Hey all..

So the underbody of my Mini is extremely rusted (falling apart). The floor pans are still intact but it appears that there is a layer of fiber glass under that that is falling apart. I went by a body shop today and they said they could do it labor included for 300 bucks.. that's the entire underbody. Does that sound like a good deal? Also, does anyone have any howto's or article links on how to do it? I just want to make sure that they know what they are doing. Also, isn't there supposed to be some reinforcement under there? Seems like when people have put it on lifts it just caves in the underbody!! Are the floor pans being sold on MiniMania ($35) a good bet?

Got any suggestions on gas caps? Had one this morning before driving on the highway, now I don't! I saw some on Mini Mania that were $100+ but the one I had on there was a simple chrome twist on with a slideaway lock cover.

I also need a car cover.. anyone have any experience with the ones sold on MiniMania? If so, link or which one?

Thanks in advance!

 

You would need to post a pic of your floors for us to tell you what you need. You may need more than you think if it has been bodged already with fiberglass. I would use replacement panels available from Minimania, 7 Enterprises, Heritage Garage and others. That way your car will have the proper panels & strength. I'm willing to bet you may need sills and other patches. The water that rots the floors comes from holes in other places. Unless you strip it down and remove all upholstery, carpet and rust you don't know what you need.

If your floor is being dented, you are lifting your car wrongly! The floor will not take the weight (even new ones) set the lift/jack to catch the subframes only. Otherwise your doing damage.

Locking Gas cap $39.95 at Minimania
http://www.minimania.com/web/SUBTYPE..._Inventory.cfm

Look up Covercraft on the web. They are the manufacturer. I found the same covers from their other dealers (one in SC) for less money. I have one that's weatherproof (technalon) but be careful with any sharp edges on your car. My stoneguards on the headlights snagged it and caused a tear.

 

DON'T SHOP AT MINIMANIA UNLESS YOU ARE RICH.

Call Heritage Garage for Tech Advice and Parts. www.heritagegarage.com

for cheaper parts and fast shipping: www.greatbritishcars.com

 

I also have had good results from Great British Cars (aka http://www.gbcarparts.com/). I usually look there first; if they don't carry it, then MiniMania. Slow, expensive, but good assortment.

Car
Cover: I'm using one leftover from my son's Honda CRX SI. Maybe you can find an equivalent on Ebay.

 

GBC is a great online shop.
MiniMania is slow on shipping, and expensive, however their catalogue is extensive.

you can also try 7ent.com
and
vipernoir.com

good luck!

 

I've had good results from 7 Enterprises amd GBCars. Mania have a lot of stock and experience but can be pricey.