4 replies to this topic

[MichiMini]

As with most minis, my 70 mk3 fell victim to the rust surrounding the upper shock mounts on the front. I’ve learned this area is rather complex with all of the different panels and such joining up. No wonder it rusts. Anyways, I’ve removed the rust and am left with a pretty clean slate. Crossmember is in good nick as are the mounting flanges/holes.

Originality is not important to me. Why not just weld one thicker plate back on instead of the two original, and rust prone, thinner lapped panels?

Cheers
Scott

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[sonscar]

As far as Mini repairs go I would say it is one of the easiest.I see no problem with welding a thicker repair in if you are confident in your abilities to butt weld the dissimilar thicknesses.
It probably went like this....single skin,test resulting in failure,reinforce,test and now OK so run with it in production.Just my view.Have fun,Steve..

[mab01uk]

This area also is commonn for rust because the shock mounts were usually fitted at the factory before the bodyshell was painted.....as Hydrolastic Minis had no front shock mounts this area did get painted.

[coopertaz]

i did this on mine, this area always rusts, just remember to drill holes to plug weld to crossmemeber. hold plate to crossmember with self tappers while welding

[slidehammer]

My feeling is if you repair it as it was originally designed but using some rust prevention on the assembly it should be good anyway. I put a bead of seam sealer around the shock mount to prevent moisture getting back in there and you can spray cavity wax in there once welded up.