10 replies to this topic

[blue redtop]

as above really.
the body kit isnt fitted yet as in changing the front end on my mini.

my idea is to Sikeflex the body kit to the body then give it a once over with fiber glass then smooth with filler.
i havent ever done this before so some do's and donts would be great.
cheers.

[panelbeaterpeter]

Don't do it! Whatever method you use, it will crack over time. If you must, then sikaflex/tigerseal it, combined with rivets/bolts/screws or whatever, then fibreglass the join, making sure the metal is bare and very rough, and the fibreglass is roughened, preferably past the gelcoat. Skim it over with filler, and prime as normal. If you just want it so you can't see a gap where it joins, as opposed to being completely smooth, you can apply a bead of wet on wet PU sealer along the join, smoothing it off with your finger or the correct sealer tool. Then paint over it. Don't prime over wet on wet sealer, as it will crack, but topcoat is ok.

Have you thought of using a sealer rubber like what's used on sportspack arches? it can look very good if done properly.

[blue redtop]

cheers for reply.
the body kit i have is not a copy and it abs plastic not fiber glass (i should of said this in my first post ,slaps head)

im really going for the smooth look so i think it needs to be done really.

ive heared fiber glass not sticking to plastic very well even if the plastic is rubbed with 60 git paper first.is this true.

what would you recommend to fix it to the body because its not fiberglass.sikaflex/tigerseal ?
cheers

[In-a-mini]

Hiya i have done this sort of thing before with plastic more so with bike stuff. i would use a sikaflex or type stuff, if its a pretty rigid plastic i use a u-pol product called smc (i think) comes in a black and yellow tin its like a chop strand carbon fibre and is meant more for plastics. As peter said if you can bolt it on too it would help with the longevity without cracking.

[Body stylist]

Dont do with the RGM kit, it WILL crack

fibreglass kits are a different matter though, they can be bonded and smoothed if done right...

[mini_lad_1990]

i will have to agree with panelbeaterpeter the mini are a hard ride bouncy bouncey lol anyways it will look good at the begining but when time goes on it will crach and look total s**t mate

i did it on my old mini (sold now) but after about 4 months it started to show strss marks then cracking
its up to you just thinkin of money and time to repair it each time

cheers

[blue redtop]

i will have to agree with panelbeaterpeter the mini are a hard ride bouncy bouncey lol anyways it will look good at the begining but when time goes on it will crach and look total s**t mate

i did it on my old mini (sold now) but after about 4 months it started to show strss marks then cracking
its up to you just thinkin of money and time to repair it each time

cheers

thanks for the advice i think i wont smooth it in if it will crack within a couple months.

does any one know what the best way of fitting a body kit is.my mini is by no means ready for the kit to be fitted yet but i held it up to the car for a trial fit but its not a very good fit to be honest.its like one side of the arch fits and 1 dosent. are they all like this.its not a copy part so i dont know why its not a very good fit.(thats why i was thinking about smoothing it all in to cover the little gaps .lol).
cheers jay

[panelbeaterpeter]

I would apply a narrow bead of wet-on-wet PU sealant, and smooth it down with your finger or the correct tool. Can look very neat if done right, plus it shouldn't crack. Prime it, apply the sealer and topcoat it. Don't prime over the sealer or it will crack.

[blue redtop]

I would apply a narrow bead of wet-on-wet PU sealant, and smooth it down with your finger or the correct tool. Can look very neat if done right, plus it shouldn't crack. Prime it, apply the sealer and topcoat it. Don't prime over the sealer or it will crack.

thanks for your time.
3 quick questions.
1. how long does wet on wet take to dry.
2.can i top coat over the sealer,
3.is the sealer a colour or is it transparent.
cheers

[In-a-mini]

The sealer will usually have a guide line on the packaging for times for coating. Yeah you can paint straight over it and the colour of it is usually black grey or white i havent personally used any that was clear most i have used have been black

[Elfin]

I did mine about 4 years ago and the only thing that has cracked is the fyberglass bonnet which is a pain but owh well

mine is fyberglass and screwed on then filler and so on ....