Tunnel replacement or repair

[Gary Schulz]

Of course one thing is leading to another. I am looking at repairing the seat cross member to correct the sag in the middle and I can get it perfectly straight by cutting it and inserting internal gussets and re-welding the top back on. The problem I am seeing is the tunnel is in really poor shape as can be seen in the picture below. The area at the back of the remote shift cutout has been hammered and there are two extensive cracks in the sheet metal emanating from the damaged area. I am now thinking that I should remove the old seat cross member and replace with a new one and while it is out I need to either do major repairs on the tunnel around the shifter and where the emergency brake used to mount or find a suitable replacement panel.

Is there a replacement panel for the area around the center of the car (tunnel area)?

20201218_090249.jpg

[Dearg1275]

Gary, M-Machine do a very acceptable mk1/2 tunnel. I can’t remember if the remote gear shift hole is cut but knowing them you can order with or without.

Personally, if your going to put a new cross member in it would seem cheese parring to not use a good solid tunnel front to back.

There’s alway something!

D

[Gary Schulz]

I was a bit confused by the picture in the M-Machine book I have but I presume we are talking about part number 11.31.04.75 in the picture below. They describe one variant as "Tunnel, Round, Mk1 (not remote)" Do you guys think this includes the cutouts for the emergency brake cable exit as well?

Screen Shot 2020-12-18 at 10.52.50 AM.jpg

I have never ordered from M-Machine. Do you deal directly with them or do you have to go through a dealer of some sort?

[Dearg1275]

Garry,

The part you want is 12.31.04.75 Tunnel round, remote shift, mk1 & 2.

They have a strange parts number system but once you get used to it it is actually quite logical. The number by the illustration is that of the first iteration of that panel in mini production. Then in the listing subsequent changes are listed below that first number.

All this doesn’t matter. All you have to do is pick up the phone (01325 382300] and ask to speak to Doreen. If you describe what you need she will make sure you get the right item. They are not brilliant at emails, it really is best to phone.

And yes, the correct flats and cut outs for the brake cables (two) are punched. It is a good panel.

D

[whistler]

You phone them direct and speak to Doreen. She is the ultimate in knowledge. The mk1 has 2 cutouts for twin handbrake cables and you can specify remote or magic wand gear cutouts.

[Gary Schulz]

OK thanks, appreciate the advice. The panels seem very reasonably priced but shipping will probably be pretty high. I guess I need to consolidate my order and do it once...

Before I talk to them, is it recommended to get the cross member, inner and outer hinge panels, A-pillar repair sections, wings, scuttle repair sections and front panel all from M-Machine?

[Dearg1275]

Garry, the outer A panel of choice is M+Machine one that incorporates the A pillar section at the front of the door frame. I believe they only sell the Heritage inner A panels now but fit well with the outer just mentioned. You will have a choice of heritage parts or other suppliers for your other bits. Their cross members are fine. You can even get a double skinned one for extra strength as a special.

I have never found the scuttle repair ends very easy to get looking correct and always use a full heritage scuttle even if just using the ends. It depends on how much time you want to spend trying to get things looking right.

D

[Gary Schulz]

Didn't realize they did an outer hinge panel with the front door frame section all as one. Sounds like a good choice. The last time I used those small scuttle end repair panels it was a real pain to get them to sit correctly so getting the full scuttle makes a lot of sense to me. It looks like the spot welds on the lower part of the window frame are pretty easy to identify so that repair seems logical.

Probably call them week after next because I would assume their availability will be limited around the holidays. This gives me plenty of time to compile a detailed list and ask a bunch more stupid questions.

[bwaminispeed]

Never knew about those A panels with the with the integrall front door jamb, been looking for something like that for a long time.....

Although, not cheap at a hundred Squid........

[swifty]

Been using them for years . Here's one fitted .... ken

[bwaminispeed]

Very cool.......

[Gary Schulz]

Been using them for years . Here's one fitted .... ken

Does anyone have an M-Machine part number for these panels? I don't want to get the wrong one. Also, does the panel go all the way to the weatherstrip flange?

[bwaminispeed]

11.14.00.87 Door Pillar & Apex Panel, LH, Mk1-2, Van & Pick-Up £98.00 £117.60
11.14.00.88 Door Pillar & Apex Panel, RH, Mk1-2, Van & Pick-Up £98.00 £117.60
11.14.10.87 Door Pillar c/w Switch Hole & Apex Panel, LH, Mk1-2, Van & Pick-Up £98.50 £118.20
11.14.10.88 Door Pillar c/w Switch Hole & Apex Panel, RH, Mk1-2, Van & Pick-Up £98.50 £118.20

Yes, it appears that they do......

[Dearg1275]

The A panel extends part way up the A pillar at the side of the front screen. About 3 inches from memory.

D

[Gary Schulz]

Thanks for the part number confirmation and assistance. Time to start ordering parts...

[Tagus]

A little advise.
I spent a lot of time(months) trying to get an order from M-Machine during this Covid time. Finally got an order through and was shipped and received in Canada in 9 days!
My suggestion is to send an email with your list of parts to Doreen and in that email tell her that you will be calling the next day. When ordering, list the items you absolutely need, with the other parts being optional. Don't fall into waiting for the one or two items that are not in stock, especially if they can be bought elsewhere. In your case perhaps Mini Mania and Seven Enterprises. She will send you a quote for the items they have, without the shipping costs. In my case once the order went through they had everything.
They have to package the parts before shipping costs can be calculated so there is no room for making changes to your order. Keep it simple for Doreen and your order will be processed. They have been extremely busy during Covid with all us Minites spread around the world hunkering down in our workshops.
Hope this helps.
Ron

[Gary Schulz]

Thanks Ron, appreciate the advice. Times are tough so making things as painless as possible makes a lot of sense...