8 replies to this topic

[edi57]

My sister's mini went in for it's MoT today and it failed on three things.

1) Windscreen washers - I'll have to make sure they're not blocked, no problem.

2) Exhaust blowing - The exhaust system is really rusty and I thought I had patched it up ok with Gun Gum, but I accept it needs replacing, so I'll give them that one too.

3) Apparently the front panel isn't welded to the inner wings and it's within 30cm of structural mountings.

It's the number 3 that I'm not happy with. My sister had a crash a few months ago and we left it to the insurance company to sort out this time. I've been a bit unhappy with a few areas of paintwork... but now it looks like they havn't even done the welding properly! We will of course be taking it back to the body shop asap to have words with them, but...

...I'm assuming it's the tabs of the front panel that havn't been welded to the inner wings (I havn't yet had time to look and won't until the weekend). Surely that's not near anything structural? The whole front end isn't structural as a mini will happily drive along without a front end. Therefore I think the garage have unfairly failed the mini on that point.

Are you with me on this one??

[geo]

I think you find it is structural as the front subframe mounts there. Minis with out a front end need brace bars to comply with regulations.

[edi57]

Surely the mounts are for the subframe to support the front panel not for the front panel to support the subframe?

[jack_marshall]

Id say well done to the MOT guys for spotting it.

It needs sorting out! And the bodyshop should sort it out for you without a problem if you approach them in the right manor.

[Mad Modder]

Surely the mounts are for the subframe to support the front panel not for the front panel to support the subframe?

well technically the mount is there to support the subframe and keep the sub frame attached to the car. as pointed out earlier if you do a flip front then you need to add brace bars in to keep the structal support. hope this is any use. the bodyshop that repaired the car must return it to road worthy condition. so they must sort out the welding as the car is technically not road worthy.

sorry if my spelling is rubbish

matt

[edi57]

Ok cheers guys... it's going back to the bodyshop tomorrow.

[Sprite_It_Up]

Id say well done to the MOT guys for spotting it.

It needs sorting out! And the bodyshop should sort it out for you without a problem if you approach them in the right manor.

I agree man, I know it failed which is always a bummer, but, if they hadnt of found that, would you of? you could of been driving around with a bad welding, so in some ways they have done you a favour, and I am positive the body shop will sort it for you. Its only been a little while since they did it, and it failed on the bodywork they sorted (supposedly), so ur be fine .

Best of luck

[Ethel]

It would rust rapidly if it's not attached, so the tester is doing you a favour. You're right that the subframe carries the car but there are occasions when the body puts fairly large loads down on to the subframe mounts - drive over a bump at speed or brake hard, not to mention having another front end impact. If your ensurers engaged the bodyshop to do the repairs take it up with your insurers, they ought to appreciate the feedback about substandard work and find a company that's up to doing the job properly. I'd also expect a courtesy car since they owe you a reasonable service when you make a claim.

[edi57]

Yeah cheers guys you're right.

I've ordered up a complete exhaust system which consists of a Maniflow manifold and RC40 backbox...lucky next owner!

Then after I've got that fitted I'll get it back to the bodyshop for them to sort things out properly.

I won't want it sell it after that's done!