5 replies to this topic

[Harmony]

Hi Guys, Baby needs a new front end, Damn rust! > we had a top guy in Braintree who looked after our minis but unfortunatly he's retired now, so wondered if anybody knew of any mini specialists who are good at body work in suffolk/essex area? She really needs new everything from A panels forward as prev owner skimped by using patent panels

From your experience what would you consider to be a reasonable amount for this job using proper 'heritage' panels?

Should I be considering a flip front for ease of maintentance as she is an everyday runner who doesn't have the luxury of living in a garage, If so how does this compare price wise and what type shoud I go for i.e. Fibre glass, steel flip

I've already lost one beloved mini by leaving it too late and really want to get this one sorted before the dreaded rust takes its toll once again!

I'll look forward to any advice/comments that anyone may have.
Thanku xxx

[panelbeaterpeter]

You'd be looking at anything from £800 to £1800 to fit a whole new front and repaint it. I wouldn't get a flipfront, they never fit properly, and don't last too long. A good metal one fitted properly with genuine panels will easily last the rest of the car.

[Harmony]

Thanks for advice, I will bear that in mind, was toying with idea of flip front because i was worried about rust reappearing on the seams, unless the car is garaged it always seems to reappear eventually! i guess this is just because the design of the seam isn't perfect. do you have any recommendations on treating the seams to help make them last longer

is the figure you quoted just parts or would that include fitting too, because I would have to pay for someone to do the work.

[panelbeaterpeter]

Those figures are for parts and labour costs. To protect the seams I always squirt cavity wax down the length of the seam strip, and clip it on as normal, making sure that there is a coat of paint on the seam and inside the seam strip.

[Harmony]

Thanx very much for that, i'll make sure i pass that info on to whoever does the work, now all I have to do is find someone to do it!

[panelbeaterpeter]

No probs