I’m wanting to replace the rusting spare wheel well on my 1970 Mk2 Aussie Cooper S. The original has two raised ribs in the centre of it running north-south, however the weld in replacement repair panel that Minisport.au sell I CMS1010 is flat on its base with no raised ribs. Is there an original type panel available? If not how have others got around this issue, or have you just gone with the replacement and deleted the original raised ribs?

_________________
Slide
1965 Mini Van (1360)
1970 Mk2 Cooper S (1310)
1978 Rover SD1 V8 (4.6)
1996 Land Rover Discovery V8 (4.0)

I am yet to address that problem with mine. A panel beater mate suggested a possibility was cutting out the rib section area (if its not rusty - mine isn't) and grafting that into the replacement panel, then weld panel in car. Or in doing so in a different order to give the least distortion. He also suggested possibly using a bead roller with appropriate wheels. Not up to this stage yet, so haven't gone any further.

_________________
1970 Mk2 Cooper S under restoration

make a wood moulid the depth of the swage then use use a rounded off brikies bolster to punch into the panel for the swages. If you know how to block a panel go along the swage line with the ball of a ball pein hammer ,this will stretch the metal and make the swages easier to do. Some hammer and dolly work will be required. Not an easy job to do if you don't have these skills .Takes me a bit of time for a spot on job. If you want to make the swages use a sheet metal folder on the appropriate size 1mm sheet metal, a swaging machine will create to much distortion as it will pull the sides of the metal in.
Allen

Most of the rust is around the outer areas, the existing central ribs seem to be quite solid. So I think I will carefully cut them out of the existing panel, buy the new flat replacement repair panel from Minisport, cut out a section the same dimensions in the middle of it, and weld in the exiting ribs. On the face of it, this appears to be the simplest solution. Or try to find a wrecked Mini with a good spare wheel well still in place and use that - simpler said than done I suspect these days.

_________________
Slide
1965 Mini Van (1360)
1970 Mk2 Cooper S (1310)
1978 Rover SD1 V8 (4.6)
1996 Land Rover Discovery V8 (4.0)

it is easy to fold these swages on a flat sheet of metal, any sheet metal shop would fold them for you. 1 fold 45 1 fold 90 1 fold 45 that simple and the folding will not stretch the metal. NOW the hard part is welding the new sheet in place .I have done a few of these and if you are not skilled in welding and dressing up get someone else to do it. Usually tack with MIG grind tacks then oxy acet weld whilst dressing up panel.
Allen

I’m keen to know how you got on with this.
Cheers,
Matt

My panel beater made a replacement for my boot, complete with the ribs.

The same strengthening ribs are in the rear seat brace so if you can find one of those (not a part that rusts so should be available) you can cut and patch a piece in.

_________________
ex-NSW Police 1970 MK II Cooper S
VMCI #43