanks for the advice and the photos.  yes, ideally I would liked to have a cut from another vehicle, but yes, there are only 3 countryman minis in Singapore and i guess the other 2 would not be giving up their gutters anytime soon!

 

I hope my bodyshop guy will have the patience to fashion the gutters as you have done.  he did suggest that on some of the Toyota vans, they have similar rain gutters where new body parts are available as a strip.  we may explore this if the curve is right. 

 

will update progress. would have attached a photo when i learn how to!! Noob....

[sonikk4]

Neil, Many thanks for the advice and the photos.  yes, ideally I would liked to have a cut from another vehicle, but yes, there are only 3 countryman minis in Singapore and i guess the other 2 would not be giving up their gutters anytime soon!
 
I hope my bodyshop guy will have the patience to fashion the gutters as you have done.  he did suggest that on some of the Toyota vans, they have similar rain gutters where new body parts are available as a strip.  we may explore this if the curve is right. 
 
will update progress. would have attached a photo when i learn how to!! Noob....

With regards to adding pictures, use Imgur, it’s free and easy to use.