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front nose panel
https://www.ausmini.com/forums/viewtopic.php?f=2&t=87611		 Page 1 of 1
Author:  kath20 [ Fri Oct 31, 2014 9:07 am ]
Post subject:  front nose panel
Hi all.I want to replace the front nose panel on my 1969 MK11 Cooper S as part of my resto as the origional front is pretty untidy with lots of little dents.I have looked at our Australian mini parts suppliers & they only seem to have the Mini non Cooper S front noses.Does anybody know if this is the nose that you use & modify it ie. diagional brace for oil cooler or is an origional nose available somewere? Would you buy the Heritage panels or the repo panels?Appreciate any help.
Cheers kath.
Author:  winabbey [ Fri Oct 31, 2014 9:30 am ]
Post subject:  Re: front nose panel
In your position I would buy a Heritage panel. There isn't an S one so you need to transfer your angled brace across, or buy a new one and fit that.
Author:  gtogreen1969 [ Fri Oct 31, 2014 9:59 am ]
Post subject:  Re: front nose panel
My 2 cents worth. If possible I would try and keep the original. A replacement panel could make people think that the car had a front end smash. My car had a replacement front apron before my time and it does let the rest of the car down.
Author:  kath20 [ Fri Oct 31, 2014 10:48 am ]
Post subject:  Re: front nose panel
I WILL HAVE ACCESS TO A SPOT WELDER SO I WILL BE ABLE TO KEEP IT ORIGIONAL LOOKING.I WILL BUY A NEW DIAGIONAL BRACE,BUT IT LOOKS LIKE I WILL HAVE TO CUT OUT THE UPRIGHT BRACE ON THE NEW PANEL.I HAVE TAKEN LOTS OF PHOTOS OF THE FRONT SO I WILL HAVE BEFORE & AFTER PHOTOS.SO YOU GUYS WOULD GO WITH THE HERITAGE PANELS?
HAS ANYBODY FITTED THIS PANEL & ANY PROBLEMS DOING SO IT LOOKS STRAIGHT FORWARD.
CHEERS KATH.
Author:  Bubbacluby [ Fri Oct 31, 2014 4:27 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: front nose panel
Apparently the actual front panels differ from originals anyway.

I think the behive lense section is larger on the replacement panels

Also the steel behind the grill has a large sectioned hole in it and originally they didn't.

I would be trying to save the original.
Author:  Mick [ Fri Oct 31, 2014 4:39 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: front nose panel
Yes, that's true. The light bases are not the same as well as an extra cut out in lower corner of the radiator side grill opening. The brace will come across, if not exactly the same. On and off they had an odd little rivet which I think was there to tack it in place through assembly or similar.
Author:  Scoop [ Sat Nov 01, 2014 7:33 am ]
Post subject:  Re: front nose panel
Lots of extra holes across the top as well. Slot for cable bonnet pull also. This build thread has some photos of him altering the new type front panel.
viewtopic.php?f=3&t=60051
Incredible build.
Author:  kath20 [ Sat Nov 01, 2014 10:23 am ]
Post subject:  Re: front nose panel
Now I am really unsure whether to replace or repair.The original front is really ratty & the RH guard not very good as well.After looking at the 66 Cooper repair I think I may go with a heritage nose & guard.Thanks for the help'
Kath.
Author:  John Sneddon [ Sat Nov 01, 2014 2:29 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: front nose panel
I went through the same anguish with my car and ended up repairing the original which included removing the bumper support bracket to repair rust in this area. I made a new bumper support and fitted. The final result was well worth the effort although it took a long time.
Author:  tasti [ Sun Nov 02, 2014 2:45 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: front nose panel
I would really try and save the original, the new heritage panels are just plain wrong. A 69 cooper s is the hardest of all the s's to prove whether they are genuine or not. I would far prefer to spend the money on panel beating than replacing the panel and your car will retain more originality.
Author:  Darrell [ Sun Nov 02, 2014 5:34 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: front nose panel
Don't you think there would be a high percentage of Cooper S of all years not just 69 that would of had repairs do to accident damage over the last 40+ years, are we to say they are not genuine or original because they have had panel replacement due to damage or rust I hope not.
I worked in the repair business back in the 60,s and 70,s restoring classics and we actually hand made replacement panels, are those great cars worth any less the simple answer should be no, as long as the car has its original identification and as much history as you can gather, I can see no problem.
My car needs a new front due to prior accident damage and rough repairs surely its better than welding in bits and plates and applying bog.

My Rant anyways :oops:
Author:  michaelb [ Sun Nov 02, 2014 6:34 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: front nose panel
I agree.
Author:  69k1100 [ Sun Nov 02, 2014 7:20 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: front nose panel
If it's really bad try find a good second hand one, I did as mine was mostly bog.
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