So after installing the new brakes (see link in signature) I am technically needing flares/arches or whatever you want to call them. I was wondering on people opinion, on what would suit best. See poll for options. Technically there should be no arches on a 78 leyland 998cc, but as per my disk upgrade I want to stay "legal". Most arches have there pro's and cons, I have been leaning towards the wood and picket for the "no screw holes" but the GT flares would be more "period correct". Feel free to abuse suggest and criticize.

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Nick

http://www.ausmini.com/forums/viewtopic.php?f=3&t=86675

I would put the Aus clubman / MkII Cooper flares (which ever you want to call them) on however good luck finding a pair they are not the easiest to come by, hopefully that will be remedied soon. For now I am planning on using the W&P flares on mine just because that is what I could get.

W&P flares look unfinished at the rear. They stop to high IMO and look odd. Aussie GT flares look great but need the metal backing plates also.
I would wait for the GT flares to become available and finish it with the chrome trim.

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1963 Morris 850 Smoke Grey
1963 Morris 850 Shadow Blue
1965 Morris Mini Smooth Van
1966 Morris Mini Van
1969 Morris Mini Deluxe Resto
5/72 Clubman Gt

I am in the process of fitting the W&P style.....and what a $%^# of a job. The main problem being the rubber insert that comes with them, it's the wrong profile. I'll get different stuff and try again. You have to make cuts where the body seams are....so figuring out where those cuts should be is.....tricky.

However, I've seen them fitted and think they are the best looking flare. I disagree about the rear, they go below the bumper so not sure how that can be too high?

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http://www.mini-hb.co.nz

I have these flares on my deluxe......the ones that stop at the rear bumper are w&p ones or monte carlos, the ones that extend below and look more finished are avonbars......very rare to find now.
Pain to fit as you say.....but look really good when they're done and painted to match the car.

I reckon in your case.
With a very standard looking car I'd go with the Standard Leyland S/GT/SS/LS type.
http://minisport.com.au/mini-flare-kita ... a-original
These are the ones.
They retain the chrome strip and look clean when fitted right.
You also need the backing plates for them as someone previously stated.

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2000 Holden Rodeo TD - The Daily
1998 JDM Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution V -The Weekender
1977 Leyland Mini 998cc, 1293cc in the works - The project
1977 Leyland Mini Van - Sold
1966 Morris Mini Deluxe - Sold
2004 MINI Cooper S Chilli - Sold

Be aware that Minisport (and the other Mini parts places) source these from Mini Kingdom Online. The flares themselves are currently out of stock, as explained in the following thread, but the metal backing strips to original factory specification are available from MKO and perhaps others. viewtopic.php?f=2&t=86239

I understand from John Smidt that he is now very close to getting a supply of flares from the new manufacturer. I assume he will continue to supply Minisport and others.

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

Just a thought, seen the Aussie GT type ones could be a short while before they're available, you could fit the metal reinforcements and wack a bit of pinch weld on them, makes car legal/usable till plastic bits turn up.

I think I will be going with GT flares, Pinch welding?????? aka spot welding?, that's just to the stock panel lip is it not?

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Nick

http://www.ausmini.com/forums/viewtopic.php?f=3&t=86675

Re flares it looks like most of the production problems have been sorted and we should have stocks very soon
Re pinch Weld, the chrome strip that is used on the mini over the guard arches etc is often called pinch weld

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" A Hundred Years From Now It will not Matter what my Bank Acount Was,
The Sort Of House I Lived in, Or The Kind Of Car I drove ... But The World May Be A Better Place
Because I was Once Important In The Life Of A Child"

Thanks John, yeah i had a little Google afterwards, the chrome strip on mine doesn't appear to "weld" to well. Keep us posted on the arches if you can, I call dibs on a set =D

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Nick

http://www.ausmini.com/forums/viewtopic.php?f=3&t=86675

The 78 model mini S came with flares from the factory, exactly the same as the clubman GT from several years earlier

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