leonrjohnson wrote:
How do I go about removing the vertical seam pieces that go over the 4 corner joints that attach to the vertical seams where the sides join the front and rear panels? Are these reuseable if they are removed carefully? I am referring to the seams themselves, not the covers that clip on after the car is assembled? Any hints would be appreciated.
It may be because I'm reading this at 4am, but I'm a little confused by your post. you say you want to remove the "vertical seam pieces that go
over the 4 corner joints" but then say that you are not referring to the covers.
What Mick has described is the process for removing and replacing the seam covers. The covers are the external part of the car that hides the seam. The seams themselves are where the two panels join. The covers are painted to match the car, which from the factory was done after assembly and therefore there was no paint under the covers. Now you will often find that the seam under the cover has been painted and then the cover put on and painted.
On most cars (non-mini) the seams are hidden internally, however when Sir Alec designed the mini he decided to put the seams on the outside for simplicity and space saving internally. Some people de-seam minis to get a smooth look on the outside. This process is complicated as it involves cutting the seam away and welding the join up. Do a search for de-seaming, you will find lots of info on the right and wrong way to do it.
