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I just bought some lovely new door/pocket cards from Newton Commercial, but cannot get them in. They are on hard board so dont bend much before they will break, but they look like they need to bend a lot to fit within the pockets.
Is there a special technique anyone can tell me about?
Thanks, Simon

i would consider heating the card from behind to get a bit more flexibility... I'd go for an iron that has a steam button on it.. f it doesn't just squirt a bit of water while you're ironing the card and it'll slowly start bending.. Just make sure you fit them the second they bend enough and clamp them down somehow or you'll have a lot of trouble getting the bend out once they're in.. maybe avoid the glued areas...

It seems that most of the Newton components are bigger and or slightly different shape to the originals unfortunately, to the point where they may need to be trimmed in places to allow them to fit. Is it really that difficult to make them to the original sizes?

'It seems that most of the Newton components are bigger and or slightly different shape to the originals unfortunately, to the point where they may need to be trimmed in places to allow them to fit. Is it really that difficult to make them to the original sizes?'

+1

It's worth bearing in mind that original trim often fits back in a restored car easily as it's so worn and flexible,even if the car itself has changed shape slightly with new panels etc. That's not to say Newton's backing cards aren't a little to thick, I have heard using a wallpaper steamer doofer will soften up the card enough to bend.

thanks for all your excellent and helpful reponses.
Considering the high price I paid Newton, I am kind of surprised about how much snipping and trimming and hole cutting I am having to do to make all these bits - not just door cards, but most of the interior trim - fit properly.

Why not go back to Newton Commercial and tell them of their mistakes and the probelmes you have? This problem, to my knowledge, has been an issue for a very long time. It's about time Newton's addressed these issues - but they will do nothing until people complain - and dare I say it, use the power of the internet and forums to shame them into doing something. They have a monopoly of the Brocade trim and it seems likely they just don't care...............but I could be wrong.

Another thing that must be thought about here is, not only do the cards need to be OK to fit, they have to be able to be removable too. If you battle to get one in, it's going to be a right bear to get out when you need to.

Regards
Al

I fitted a Newton interior trim set to my Mk 1 'S' about 5 years ago and did not have to trim any panel to get it in. BUT, f**k knows how I'll get the door cards out if I need to.

They were pretty inflexible and too thick compared to original panels.

Why can't repro stuff be made to the correct dimensions? What's so difficult about it ?!

Andrew1967 wrote:

Why can't repro stuff be made to the correct dimensions? What's so difficult about it ?!

Yes, and as long as repro stuff (any part, not just enterior parts) has this quality (or lack off)
will those "NOS" items, keep getting premium prices on Fleabay.

I emailed Newtons as i am on the verge of ordering quite a bit of stuff and they replied saying that they are not aware of any fitting problems and are proud of the quality and fit of all their products. He goes on to say if any customers encounter any difficulties they will go out of their way to resolve any problems. Has anyone actually contacted them about any issues and what was the outcome? Just a little concerned myself as i need all interior panels and carpet set. Thanks Steve

JC T ONE wrote:

Andrew1967 wrote:

Why can't repro stuff be made to the correct dimensions? What's so difficult about it ?!

Yes, and as long as repro stuff (any part, not just enterior parts) has this quality (or lack off)
will those "NOS" items, keep getting premium prices on Fleabay.

Here is another exhample, where the new ones are poor quality, so NOS gets premium price
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/ws/eBayISAPI. ... NA:GB:1123

I purchased a complete interior (minus dash) set for my 62 Countryman about a year ago. To this day, I have not installed the parts that I purchased from Newton. The quality was not even close to the original parts. Some of the pieces had extra material sticking out from the corners, the corners were round when they should have been straight, etc.. I spoke to one of the owners and told him that I was upset with the workmanship, especially since I spent a hefty some of money for the kit and shipping to Japan. At first he seemed reluctant to help until I mentioned that I should ask other mini owners via Mini forums on their past experience. He became real defensive and said that I was trying to threaten him. I had to calm him down and apologize (even though I did not threaten him) to try to resolve the problem. I asked for a refund for the kit and asked him to pay for the shipping back to the UK. He decided to offer a complete refund for the kit minus the front door cards and told me to keep the kit since it would be too expensive to ship the parts back to the UK. I would prefer to make my own interior pieces for my estate but I have not been able to locate a stapler that uses 2mm staples. I was able to purchase the vinyl material from an upholstery store that was a closer match (color and grain pattern) than the one that Newton sold me. There is a company here in Japan that makes the interior parts for the old minis but I think Newton would probably be cheaper.

Here is another exhample, where the new ones are poor quality, so NOS gets premium price
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/ws/eBayISAPI. ... NA:GB:1123[/quote]

Holy Crap!!! That is just ridiculous...

paul1275s wrote:
Holy Crap!!! That is just ridiculous...

Yes I agree, that is a hefty price,
but the look & quality on these, are much nicer/better, than the new ones you can buy.

I think i will hold out and talk to them at the Bingley show and see what they say.

youngres wrote:Why not go back to Newton Commercial and tell them of their mistakes and the problems you have?

Pretty much what I did when they brought in that horrible smooth vinyl a couple of years ago. I have to say the feedback I got from Jonny was excellent and lead to them sourcing better grades of vinyl. The brocade isn't great but how accurate do we honestly expect this repro stuff to be, I know it's expensive comparitively but to be exactly as per original is possibly too big an ask for many of these products. I've fitted two sets of trim relatively recently without issues though yes the card is too thick.
I don't think there's such a lucrative market in getting this stuff absolutely right as nobody else is manufacturing trim , even the British Mini Company chucked the towel in and their trim was excellent.

Pete