I'm 14 and no one in my family has any automotive experience so this is a true novelist question. I have been offered a front apron and a guard if I go and remove it myself, and we have no idea how to take the panels off and what tools use and how to unpick it from the body seam. Any info would help

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77 mini sunshine: the slow build continues
http://www.ausmini.com/forums/viewtopic.php?t=70699

i would take a 9inch grinder and cut outside the panels (ie bigger than you need) and cart it home.

Then use a spot weld drill bit in a drill and then drill the spot welds out. (they are small spots of weld that hold the panels together) Or grind down the extra bits until you get to the seam and removed one side of it (if using a grinder to do this be VERY careful not to go too deep)

Hope that makes sense.

Brenton

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alI I ever use is a hacksaw and a small axe and a hammer

as stated mark the panels way bigger than you want and use the axe on single panels and the hack saw on double panels

all you do is use the hammer to hit the axe against the panel and it will be just like using a can opener use small blows and take your time.

I have done this many a times to get panels I want off cars in padocks etc

then once you have got the panel off you can then un pick the spot welds

No sparks, heat etc to worry about

Thanks heaps but how do you take the guard off from that body seem?

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77 mini sunshine: the slow build continues
http://www.ausmini.com/forums/viewtopic.php?t=70699

1) Take the paint off the seam.
2) Locate each spot weld (you will see and feel them)
3) Use a pin punch to stamp each weld in the middle.
4) Use your spot weld cutter/drill bit to drill through one side of the weld.
5) gently seperate the panel.

Take your time and be patient, otherwise you will end up bending the panel seam or drilling though both panels.

Good luck!

Alright cheers, that's sounds easy enough

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77 mini sunshine: the slow build continues
http://www.ausmini.com/forums/viewtopic.php?t=70699

Good advice,

Also you can go though some of the members gallerys as you will see some examples of different ways people have gone about these sorts of things.

See might signature link if your interested?

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1968 Morris Mini Deluxe - members gallery
1970 Morris Cooper S - members gallery
Mini's I grew up with
Slot car couch

Do you mean a centre punch (pointy, as you would use to guide a pilot drill bit) or do you really mean a pin punch (thin but flat-faced, for drifting out roll pins)?

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Simon

The adventures of an owner builder in the Tallarook Ranges

Just be aware that spot welds are very hard. The welding hardens the metal.
So a regular drill bit will only drill out about 2 or 3 spot welds before it blunt.

If you are removing a rusty or bent panel and it does not matter if you damage it you are usually better off cutting the panel with a grinder and a cutting disk and then grinding back the surface of the spot welds with the grinder and a grinding disk.

Thanks Simon, I was meaning a centre punch.

I like to use a spot weld cutter rather than a drill bit. As Morris said, a drill bit goes blunt where a cutter actually cuts the metal around the weld and then you can just grind off what remains with a flappy disk.

Alright, cheers everyone for the info, you've all been a massive help

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77 mini sunshine: the slow build continues
http://www.ausmini.com/forums/viewtopic.php?t=70699

You can buy special Cobalt Spot Weld drill bits. The aren't very dear at all, but last a very long time, just don't bend it!

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Air Chisel
If the panels of my wreck are any good to you I'll give you a hand

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Pete...
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1968 Deluxe 1275
1969 Deluxe 'Scruby' 998 Looking for a roof skin...

General size of front seam welds?
6mm 8mm??

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Tim