Classic cars forum & vehicle restoration.

bob2 · Joined: 06 Dec 2007 Posts: 1728 Location: Malta

is this ur daily?
if yes then I'd be changing the driver's side wing which is the worst and try the bonnet u've got on it before buying another one.
If there arent any other rust issues ýou could paint it urself , take a look here
http://www.oldclassiccar.co.uk/forum/phpbb/phpBB2/viewtopic.php?t=6029

Jason has managed all that work on such a car so painting ur mini using his sytem might be something worth trying.
He used an enamel paint but I have also rollered 2 pack already and the results where good ( not excellent though) but thats due to me being a bit tight on this particular project, if I had used primer filler instaed of red oxide, I would have had better results. However I used this method on the boot area and engine bay only as the car was sprayed on the outside!!
Rollering 2 pack takes a bit more time since it leaves lots of orange peel since its a thick paint and you have to sand it down in beteen coats but you could also thin the paint out using appropriate thinners, something I might try when there is another project in the pipeline!!

Finch661 · Posted: Thu Jul 09, 2009 10:03 am Post subject:

yup she is my daily car. i was tempted with painting her myself, i have read loads of guides on painting, and i would love to try it. one problem though is some of the previous filler work reacted with paintwork, so i would have to do some body prep before hand, which im not too hot on!

im taking the mini off the road, so i can sort out a new alarm for it, and some sound proofing, so i could start getting things ready!
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1985 Mini Mayfare (1275)
1976 Mg Midget 1500

danielr · Joined: 27 Jun 2009 Posts: 17 Location: Oxford UK

To be honest I had thought the same as victor, the drivers side of the bonnet does seem to come out a long way...

but due to the way that the bonnet is twisted around and not hanging right this is probably quite exaggerated.
you may do as well to see if you can get the bonnet straight, (lined up at the top and at least one side) -preferably passenger side and see how bad it is...

you may also find this link useful, as it contains plans for a mk1 mini,

http://mk1-performance-conversions.co.uk/technical_body.htm

a good starting place would be at least to try to measure points on the chassis/subframe and determine if there is something that needs straightening...

Finch661 · Posted: Thu Jul 09, 2009 2:44 pm Post subject:

well i am just about to buy a second hand (good nick) bonnet becuase mine is rust and cracking (as you can see in the pics) i will have a look into getting a new wing fitted!
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1985 Mini Mayfare (1275)
1976 Mg Midget 1500

Finch661 · Posted: Thu Jul 09, 2009 8:36 pm Post subject:

sorry for the repost, i have fettled a little bit more with the bonnet tonight. i have managed to push it back a little further and untwist it. its sitting a little better, but the wing is def out. but i also think the bonnet is a little wonky (or at least the hinges maybe) i have a bonnet on the way so i will see what it is like!
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1985 Mini Mayfare (1275)
1976 Mg Midget 1500