4 replies to this topic

[merlinsteve]

I have got a rust hole in my scuttle pannel and I don't want to just patch it. is there any particular way to remove this pannel and replace it?
any help would beappreciated thanks

[kirk]

if the scuttle has gone you can be sure the fillets have rotted aswell
and if the fillets have rotted then you can be sure the inner flitches have rotted at the top by
the heater vent holes
so will be wings off job

[merlinsteve]

Thanks for the info. there is a small rust hole in the scuttle and the firewall behind the wiper motor is badly pitted with deep rust that even thewire brush isn't getting out so i am going to cut it out and weld in new pannel.
can you please tell me though...
what are fillets and flitches?????
what is involved in getting the wings off?
I am fast getting out of my depth with this stuff but intend to soldier on I just need heaps of advice.
Thanks
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this is the only rust hole on the car which i am very happy with

[newbambeeno]

The fillets are the Gussets or inner scuttles I believe. They are what hold the shape of the scuttle at the edges. Things is though, they are there to protect the scuttle from the horrbleness that is British Roads!!! When I took my rusty scuttle off, there was hardly anything of my gusset remaining, so I wouldn't hold your breath about your own. There about £10 a pop for genuine and they are spot welded to the flitch an d scuttle. The flitch is the part of the inner wing that you can see whilst in your mini. It has the fresh air vent in it and they rust for fun around the hole where the vent is.

The wings come off relatively easy. Drill out the spot welds attaching them to the inner wing (down the side of the bonnet). Remove the seam cover between the wing and A panel then drill those out. After that grind the wing off the front end panel. You will probably find that new wings would be a good idea so you can start a fresh and you know that what looks like a good rust free panel, is rust free!!

You say your getting out of your depth but it's all do-able. Things are easier than they sound IF you have the patience and the temperment (and funds) to do it. I haven't been mini tinkering for long, but I've embarked on a much bigger journey than this. Don't be scared, be patient and remember, there are always people on here to guide you

Edited by newbambeeno, 13 September 2008 - 09:35 PM.

[merlinsteve]

thanks for the info. I will have a look and see.
Regards
Steve