mk1-forum.net

I have been searching for original bumpers with over riders and corner bars for my 1965 Mini restoration but have not found them.

So, I recently purchased the Mini Spares bumper kit MK 1, part number MS 25.

I am VERY dissatisfied with the poor quality of the stainless steel bumpers.

The bumpers:
* are 0.022" in thickness, whereas an after-market bumper, which I have, is 0.045"
* have rolled ends, which are wrinkled
* have studs that do not line up with the holes in the body mounting flanges
* interfere with the rear body seams

Is anyone else using these bumpers on a MK 1 ?? Satisfied with the quality ?

I find it hard to believe that Mini Spares is selling these stainless steel bumpers and no one is complaining, which I have done.

Comments welcome.

Regards,

Jim

I have fitted them to my mk1 and the fit was spot on (original front and rear end).
They are quite light compared to chrome /steel but in my experience they fit better.
I would suggest drilling for 5 mount holes to stiffen it up a little.
Also they are a good weight saving.

Nick

I would definitely send them back and demand a refund.

I have no experience of these bumpers, but TBH, if NickW says they are Ok, that's good enough for me. Nick has produced some of the best Mk1's I have ever seen. Not just once, but consistently.

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Mark F
I am not a number, but you can get me on 0800-555-555

Yes they are thin and very light, but I don't think that is a great negative.

Yes they have rolled ends for safety, as it explains in the text I believe. But they also sell the original type with the raw cut edge. If I remember it works out cheaper if you buy the parts separately, than the kit.

Re fitting, I haven't got that far yet.

I have used these and I had to enlarge the mounting holes to get them to fit. Also one of the captive bolts came loose. But once on they look fine, and if given an occasional wax, do not corrode. Compared to finding and rechroming a set of originals it makes sense if you are not chasing concourse trophies.

Nick, you say the bumpers fit better.

Did you have to modify any part of the bumpers to fit your car? How did you install 2 additional studs / bolts in the bumpers for mounting ? Came with 3 studs / bolts.

The rolled ends contact the rear seam so, will have to modify the ends.

The over riders and corner bars as supplied in the kit from Mini Spares are of much thicker metal. When mounted to the bumper and tightened, will the mounting plate on the rear of bumper,
deform the bumper ??

Thanks

Jim

As I said above, I have no personal experience of these but I have been told (this morning) that these bumpers were designed using a Heritage shell as reference & are as far as anyone is aware the bumpers most likely to fit a genuine unwelded shell without hitting the vertical seams or hinges.

The image below is one of these bumpers fitted to a new Heritage shell.

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Mark F
I am not a number, but you can get me on 0800-555-555

hi Jim
on my cars they have fitted with no alteration other than adding the 2 extra bolts..but its not unusual to have to make bumpers fit...so I would give it a go..first put the bumper on with the centre stud in, and look to mark the outer hole where the hole should be to bring the corners away from the seam.
file the holes and refit, then mark where to 2 extra hole are (mk1) and remove and drill . using a 3/8s bolt ,either tack in place with a mig weld or you can just bolt it .
the overiders are thicker because its no issue for pressing out the shape where as the whole bumper blade is thinner as this will stamp out more accuratly I believe.
dont over tighten the overiders , they should look fine and when the lot is bolted up I think you will be surprised how sturdy they are.
hope this helps Nick

I can also confirm they fitted my mk1 without any issues, but good idea regards extra bolts, may do that on my mk2 now its closer to completion