I want to thank you all for your advice and tips. After reading all of the great feedback, I think my plan will change. Seeing as I almost have a complete car, I am going to get it in good running order the way it is now. I will enjoy it and work on it as I go, and if one day I want to upgrade to a 1275 or Vtec, then I will go that route. I feel that I need to give the original 998 a chance. So, here are some pics as I bought it and how it sits in the garage now. I welcome any advice, tips, warnings, etc. Both good and bad! Thanks!

 

grrrrrrrrr

you gots plenty of uglys there . . . .

do NOT think of just cleaning and filling . . . .

 

Didn't say it was pretty! But yeah, I know there are some trouble spots. I have a friend who welds for a living, so I am hoping he can help. Would rather not use filler at all if I can avoid it. The spot at the bottom front of the RH is the spot that worries me the most.

 

Hope we can help:
Take a look here: http://www.minimania.com/Mini_Cooper_Catalog.cfm#12
and even here:

http://www.minimania.com/ArticleV.cfm?DisplayID=613

 

You may need this link http://www.bmh-ltd.com/miniparts.htm they produce every panel that there is for you and they ship them all over the world............