11 replies to this topic

[mini_mission]

hi all,

ive been poking about under the mini and ive found rust hole underneath the crossmember on the floor pan. well pi##ed off as its just come out the bodyshop, they put new sills on, how didnt they notice!!!

but anyway, i was planning on doing it myself as i know it will be properly then.

so the questions are-

when i put a new plate in, is it worthwhile replacing the crossmember? as i cant see how bad the metal is underneath it?

is it an easy job? i take it, its literally just cutting it out, and welding in a new one?

how much? i cant find a price on the web..

the crossmember has been patched up loads before and i think it would look a lot neater, but im scared in case i find more nasties lurking underneath it. hopefully ill find an old 50p?

thanks in anticipation

[mini_mission]

anyone?

[clubman katie B.F]

Hi, i would think about replacing the cross member. however this may involve removing the outer sills, as when i whipped my sills off, the cross member appeared to protrude from the inner sill by about half an inch...if you catch my drift. haven't done this myself, so am only giving you an educated guess.

[R1mini]

In this case with your new sills in place, I would fit a new crossmember, but trim the ends just enough so it can go in from the top, I can't remember the exact construction of the crossmember, but I think bits that go into the sill are seperate parts anyway, otherwise I don't know how it could be fitted as the floor is made in one main stamping

Cheers
David

[Sprocket]

The crossmember does not protrude through the inner sill. The crossmember can be cut out and replaced from inside the car without disturbing the inner or outer sills. However, if the inner sill or floor pans have been replaced in the past with repair panels, the crossmember may now be 'boxed in' so to speak, and be a bugger to replace full stop.

[mini_mission]

thanks for your replies all

but yikes, doesnt sound as easy as what i thought.

well i take it has had new inners and outers, but if i put some piccy's up, would be able to advise me some more?

ill post pics up tomo if that helps?

im probs talking carp, but trying to think logically, even if the crossmember is boxed in, i could just cut it out, trim down the new one, and weld it in?

[Matrix]

the crossmember is just welded to the inner sills as said... what you can see when the sill is off is an extention peice which is welded on the other side of the inner sill! the crossmember is a pretty easy repair and you will find its cheaper to buy it in two halfs rather than a full section..

[binge]

SC's quoted me £69.48 inc VAT for the complete X-member.

Mini Sprocket has hit the Nail right on the head too. It all depends on weather you have had "Repair" inner sills fitted. if you have, then these have a lip on them which sits about 1cm onto the X-member.
I supposed you could just cut the old X-member out 1cm from each end. Then trim your new X-member down 1cm each end, then weld into place. Just make sure they are good solid welds.

Ive just bought some new nozzles for my MIG. Need to get practicing really. Got some work to do!


Good luck mate...

[mini_mission]

thanks for the replies

heres a few photos, can you tell by these then, if it has had "repair" sills?

[mini_mission]

thanks for the replies

heres a few photos, can you tell by these then, if it has had "repair" sills?

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[Sprocket]

As I suspected. The inner sills have been replaced with repair panels, it also looks like some of the floor ahs been done. all these panels have been welded to the cross member.

Is the cross member realy that bad that it needs replacing?

[mini_mission]

so are these repair panels a bit of a bodge then? i take it it still involves cutting out the rusty old sills or would they have just welded over the rusty sill?

and no its really not that bad, it just if i tap the underneath i can hear rust flakes shaking about. i just though it would be a sensible idea as i need to patch a 2" rust hole underneath the cross member anyway, and the rest of the car is rust free (well, to my knowledge...) and it would give be a chance to rust proof it the panel underneath whilst its out.

what you think- replace it or am i just fretting?