50 replies to this topic

[Ethel]

There are right angle drills & adaptors & you could maybe rig up a guide, bolted to one of the freed holes to make it easier to control.

[stuart bowes]

probably obvious but get all 4 bolts in with the bracket on before you tack the back bits in place, you'll have fun getting the 2nd one lined up otherwise

Edited by stuart bowes, 16 May 2025 - 02:14 PM.

[Gaz66]

This thread has the makings of a damn good BBC 2 drama. After 9pm obviously so there can be plenty of swearing 😁😁

[Buckles23]

Thanks folks.

This has been really helpful and very much a drama for me and this season not finished yet..

I’m going to patch it best I can… and managed to get Jock the local welder guy to come have a look but won’t be for month.

The proper way might be to make a guide and go buy a right angle drill connection but might just go with punch and hammer again lol

I’ve ordered now the plates and should be with us next week.. will plan to remove top plate this weekend and keep you updated with the drama…

Thanks again folks as I would have deffo gave up before now and used the hammer more widely on the mini..

I’m off to enjoy some sunshine and get out the garage

[imack]

https://www.minispar...ptive-nut-plate

Plates are available from minispares.
I'm absolutely certain they were never welded to the inner wing from the factory, in the same way that the plate that the plate below the bulkhead cross member that the pedal box bolts to isn't welded.

[Buckles23]

Hey finally managed to get the Mini back up and running.

Removing the top plate was a total nightmare as it was welding on pretty strong. Absolutely no room to get any tools in there so just took a lot of wiggling about to get it to come loose.

Had a small inspection hole and due to my poor welding skills just patched it with a little fibre glass. The structure around it was all pretty solid but will revisit this at a later date and get it welded properly.

New plates are fitted but again was a very fiddly jod to get them in place and lined up. Especially lining up the plate holding the bolt and the bracket all at the same time with two hands… was a lot easier with my son helping so would recommend a two man job.

Anyway it’s all done and without this forum I would have definitely thrown in the towel lol.. thank you everyone that got involved as it’s made a huge difference.

Thanks again Jamie 👍🏼