mk1-forum.net

hi sirs,
i am now ordering door pillar and apex panel from mmachine. however, i would like to ask you all that is it possible to change these sections (including inner a panel) when the windscreen scuttle and the front wing is still on the car? (my mini has been badly repaired on the door step and a panel. the front wing and fromt panel was changed but there is no rust, including original inner wings (just some minor repairs)
regards
ink

Yes you can fit that panel when the front wing and scuttle are on . If you have the inner A panel from m machine there may be a little bit of trimming to do at the top of it ..... Ken

If you are a Facebook user have a look for the mini restoration company. You'll find some pictures of my mk2 with this panel removed for replacement. Should give you a good feel for the job in hand.

Nick

hi ken
thank you so much. do you have any techniques to weld and align the panel?

hi nick
i am really sorry. i dont have facebook account T_T. can you please give me some photos and advices in here? this can be shared to others as well.

warm regards and really appreciated
ink

This is a picture I took of the same panel welded in . But without the wing on .

Another

Nice panel to work with goes in very nice . m-machine every time

Ian

Nice metal work indeed

Thanks nick , been doing it long enough ... Ken

hi ken
thank you so much for posts.
i have seen the post that there needs to weld the inner wing and a post together. can you please advice which position i need to weld it up?
thanks and regards
ink

Ink what I tend to do is fit only the outer panel first by clamping and screwing up . Then bolt the door on and get the door gaps right . When your happy with the door gaps , remove door . Now align up the inner A panel and fit with a few screws to the inner wing only (not the outer a panel) . Now remove outer A panel leaving behind the inner A panel in its already lined up position for welding . Then reposition the outer A panel and door . Then your ready for final welding . .....remember it's easier to dress up / alter the A panel than the door to initially get your door gap . In other words don't try and fit the door in a certain size gap , always make the shell fit the door size ... All the best ...... Ken

hi ken
thank you so so much and really appreciate on your post. i will follow your step by step.

by the way, i have noticed on other members' mini that the a post / door pillar needs to be spot weld with inner wing. (see red circle in the photo). this means i have to drill the hole at door pillar and plug weld it to the inner wing after i finish welding inner a panel, door steps and etc, isn't it?

ps. i dont have spot welder, only co2 (mig welder) on hand

regards
ink

Yes if you haven't got a spot welder then plug and weld is fine . Just not as tidy in my opinion . ... Ken