11 replies to this topic

[MiniMonty]

Hi all,

I'm building a modern/retro Mini project and I can't help looking longingly at that Mk1 moustache / grille.
How big job is it to change the front of my '88 car and fit a moustache ?

Best wishes
Monty

[mighty mini jack]

You will need to Grind/drill the lip off the bonnet or get a MK1 bonnet to fit...

The Mk1 bonnets have the mounting plates closer in on the inside so maybe you will be able to Mod it or you can just buy a Mk1 style...

[Down&Out]

if you want to buy a bonnet without the lip then you will need to track down a van bonnet and as jack said you will ned to drill out the spot welds (exposed buy rubbing away the paint) and it should come of with some persuasion. dont grind if off becuase you are likely to make a mess (it being a curved shape)

[Bungle]

save your self time and rust and do away with all the little self tapping screws and fit a set of grill buttons at the same time

[yeti21586]

im confused i swear he asked about mk1 grills not bonnets!!!!

[analogue_radio]

Mm he did Yeti & MK1 bonnets are different to MK3.

The Mk3 bonnet makes up part of the Mk3 grille.. so if you want to change the grille to MK1 you need to take the lip of the MK3 bonnet.

Edited by theIMAGE, 04 May 2009 - 12:42 PM.

[jwb_moto]

Ive seen some pattern bonnets at shows in mk1 style which have both sets of mounting brackets (narrow mk1 style and the wider mk3 & van)

[yeti21586]

Mm he did Yeti & MK1 bonnets are different to MK3.

The Mk3 bonnet makes up part of the Mk3 grille.. so if you want to change the grille to MK1 you need to take the lip of the MK3 bonnet.

ok so to change my grill etc to mk1 i need to take the chrome bit off and drill out the spot welds and then it will fit properly???


YetI

[MiniMonty]

Yes, but if like me you take the chrome trim off and find the bonnet lip so rusted that you can trim it neatly off
with pliers you won't need to do much drilling... : )

To get a good finish you should drill though. Then maybe fill and paint. I didn't bother because I knew I would replace the bonnet
(which is sad and sorry) anyway but if you're is OK I'd say do it "properly".

Have you alreaady got your MK1 grillle and 'tash ?
If not, I'd advice checking out what they cost because new they are big bucks, on eBay they go for between (rusty) £40 and (mint original) £100.
And that's each - not as a pair and you need both for the look.

My poor old bonnet has rust and the scars of battle - if anyone near Birmingham has one (of any vintage) that needs
a good home please PM me...

Best wishes
Monty

Edited by MiniMonty, 04 May 2009 - 11:24 PM.

[Burnard]

Hi all,

I'm building a modern/retro Mini project and I can't help looking longingly at that Mk1 moustache / grille.
How big job is it to change the front of my '88 car and fit a moustache ?

Best wishes
Monty

There is a guide to doing this in this months mini magazine

[MiniMonty]

Sorted.
Needs a coat of paint now.


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[M44K TS]

Cool, i sometimes wish i has went for a straight slat grille instead of a wavy one.