6 replies to this topic

[adcyork]

right then. I'm fitting a new front panel and r/h wing to repair some crash damage and need some advice on it.

How do i go about making sure the wing and front panel go on square?

I've fitted the front subframe bar the 2 front mounts as the panel isn't there. I was going to use this as a jig to match the front panel subframe mounts to. Is this the right way of doing it?

Also which do i fit first? the wing or the front panel?

i've attached a pic of how it stands now

Attached Files

•  P6210007.JPG   1.03MB   5 downloads

Edited by adcyork, 21 June 2007 - 10:46 PM.

[adcyork]

bump, sorry but i really need to be getting on with this tomorrow

Edited by adcyork, 21 June 2007 - 10:51 PM.

[Dan]

Using the front subframe as a jig is a time honoured method, sadly however you have to do all the work (removal of old front panel, cleanup and refit) without disturbing the subframe. If you have removed the subframe and have now refitted it having already removed the front panel there is no telling if things are in the right place. Also do you know how many front panel shims were fitted originally, if any? There is a chart in the Haynes that allows you to roughly check the subframe alignment before you continue providing you have a flat floor and some axle stands (the road for example is not flat enough) and I strongly suggest that you check this before using the frame as a datum to weld the panel. Best practise without having a body assembly jig is to only replace one panel at a time. From where you stand now, you are going to have to spend a long time alinging and checking. If you can find a Mini that is in one piece to measure off that will help a lot. That's how Rover did it after all, they had what's known as a 'reference front end'. Fortunately and to some extent unfortunately the Mini has always been very much hand built and as such there is no exact welding position of the panels. As long as it looks right and measures right compared to another Mini and everything fits, it's right.

[adcyork]

thanks for that dan. Luckily i have a shell down the bottom of the garden that had just had a new front end fitted that i can take measurements from and check against what i have.
If i were to fit the wing square to the A panel and flitch panel then match the front panel up to that? how does that sound? I have taken measurements from the bulkhead to front of subframe on my car and the shell i have and both are the same so thats ok.

What adjustment do i have when fitting the wing and front panel? as far as i can see they just have to meet the existing panels flush and it should all fall inline shouldn't it because they can't really be moved if they aren't???

by the way: no panel shims were fitted previously.

Edited by adcyork, 21 June 2007 - 11:02 PM.

[midridge2]

front panel shims, what front panel shims? mk1s had shims between the front of the subframe and front panel but did away with them when they fitted pear mounts.
if the subframe is straight and no bulkhead damage the front panel is bolted onto the subframe with the pear mounts in place and tacked in place using the bonnet to get the correct alignment for the top of the f/panel then the wing is fitted in that order.
the front panel once bolted onto the subframe has very little movement eg, no side to side, no up or down only the top front or back. so is always fitted first but the wing has more movement to align with the front panel.
the haynes books that i have give the measurments for checking the subframe dimensions not for checking its alignment to the body.

[Woody]

Use visegrips or simular to clamp the panels in the obvios place and then adjust to get the panel gaps looking good , but remember minis have never had BMW type panel fit so dont fuss if they are not perfect , just get them evenish all round , if it looks right then it probably is .

[minidaves]

mole grips and self tapping screws

dave