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Am I being thick - MINISPORT problem panels
Posted: Thu Feb 16, 2023 1:02 pm
by pad4
Cutting a long story short - Fitting Minisport 1 piece mk1 side panels to my mk2 , the panels are piss poor on all counts ( more to come on this) but following a short argument with MINISPORT about them and the fact that the latest problem we have with the is the MK2 rear 1/4 window doesnt even fit in the hole I got told by the MD of minisport that it wont because MK1 and MK2 have different sized rear 1/4 windows , I pointed out that was MK3 thats a different size but i got put in my place and told i was mistaken and to get my facts right before complaining - unless im being totally thick here the hole for the MK2 is the same as the MK1.
Can any one confirm this ?
Re: Am I being thick - MINISPORT problem panels
Posted: Thu Feb 16, 2023 1:04 pm
by Andrew1967
Mk2 same as Mk1 (hinges different that’s all)
Sound like typical Minisport customer service.
I’d rather not finish a project than use them.
Re: Am I being thick - MINISPORT problem panels
Posted: Thu Feb 16, 2023 1:39 pm
by mk1
As above.
Re: Am I being thick - MINISPORT problem panels
Posted: Thu Feb 16, 2023 1:41 pm
by hanlminiman
Mk1 & Mk2 - 1964 & 1969
mk1 mk2 mini side.jpg
Re: Am I being thick - MINISPORT problem panels
Posted: Thu Feb 16, 2023 2:23 pm
by 111Robin
Who makes their panels ?
Re: Am I being thick - MINISPORT problem panels
Posted: Thu Feb 16, 2023 3:30 pm
by mab01uk
As above the Mk1 & 2 side window apertures are the same size....but is the window hole in the MS panel too small or too big?
Only reason for asking is...has the manufacturer perhaps pressed out the Mk1 panel with the Mk3 window aperture in error (which is taller and closer to the roof gutter to match the taller Mk3 on doors).
Re: Am I being thick - MINISPORT problem panels
Posted: Thu Feb 16, 2023 4:54 pm
by pad4
the hole is to small - more short to get the window in , OK you can put it in the hole with a bit of persuasion from a mallet but minisports answer is the mk2 window wont fit into their panel because its a mk1 panel so basically F..off its not their problem
They are trying to say a mk2 window is bigger and even though i know its not i started to think i was being thick.
Re: Am I being thick - MINISPORT problem panels
Posted: Thu Feb 16, 2023 5:01 pm
by Rusty old S
After 3 problems with this company, waiting for refunds for weeks they are now what I call Ex my directory.BTW 1 and 2 windows are the same dimensions just 1 is Chrome 2 is stainless.
Re: Am I being thick - MINISPORT problem panels
Posted: Thu Feb 16, 2023 5:34 pm
by pad4
111Robin wrote: ↑Thu Feb 16, 2023 2:23 pm
Who makes their panels ?
Stevie Wonder iron works !
Re: Am I being thick - MINISPORT problem panels
Posted: Thu Feb 16, 2023 6:55 pm
by Spider
Sorry to read of your troubles here and I hope you get some sort of satisfactory result one way or another.
I found Minisport in the UK disgusting some 35 + years ago. I though I'd give them another go about 10 years back thinking if they were still around, they must have lifted their game, but no, they have only gotten worse. Utter scum in my books.
Re: Am I being thick - MINISPORT problem panels
Posted: Thu Feb 16, 2023 7:39 pm
by Herbert
Threaten them with legal action, works every time.
Re: Am I being thick - MINISPORT problem panels
Posted: Thu Feb 16, 2023 8:03 pm
by GraemeC
You shouldn’t have to, but get your hands on a Mk1 window and show them that their theory doesn’t work
Re: Am I being thick - MINISPORT problem panels
Posted: Fri Feb 17, 2023 8:39 am
by mk1
Whilst my personal experience of Minisport has been very similar to other comments on here, they have been running a successful business for many years & they MUST have some happy customers, I'm not too sure where though.
Slagging them off here, whilst serving as a warning to others does little to solve the initial problem, but TBH for a panel that costs as much as that one does, It should at least fit, something like!
Has anyone else used one of these big side panels? I thought that Heritage were using them on their shells now, or maybe I have got that wrong.
Re: Am I being thick - MINISPORT problem panels
Posted: Fri Feb 17, 2023 8:56 am
by IanD1965
My one personal experience with Minisport goes back over 30 years. I ordered a block , offset bored to 73.5 and with the extra stud holes drilled and tapped. Block was delivered to my engine builder. He was a Ford man and not familiar with A series. He had built the bottom end and tried to fit the head. The extra holes were obviously done by hand as they were no where near vertical. Actually about 50 mm out on each at the top of the stud. This is when I noticed that the block hadn’t been offset bored. Not a good experience and to be honest , I wouldn’t even trust a carrier bag from them . Shocking customer service to boot.
Re: Am I being thick - MINISPORT problem panels
Posted: Fri Feb 17, 2023 8:58 am
by Mini-geek
I've used MiniSport for years I haven't had any problems that haven't been sorted and done quickly. But I hear so many bad things about them.
I once snapped the bleed nipple off an alloy caliper I'd bought off them 10+ years before.. I rang them up to buy a new one with the boss they just said no worries what's your address I'll send one out to you free of charge
I suspect it's all down to who ends up dealing with the case
What are the measurements of you glass and opening? I'll compare them to my original shell that's bare
Re: Am I being thick - MINISPORT problem panels
Posted: Fri Feb 17, 2023 11:01 am
by Pete
Anyone running a Mini spares company who says the Mk1 and Mk2 rear quarter lights were different sizes really needs to go back to school. That’s astonishing. The Mk2 stainless window was even used in the late Mk1 as you all know, surely any Mini supplier would know this? Either way the stainless (Mk2) ones can get a little baggy with age where the sections join so your actual window frames might need looking at Paul.
That’s a baffling response though I have to say.
Re: Am I being thick - MINISPORT problem panels
Posted: Fri Feb 17, 2023 2:40 pm
by pad4
Believe me when i say theres nowt wrong with the windows and frames they just dont go in the hole. I can belive CH the managing director is trying to fob me off with shit excuses about window sizes when he friggin knows ive been making polycarb ones for over 20 years - ive a good mind to just post the emails on here as well
Re: Am I being thick - MINISPORT problem panels
Posted: Fri Feb 17, 2023 3:54 pm
by mk1
That would be very funny

Re: Am I being thick - MINISPORT problem panels
Posted: Fri Feb 17, 2023 5:49 pm
by Andrew1967
Re: Am I being thick - MINISPORT problem panels
Posted: Mon Feb 20, 2023 9:17 am
by mk1
Deleted due to inaccurate content.
Sorry, M