Thanks in advance for any help. I am stripping the doors down. This is the last part of the car to be done and I have put it off long enough and without a doubt it has been the hardest part. Almost done the first door except I am wondering how you get the chrome outer strips off? I'm guessing it just levers off but thought I would ask before I ruin them. Also, doors will get bare metalled along with car. Should I spend a few more hours trying to get the lever rods out or just leave them in there with the winder spring mechanism? Glass is out and all other stuff removed. God knows how I will get this all back together! (and without stuffing the new paint) Cheers.

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Flute - 68 MK I Cooper S
Member: VMCI #2474
Member: International Mini Model Collectors Club

Should only take 10 mins to get winder mechanism out. With strips, start by removing joiner piece and starting at ends at the outer edge (side furthest from glass) slowly work strip off. I use a piece of hard wood, using it a bit like punch to work it off. Don't be tempted to lever it, once bent, the strips are rubbish bin material. you'll never get them back on. So slowly slowly is the trick. When it comes to refitting them it's the reverse, maybe a gentle persuation with rubber hammer. I also put smear of grease on inside, helps fitting and stops rust where it might scratch paint off.

A panel beating teacher showed me the method of removing the top clip which is the most difficult task. Lay the door with the top rail on something firm, say block of wood under where the clip is. Get a bolster of about 25 - 30mm blade with ensuring the edge is not sharp but flat. Put the bolster on the clip on the inside of the door and strike bolster firmly with a hammer. They can be quite tight but I have used this method quite sucessfully in removing the clip. The chrome mouldings will pop off much easier.

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John Sneddon
0408 431 807
1963 Morris Cooper
1965 Morris 850
1968 Morris Cooper S

Thanks for replies. Got the centre top chrome covering clip off by hand without any problem before I posted this. I will have a go at the chrome strips when I get back to it (at work now) as directed above.
I will have another look at getting the rest of the internals out too. I unscrewed the winder mechanism but couldn't figure out if you need to take the spindle out somehow to be able to push the whole lot back inside the door to take it out. Do I also need to undo the three large screws in the centre that it all pivots on? I will check the manuals again to see if it shows how to do it.
I also can't manoeuver the top internal bracket where the lock was to clear the rod stud on the 90 degree angle for it to release so I ended just leaving it. If it can be done easily enough then I will have another go. Not sure if I need to go that far to have the door paint stripped. Cheers.

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Flute - 68 MK I Cooper S
Member: VMCI #2474
Member: International Mini Model Collectors Club

Use a wooden block and hammer and carefully tap them off… I've just started to rebuild a newly painted door and these trims are a BITCH to get back on.. (expect to do a little touching up afterwards). My only advice is NOT to put one ned on at a time but the put the entire hook over part on first the with your hands, squeeze the top edge around the frame until it clips neatly into position. The front part is easier than the rear…

Good luck…!

Mark.

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Mark T Boldry
1961 Austin Seven Mini
1964/5 Morris Mini Minor
1963 Austin Cooper S (project)
1964 Riley Elf Mk2
1965 Austin Cooper S (project)
1967 Morris Cooper S
1967 Morris Mini 850 Auto

There is a "How To" link on this site: "Working on wind-up window doors" by winabbey (April 2011). It's very useful - especially for the sequence of what to take off first etc. I remember that one of the spindles is a very tight fit between inner/outer panels and takes some pushing.
The stainless cover moulds are a trick - "peterb" is exactly correct with his method - the inner edge of the window frame mould has a single curve that grips solidly around the frame. The outer edge (away from the glass) has an "s" shaped profile which will spring open with the said applied smack. Take your time and it will fit.
Mark's comments are exactly correct re refitting trim - fit hooked side first for each half trim and tap spring edge over frame lip.
Bill

Thanks for that. Will give it a go.

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Flute - 68 MK I Cooper S
Member: VMCI #2474
Member: International Mini Model Collectors Club

Followed above directions (wood and hammer). Easy! Done without damage. Thanks. Now, back to trying to get the rest of the insides out.

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Flute - 68 MK I Cooper S
Member: VMCI #2474
Member: International Mini Model Collectors Club

Have you read this How To?

viewtopic.php?f=25&t=60640

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

I did refer to it at the start but saw it was a burst proof door with different internals so closed it and then forgot to go back there when I got to the chrome stage. All good now.

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Flute - 68 MK I Cooper S
Member: VMCI #2474
Member: International Mini Model Collectors Club