Mk1 S Repro Front Panel - MS vs MM

[Daveislandblue66]

Hi,

Does anyone have experience of either or both of the following front panels? In terms of quality, accuracy and fit? Both panels have the angled stiffener and the cut out for the oil cooler.

MM 51.18.01.00 - Front panel S 1964-1966 (£156)
MS 14A8308MS (£198)

Or given that the prices aren't that different, is it one and the same panel?

Many thanks in advance.

Dave.

[minibitz]

They will both be the same panel.

It's a Magnum sourced front panel modified by M-Machine.

Like all panels and minis for that matter it will fit where it touches. In other words you'll need to make it fit as almost every car is slightly different due to the hand assembled nature of original cars, previous bumps, rot etc.

[TECH396]

No-one makes an 100% accurate MK1 front panel. Some are closer than others but be prepared to modify any of the aftermarket ones if true originality is what you're seeking. For example, the front marker plinths on them are for a MK3> car ( larger than the MK1-2 variants.)

[Daveislandblue66]

Thanks for the responses. Will get the M Machine panel.

I appreciate that there will be an amount of 'fettling', there has been with every single panel I've fitted so far. Some have need little, some quite a lot. The Mini was, and always will be a hand-built car.

The original panel wasn't really salvageable, but I still have it for reference.

Thanks again.

Dave.

[Andrew1967]

If the indicator plinths are still good on your old front panel it is possible to graft them onto the new panel, which is what I did when I restored my 65 S .

[Daveislandblue66]

Thanks Andrew.

The indicator plinths are probably salvageable. The main rot was to the flanges, which were non-existent in places, and where the bumper lip was spot welded to the panel.

Dave.