hello all

new to the classic mini world and need some help/advice. i recently purchased a 1971 mini and it does have a bit (not alot) of rust on the outer sills. i know you can buy replacement sills for around $35-$75.

question: what kind of job is it to replace? can any qualified auto body shop do it? or need a mini specialist?

thanks in advance. I really want to replace them soon. I posted a couple pics.

 

Don't think you need a specialist for body work, just make sure they have a good welder.

 

I replaced mine myself


sill plates are readily available as you stated

after my first need for a welding repair where the cost made me go WOW I had to step back and regroup

1. In the US where do you find a Mini body expert?

2. Any body shop knowing they have you on the hook is going to charge what???

This resulted in my taking welding and auto body repair clsses thru my local adult education. Followed by purchase of a MIG set and a sizable compressor set up . . .

I replaced my sills a lil' while ago, it is not THAT hard of a job. Question is, how much do you really need to cut out???? I originally thought I could get away with 4 inches but eventually was 6 or more in places. It was a good thing I had the tools and skills to fabricate extensions to the sill plates I'd bought other wise per my experience a weld shop would have run the cost up by $1000 or more from the estimate . . .

Come on by, I'll give you a DIY helper price!

 

Nice! Thx for the tips and education. While my welding skills are limited, I will shop around for professional help on this one.

again, thanks!

 

Thanks! very good info.