| ausmini https://www.ausmini.com/forums/ |
|
| front panel repair or replace https://www.ausmini.com/forums/viewtopic.php?f=2&t=90701 |
Page 1 of 1 |
| Author: | mattywood [ Sat Oct 03, 2015 6:12 pm ] |
| Post subject: | front panel repair or replace |
Hi Folks, I need some advice on whether its cheaper to repair vs replace the front panel. As you can see the front panel has copped some dents and someone has bent back the grill section to mount an oil cooler. Also in pic one the inner guard has a minor dent too. I think I know the answer but putting it out there.     
|
|
| Author: | andrew9 [ Sat Oct 03, 2015 6:26 pm ] |
| Post subject: | Re: front panel repair or replace |
I would strip it all first, inside and out. There could be rust lurking under the bumper lip. But if it's just bent up, I would try and beat it out, a bit of heat will help a lot if you try |
|
| Author: | TheMiniMan [ Sat Oct 03, 2015 7:49 pm ] |
| Post subject: | Re: front panel repair or replace |
I`d fix that, it`s no-where-near as bad as some we have already fixed you should see the bad ones 
|
|
| Author: | womble99 [ Sat Oct 03, 2015 8:01 pm ] |
| Post subject: | Re: front panel repair or replace |
Looks ok, should come out with a little work. The original panels are much better than the repro's. Here is an example of a few love taps, looked pretty good with an inch of bog sculpture over it  
|
|
| Author: | 69k1100 [ Sat Oct 03, 2015 8:54 pm ] |
| Post subject: | Re: front panel repair or replace |
I replaced mine but that's only because I had a donor front end to replace it with. I'd personally drill out the spot welds on he bumper lip and the number plate brackets, this way when you're reshaping it you just have a smooth surface. |
|
| Author: | mattywood [ Sat Oct 03, 2015 9:13 pm ] |
| Post subject: | Re: front panel repair or replace |
Thanks for the advice. I've never drilled out a mini spot weld. Do people use drill depth guides or a standard size drill bit? |
|
| Author: | drmini in aust [ Sat Oct 03, 2015 11:08 pm ] |
| Post subject: | Re: front panel repair or replace |
You can buy special spot weld drill bits from places like VG auto paints. The idea is drill thru 1 panel only. |
|
| Author: | Mick [ Sat Oct 03, 2015 11:21 pm ] |
| Post subject: | Re: front panel repair or replace |
drmini in aust wrote: You can buy special spot weld drill bits from places like VG auto paints. The idea is drill thru 1 panel only. They are a real pleasure to use too compared to grinding a panel away. Pretty cheap too. |
|
| Author: | deluxe67 [ Sun Oct 04, 2015 2:11 pm ] |
| Post subject: | Re: front panel repair or replace |
I agree, repair what you have. Mine was worse and came up really well.... |
|
| Author: | mattywood [ Sun Oct 04, 2015 2:46 pm ] |
| Post subject: | Re: front panel repair or replace |
I've ordered the drill bit and will start on the paint removal. I've used those resin materials discs for removing paint but they don't last. I want to avoid digging into the metal with a flap disc. Any recommendations? |
|
| Author: | winabbey [ Sun Oct 04, 2015 2:59 pm ] |
| Post subject: | Re: front panel repair or replace |
There's quite a few posts on here about paint removal. Suggest you do a search using terms such as paint, removal, cling, wrap, that way you'll see suggestions made by a lot of people over an extended period rather than just those who are currently reading your post today. ... and there's a few topics in the Forum's How To section that cover bodywork, such as this one. viewtopic.php?f=25&t=60141 |
|
| Author: | mattywood [ Sun Oct 04, 2015 5:15 pm ] |
| Post subject: | Re: front panel repair or replace |
winabbey wrote: There's quite a few posts on here about paint removal. Suggest you do a search using terms such as paint, removal, cling, wrap, that way you'll see suggestions made by a lot of people over an extended period rather than just those who are currently reading your post today. One question I can't seam to find an answer on despite searching is how how long you've got to strip, repair and prime before surface rust gets in. |
|
| Author: | 69k1100 [ Sun Oct 04, 2015 11:32 pm ] |
| Post subject: | Re: front panel repair or replace |
I wouldn't stress about surface rust, if it's in a garage you have a moth or more before you notice any bright orange spots, and even then they're easily treated. If you treat surface with phosphoric acid it converts the rust to iron phosphate, which will act as a barrier and buy you more time. |
|
| Page 1 of 1 | All times are UTC + 10 hours |
| Powered by phpBB® Forum Software © phpBB Group http://www.phpbb.com/ |
|