9 replies to this topic

[john2502]

Hi all, so I guess understandably after a few years of daily driving my MPI around it's starting to show a little bodywork-wise. I am wondering what would be best, whether to ask bodyshop to repair these or to go straight for panel replacement. It's on the front panel and the areas are:

 

1. Driver's side under headlight has split along the seam 

2. Passenger side under headlight also split along seam but not as bad as driver's side

3. Underneath bumper has general surface rust

4. Some bubbling on driver's side

5. Split near bumper on passenger side

 

See pics attached (hopefully)

 

Given this would you ask to repair/re-paint these areas or just get a whole new front panel? What kind of cost would you expect this to be as a ballpark?

 

These first two places are nearby to my work and 3rd is very close to where I live but in all honesty don't know anywhere around me (Horsham, Sussex) that well for Bodywork.

 

https://www.concorso...orations.co.uk/

 

https://millfieldautomotive.co.uk/

 

https://petercook.services/

 

Any advice/experience round this area?

 

Thanks in advance

 

John

 

 

 

 

Attached Files

•  RH Headlight.jpg   43.17K   2 downloads
•  LH Bubbling.jpg   60.86K   2 downloads
•  LH Bottom.jpg   82.07K   1 downloads
•  RH Bottom.jpg   49.21K   2 downloads
•  LH Headlight.jpg   51.75K   1 downloads

[john2502]

This is what I was looking at if replacing the panel.

 

https://www.minispar...ounted-radiator

[Cooperman]

You won't know until you remove the bumper, lights and grill, then get the paint off in those areas and see how bad the rust is. Only then can a sensible decision be made. 

What you don't want to end up with is a load of body filler bridging rusty holes.

The cars from the later years really are rust prone and there are other areas where rust seems endemic. Check it all before starting, especially as matching that paint colour will be difficult and, as happened when my Grandson got an MPI that colour, a full repaint was needed after the bodywork was sorted.

[john2502]

Yeah it's this reason I am wondering if just getting the replacement panel is most likely worth it in the long run, especially with there being 5 different areas. So the cost of the new panel, painting and fitting it may be, in the end. the cheaper and less....I guess risky (in terms of cost) option.

 

It wouldn't bother me too much the paint match not being perfect as it's a daily driver and unlikely being entered into any concourse events any time soon, haha

[stuart bowes]

just bear in mind that front panel comes as solid mount or rubber mount option, slightly different mounting positions, if you do order one just give them a call and make sure they're sending the right one

 

but you might find after a rub down it's not necessary ... only one way to find out I guess

[cal844]

just bear in mind that front panel comes as solid mount or rubber mount option, slightly different mounting positions, if you do order one just give them a call and make sure they're sending the right one

but you might find after a rub down it's not necessary ... only one way to find out I guess

Then there's MPI type too. To the OP you will need 2 wings as well as a front panel. Leave the bonnet fitted so you can line up the new panels easier

[mab01uk]

New replacement panels are the long term repair, anything else will just mean the rust will break through under new paint again in a couple of years or so. After fitting and spraying new panels spray 'Waxoyl' or similar behind and underneath them and into any box sections to protect them, especially for a daily driver used in all weathers.

 

MPi's seem to rust in areas that older Minis don't, like around the windscreen scuttle area. Check carefully for paintwork bubbling near and under the wide MPi windscreen rubber. If so removal of the rubber and windscreen often reveals major corrosion, sometimes including below the padded vinyl top dash rail.

Edited by mab01uk, 24 June 2025 - 06:38 PM.

[john2502]

just bear in mind that front panel comes as solid mount or rubber mount option, slightly different mounting positions, if you do order one just give them a call and make sure they're sending the right one

but you might find after a rub down it's not necessary ... only one way to find out I guess

Then there's MPI type too. To the OP you will need 2 wings as well as a front panel. Leave the bonnet fitted so you can line up the new panels easier

I did wonder if wings were likely too. I'm not sure how much the front panel will likely be but i'm hoping not needed at least for now. We'll see i guess.

[john2502]

New replacement panels are the long term repair, anything else will just mean the rust will break through under new paint again in a couple of years or so. After fitting and spraying new panels spray 'Waxoyl' or similar behind and underneath them and into any box sections to protect them, especially for a daily driver used in all weathers.
 
MPi's seem to rust in areas that older Minis don't, like around the windscreen scuttle area. Check carefully for paintwork bubbling near and under the wide MPi windscreen rubber. If so removal of the rubber and windscreen often reveals major corrosion, sometimes including below the padded vinyl top dash rail.

Yeah from what ive been reading this seems to be consensus, especially on MPIs. Thaks for the advice re waxoyl-ing.

[coopertaz]

the front panel rusts thorugh fromt he back also, after spot welding panel to wings get corrosion inhibitor in  then seam sealer then underseal rear and braze the front seam. did this years ago on mine under advice from a body shop painter still good.