6 replies to this topic

[Propshaft]

I have just fitted new magnum half boot floor,heritage closing and subframe mounting pieces I am now trying to fit the magnum valance it’s a mile away from fitting would I be better getting a heratige valance

[bpirie1000]

Really depends on your 0anel beaters level of skill /if your doing it yoursel..

Also depends on how your budget is. If building a concourse car then probably.

I totally agree that some magnum panels are a challenging fit.

Persevere and i generally put fresh eyes on things before i commit..

Measure twice fit once...

[stuart bowes]

in my admittedly limited experience even the heritage panels need some tweaking to make them fit, certainly my A panels needed some work to line up with the step seam correctly, and I can already tell I'm gonna have to do a bit of work to make the rear quarters line up well at the bottom rear corners 

 

how much of that is general mini build quality / tolerances and possibly parts having been replaced on this car in the past, I'm not sure . it seems like most of it is original judging by the age of the car and the general level of rust being consistent throughout

Edited by stuart bowes, 21 January 2023 - 07:03 PM.

[MiniMadRacer]

Playing devils advocate here as I am not a body work man in any way shape or form, its a skill I just do not have, but I have a mate (dont we all) who is in his 70s now and worked for Austin / Morris / BMC / BL back in the day, as a body work man and he cursed Minis from the off claiming the panels never fitted from new... assuming he is right .. then no way will any panel fit without some fettling today,.. regardless of its origin

[alex-95]

I would personally go for a heritage one. I fitted a heritage one to my 1st project and got a magnum for my 2nd project, the magnum is pretty terrible comparing the 2, a lot more flimsy and not a great shape.

[sonscar]

I always dry fit mating panels before welding to enable subtle massaging of their fit.When satisfied use pins to ensure repeatable refitting and then weld.Steve..

[Propshaft]

Thanks for all your replies I have a certain amount of fettling skills having rebuilt Morris minors ,a35 and others but this valance seemed so far off I thought I would ask the question any way out with the hammer and dolly, disc cutter and welder to see what can be acheived