16 replies to this topic

[mkcooper]

Hi Guys,

I'm new to the forum and in fact Mini's in general. I have recently purchased a 1275 Mini Sprite as a mini project for myself just to ease myself into the Mini scene. The car has a rusty fron end, so will need all front end panels replacing. The problem I am facing is that I have no clue where to start when it comes to removing the panels. I am used to unbolting things instead of gettin the grinder out.

Could someone please give me some general and speciofic advice of what I need to do in order to get the wing panels off, and also the a panels and the front end panels. I can see obviously where the seems and joining places are, but I think that when I cut them off, I am going to be damaging the joining panels that may not need replacing,..parts like the inner wing panels. Looking forward to some informative responses.


PS Could someone send me some pictures of the welds that hold the car together so I know what I'm looking for.. Cheers

[Lund]

I am used to unbolting things instead of gettin the grinder out.

Land Rover owner perhaps?

Get the grinder out...

Any help?







Welcome to the Mini scene and the forums, enjoy!

Tom

[pikey7]

the majority is spot welded on, so just get yourself a spotweld drill (machinemart or similar) and drill away! The only two obvious places where it is seam selded is at the top and bottom of the a-panels. There i'm afraid you'll have do dust the cobwebs off your grinder....

[Lund]

Right, the front panel is welded on a front bracket to the inner wings (triangular piece). It is also welded on the lips between the panels (under headlights...I think) Then the whole thing is bolted to the front subframe. Will try find some pictures of this for you!

Edited by Lund, 12 November 2006 - 04:32 PM.

[Jordie]

Wings are spot welded along the inner wings. Remove the bonnet and drill out or chisel the spot welds apart.

I didnt realise the front panel was bolted to the subframe, I just thought you had tear drop bushes between with a hole to access the tear drop nut.

[1984mini25]

The easiest way I can see to remover the front end providing your not going to re use it, is to chop the wings and corners off the front panel off first, which should give you better accesses to the bits of the front valance that are spot welded to the inner wings, and once that’s done the rest of the front valance should just falloff.

[Lund]

The easiest way I can see to remover the front end providing your not going to re use it, is to chop the wings and corners off the front panel off first, which should give you better accesses to the bits of the front valance that are spot welded to the inner wings, and once that’s done the rest of the front valance should just falloff.

Would still need to unbolt the front, If the car is pre- 73 then the 2 bolts either side go straight into the subframe, after '73, they bolt through teardrop bobbins first

Surely you've spotted the 2 holes in your front valance?

Edited by Lund, 12 November 2006 - 06:20 PM.

[Jordie]

Spotted the 2 holes yes. But as far as i am aware, your panel does not attach here at all. The hole is just for access to the bushes behind.

I removed my front end myself and never touched the bolts.

[miniboo]

the 2 holes have a bracket and this is what holds the front end on.

If the the bushes were not attatched to the subby AND the front panel what is the point in having them!!!

[Lund]

the 2 holes have a bracket and this is what holds the front end on.

If the the bushes were not attatched to the subby AND the front panel what is the point in having them!!!

Like I said, pre 1973 cars bolt straight through, right into the front on the subby. After 1973 they bolted them through those teardrop bobbins and then the subby...In the unfortunate case of having a 'front ender' the front would push right back if it was only spot welded on the brackets and wings, therefore the dire need for it to be bolted to something structural i.e the front subframe...

[998dave]

I am used to unbolting things instead of gettin the grinder out.

Land Rover owner perhaps?

Get the grinder out...

Any help?







Welcome to the Mini scene and the forums, enjoy!

Tom

It was christmas day and Tom found a lare presentunder the tree, he wondered what it was...
As he started to open it he realised grandma had bought something more special then argyle socks this year...

[mkcooper]

Well guys, I must say WOW! I didn't expect half as good as a response as the one I actually got.

Could someone please sum this lot up in one post. I'm a little confused. What I think I need to do is...

1) Drill out the spot weld along the top of the wing where it joins to the inner wing.

2) Unbolt the two bolts that go through the tear bushes onto the front subframe....Where are these located??

Right, the front panel is welded on a front bracket to the inner wings (triangular piece). It is also welded on the lips between the panels (under headlights...I think) Then the whole thing is bolted to the front subframe. Will try find some pictures of this for you!

Don't suppose you managed to find any of these pics did ya?? Cheers

[miniboo]

look in my project thread i chopped teh front end off on that

http://www.theminifo...x...14432&st=40

[mkcooper]

Many thanks!! They do say pictures speak a thousand words!

[Lund]

Many thanks!! They do say pictures speak a thousand words!

Are you all good for pictures or do I need to go outside in my PJ's

This is where the 2 bolts are located that need un-doing before the front comes off after grinding the welds as requested:




2 BOLTS ^^



Hmmmm, Its not what it seems!!

Tom