6 replies to this topic

[itscomealongway]

I just discovered this evening that the plastic chrome lookalike arches on my mini are coming away and are held on by 1 rivet at the back. Tha kid i bought it from made a real a**e of putting them on.

I would like to put a complete new set on, which ones wold fit bearing in mind it its a standard 85 mayfair on 12" minilites.

I would like to put on the big arches you got on minis from around 97 and stick new wheels on, is this possible and what work would need doing in prep.

[Bungle]

you want sports pack arches

unless you change your wheels it will look silly

[itscomealongway]

you want sports pack arches

unless you change your wheels it will look silly

Yeah i don't like the wheels, i want to put 13"s on, but if i stick to 12"s what type would you recommend as i really hate those chrome lookalike ones.

[panelbeaterpeter]

Are you aware that if you take off the chrome covers, there will be the standard mini special type black arches underneath? The chrome type are just covers.

The width of your 12' minilights will determine what arches you use, if they are the standard rover type, then another set of special arches or wood and pickets would do the job nicely, or you can get away with just using the chrome strip like earlier minis, but if you do that you'll have the rivet holes from the old arches.

If you go down the big arch/wheel combo route, you will have to cut away sections at the front of the front wheel arches, to stop the wheels rubbing on full lock. This has to be done carefully, and a lip re-forming so as to retain rigidity in the front wings. Also remember that fitting 13's will compromise handling, and according to some, can cause wheel bearing damage.

[itscomealongway]

Are you aware that if you take off the chrome covers, there will be the standard mini special type black arches underneath? The chrome type are just covers.

The width of your 12' minilights will determine what arches you use, if they are the standard rover type, then another set of special arches or wood and pickets would do the job nicely, or you can get away with just using the chrome strip like earlier minis, but if you do that you'll have the rivet holes from the old arches.

If you go down the big arch/wheel combo route, you will have to cut away sections at the front of the front wheel arches, to stop the wheels rubbing on full lock. This has to be done carefully, and a lip re-forming so as to retain rigidity in the front wings. Also remember that fitting 13's will compromise handling, and according to some, can cause wheel bearing damage.

Just checked the plastic under the chrome and it is cracked on the widest part, probably why its falling off. Just bought a new set of black plastic ones until after christmas and i have more money. Just couldn't leave it with scabby arches though. Am i best to drill out the old ones fill the holes and then drill new ones at a different point?

[panelbeaterpeter]

Well if you have just bought new standard ones, then the wholes should be in the same place as the old ones. Don't fill the holes, the filler will just crack and fall out. It would need welding if you were to do it properly. If your car's a dark colour, the holes wouldn't be all that noticeable, would deffo look better than scabby arches just until you could fit the new ones.

[itscomealongway]

Well if you have just bought new standard ones, then the wholes should be in the same place as the old ones. Don't fill the holes, the filler will just crack and fall out. It would need welding if you were to do it properly. If your car's a dark colour, the holes wouldn't be all that noticeable, would deffo look better than scabby arches just until you could fit the new ones.

ok cheers, i will just fit them with the old holes then.