Mini Scuttle Panel / Front End

[Mattl]

I have completely ripped the front end off my 92 Mini Cooper as it was as rotten as a rotten thing, including the whole lower scuttle.

Im getting to the stage where im thinking about putting a front end back on it. It needed a complete scuttle panel so i took the old on off.

Do i just put the new scuttle on and line it up with the windscreen flange and then fit the front end around it, or do i leave the scuttle panel until i start to line the front end up.

Only reason i ask is that i was advised by somebody to try and line the scuttle panel up with the front and then tack it all in place but i cant see that the scuttle panel has much float if any at all when it comes to lining it all up.

 

[rosco454]

You should line the scuttle up using the windscreen flange and the external seam on each side.

Next bolt the front panel to the front subframe using the teardrop mounts.
Clamp the wings to the front panel and line up with the inner wings and the scuttle at the rear.
Leave the a panel till last and adjust them to fit the rest of your front end.

Are you using heritage/genuine or pattern panels?

 

[Mattl]

i cant stretch to heritage panels, so its going to be a hadrian scuttle (already got it). And probably m machine front end panels.

Wanna get some done tonight but its flippin hot in a garage with a corrugated iron roof, espescially if i fire the welder up!!

 

[pedrobedro]

I used to use the scuttle repair panels that replaced the ends where they rot most where the wing butts up against them and leave the middle of the original scuttle in place as much as possible. If it's that bad have you looked at the door hinge panels behind the A panel?

 

[Mattl]

Yeah the scuttle had gone quite bad in the middle, so i removed the whole lower scuttle section.

I have found all the rot. Its had heelboard repairs, boot floor, rear quarters, inner and outer sills, footwells, inner flitches and a couples of patches here and there, new inner wings and its due to have a new front end soon. So yep, pretty sure i got all the rot. lol

Its having a full restoration, its not a patch up job. Im fairly new to welding so its quite a big project, just double checking before i crack on with the cosmetic stuff.

Thanks for all the advice chaps, its much appreciated.