Inner Wings
These get a page of their own because there was so much work! So far I thought the mini was in good condition, by the time I worked my way forward I discover its a bit knackered at the front. When I spoke to a few guys who have stayed in the mini scene since I left it 18 years ago, they all seem to agree that 90's minis rot faster than the 70's stuff I worked on.
N/S inner wing is fixable, most of it is in good condition, just the typical patches under the scuttle and behind the shock mount.
Because the vent was still there I could make a template around it. , cut the rot out, abd weld in the plate with a 10mm overlap. Not because its pretty, just because its easy and of where it is. Its primed here in the photo, but I need to file the vent hole round.
The shock top mount was a bit of a surprise really. I wasn't expecting it to be the full height.
Don't know if you can make this out, but the inner wing sits on top the bulkhead box section. Its worth welding up the box section first (thats why I have peeled the wing steel back) , then welding the repair section on top of the box section. It keeps the strength.
Nearer the front the radiator vents have been cut by some monkey in order to change the brake pipe!
I left this for a few weeks to sort the engine out, then when I came back to it I wasn't really happy with the repairs to the shock mount, so I cut them off and started again with an inner wing repair.
The other side needed a front inner panel, and a fitch repair to rectify the bodge job plate welded over the rotten steel.
I welded a patch over the end of the box section after I painted it.
I know, the new pannel needs the hole cutting in for the air vent.
I then diverted my interest to the poorly bodged scuttle...
It's a right mess. That sheet was welded on to of the rot with about an inch gap inbetween. I expected this, thats why the floor and sill aren't attached, I left them off (and the door brace in) until I saw what was behind it all.
After cutting everuthing out, I could weld in the new panel, the scuttle corner and the closing plate under the scuttle.
Now I can fit the front end. At last...