9 replies to this topic

[Elfie]

Will one front panel fit all minis? They didnt change shape dramatically or anything did they?
I've bought a new one with the intention of using the conversion panel to turn it into an Elf one but I just want to know it will fit so i can stop worrying.
Thanks

[Big_Adam]

Well. in mini world there is a bloke with an Elf with a mini front panel on it heavily moderfided to fit his elf.

But I think theres a few variations on the front pannel as I was looking at panels on m-machine the panel shop place.

but thats as far as my knolege goes.

[Bungle]

early mini's front panel was slightly deeper either side of the number plate

where as later cars were narrower to help with the brake cooling

what a elf should have i don't know

[nev_payne]

Theres the obvious indicator lights, and built in grille as well...

[1984mini25]

Theres the obvious indicator lights, and built in grille as well...

Yes, but you'll also find a front panel for a elf or hornet isn't far off 200 notes, which is why he's bought/going to buy a conversion panel and modify an normal round nose mini front panel.

The way I’m thinking is, wouldn’t they of just used the front panel that were being fitted to the round nose minis of the same year?

[Elfie]

Another question, how do you seperate the front panel from the inner wings? Keeping the inner wings in a good state and with the engine still in?
Thanks in advance:D

[Bungle]

its spot welded

find the spot welds and drill them out, you can but a spot weld removal drill bit

[taffy1967]

early mini's front panel was slightly deeper either side of the number plate

where as later cars were narrower to help with the brake cooling

what a elf should have i don't know

I believe they followed the same update as the Mini and got the narrower sides too from 1964/65?

When your buying a new panel now you have to ensure it doesn't have the cut-out for the Twin-Point front mounted fan and most panels have the holes pre-drilled for the 4 spot-lamps too.

More reasons to sourse an original type panel from Mini Machine or Somerford Mini Specialists perhaps?

[Elfie]

Hmmmmm, the elf does have the deeper bits either side of the number plate, but I may just leave it as it is when I put this new one on. It's going to be quite radically changed anyway, I just wanted to know if there were any radical changes that meant it wouldn't fit properly. But it seems it will, so thats ok:D

[Woody]

you can get an infill panel to fill the brake cutouts in the later front panels to make them look like the earlyer type (i have fitted some for a friend restoring a MK1)