MKI moustache

[Tedwong]

Dear guys, finally got my hands on my very 1st MKI! Shame on me? Although not a Cooper or S, but still a nice 1964 850 Super Deluxe. Before I post some pics of it to share with you guys in the project column, may I ask for your advice?
The moustache has been dented so I bought a new one, but found it won’t fit at all! The lower lip of the new one is not deep enough to touch the front panel. I’ve tried few used one but no one fit. Anyone face this issue before?
Is it the problem of the front panel that is deeper for this model? It’s a 64 and with full skirt, and its from NZ. Or is there different moustache models? The last resort will be to knock the dent and re-chrome but will be very expensive to do it here.

Thanks a lot!
Ted

Original moustache fit well!


New moustache won't fit

[guru_1071]

ted

most modern moustaches have the two lower tags moved a little to accomodate the changes in the modern (i.e last 30 years!) pressings of the front panel. normally all you have to do is tweek the two tags a little when fitting the moustache to a proper early mk1 panel.

ive not seen one fit as bad as yours - it looks like the top curve is wrong maybe?


edit, actually looking again at your photos, the front panel stiffner is bent inwards- is the slam panel pushed back? - that would explain the lack of fitting and the dents in your original moustache??????

[Tedwong]

Thanks Rich!
Yes, I was think about if the slam is pushing in causing the problem. But looking at the original moustache, it seems they both in good shape, pls see pics. I compared the 2 moustaches and their lower lips have different width!
Rich, when you say modern moustache, is there any difference between the latest chrome on brass and the older steel items?

[mk1]

Hi Ted,

That looks like a great little buy!

I'm afraid I have never come across this problem before so can't really comment. I hope you manage to find a solution very soon.

[Tedwong]

Thanks Mark!

Yes, its a nice little car with some patina and 40 years+ of dust . In my favourite colour of yellowish green, some sort of NZ unique colour. Also, no rust thanks to NZ weather. Working hard to clean it up and sort out the grille, then will post up some pics here.

Cheers
Ted

[YMJ]

Hi Ted,
I hope I'm not out of line here but if it was me, I'd get a talented man to roll out the dent in the old one - assuming it's not too rusty. A new one will never fit as well, unless you're really lucky. You can always get rid of it on eBay.

Early front valance too.....nice!


Cheers....

[ricardo]

Once I bought this (not from Minispares):



The moustache wasn't bent or anything, it was just too short for any grille!

Sorry about the off topic.

[Tedwong]

Hi Ted,
I hope I'm not out of line here but if it was me, I'd get a talented man to roll out the dent in the old one - assuming it's not too rusty. A new one will never fit as well, unless you're really lucky. You can always get rid of it on eBay.

Early front valance too.....nice!


Cheers....

Thanks! I really like full front skirt!
You're probably right as my last resort, only problem is find the right person to do it here in Hong Kong, not many!

Hi Ricardo, why can't I see your post pics? Do I need to register with the photo hosting?
But you're right, my new moustache is also a bit short on both ends, even I stretch it.

[Tim Harber]

There's two generations of moustache; the early one is shallower and has a less pronounced peak at the middle than 14A7781. Early one was ARA...something (It's been discussed on here somewhere before); so if yours is one of those it's worth repairing

If yours is the early one it might throw a bit more light on it. That dented slam panel brace gives a clue to the problem; All Minis look perfect shape to their owners ...until you try to put a back bumper/grille/arch on or anything that defines what the shape used to be

[66S]

Hi Ted,
You could always send it to me and I'd get it fixed and rechromed for you. Let me know.

Al

[Tedwong]

Hi Tim, it seems my moustache got a flatter nose as you mentioned. I should have ask this earlier and then try my luck on this one? ARA146? But not cheap!
http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll? ... TQ:GB:1123

Al, thanks for your offer! I sent you an email.

Cheers
Ted