hey everyone

I'm unsure as to what to do with the driprails on my up-and-coming shell. i bought it as an unfinished project, and it had no roof and (has) no drip rails. I get what they're supposed to do.. but is it really worth it to put some back on ?

also. if u do think it's worth it, any suggestions where to get some from

Pete

I don't think you can buy so-called `drip rails' any more, you would probably have to get them made.
I've taken one off mine already due to rust, and the other will be off soon. They are just a rust trap IMO- and I don't see how they do anything to stop drips. Perhaps they were put on to strengthen the gutter edge, so a roofrack or bars coud be fitted?
Whatever, later UK cars didn't have them.

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DrMini- 1970 wasaMatic 1360, Mk1S crank, 86.6HP (ATW) =~125 @ crank, 45 Dellorto (38 chokes), RE282 sprint cam, 1.5 rockers, 11.0:1 C/R.

thanks doc

you seem to share my opinion about the necessity of these. From what i guess, their role is to provide a sharp edge for the water to drip off instead of trickling down the round gutter and down into the doors, but this would only work when it's standing still... this is just a guess though.

with respect to later UK cars, they have that plastic trim attached to the gutter top.. the guy i bought the shell from told me that this plastic strip is the replacement for the drip-rail (i do not see how) and that i need either one or the other...hmm either way, looks like no rails for me !

UK plastic strip was just added bling-bling, IMO.

The Oz drip rails are a real rust trap- they are only spotwelded every 100mm or so, once moisture gets in, away it goes! Only proper cure is take 'em off, and either paint gutter & leave it, or fit new ones.

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DrMini- 1970 wasaMatic 1360, Mk1S crank, 86.6HP (ATW) =~125 @ crank, 45 Dellorto (38 chokes), RE282 sprint cam, 1.5 rockers, 11.0:1 C/R.

[quote="drmini in aust"]UK plastic strip was just added bling-bling, IMO. quote]

I have seen a new shell from heritage with the plastic covering which is there to hide the appalling bad finish/welding in that area. The finish in the old days wasn't great but its gone down hill since then - so - they cover it with a plastic doo-hickey!!

BTW something that really concerns me is a Mini I have seen down here with soft top clipped on and covering the open roof. The roof is a key part of the structural rigidity of the shell - I couldn't see any additional strengtherning - so makes ya wonder how weak that particular Min's structure is now....

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"Show me the Mini!"