fordrs2005

iTrader: (4)

As above

I know it's a long shot but thought I'd ask

Got a 1997 mini coming in next few weeks for a full restoration

Underside is ok but will be needing the usual wings , doors or skins , valances , scuttle panels etc....

A quick search shows loads of replica parts for sale but I'd like to know what's the best company to buy from and the best fitment

As these replica panels usually aren't the best fitment anyway so a wee heads up on what company's best to use would help out a lot

Cheers gibby .

andi-p

The fitment of the cheaper panels can cause gap problems with doors, boot and bonnet. The only panels I would use are Heritage Panels. These are made on the original tooling that BMC used. I have a mini and I will be using Heritage panels only. They are more expensive but fit 100 times better.

Thrustyjust

Used to get panels from minispares in Padiham many moons ago. A Panels never fitted whatever you did mind you. Wierdly my Mk1 1961 mini had impact foam in the sills and when i restored it, was 30 years old, the sills were perfect. Allegedly they stopped doing it in later models due to cost and they used to rot overnight. Good luck with the resto. I fancy another old mini, just to stick a Vtec in the front.

andi-p

I plan on building with a vtec engine and the running gear from a CRV with a few trick upgrades.

Rax

iTrader: (1)

A guy who I used to do moto cross with has about 30 of the things between him and his dad.Mostly older ones though and something that looks like a moke,maybe a scamp with no roof.He only lives down the street.If I think on over the weekend I will ask him where they get their panels from.He wasnt that good at MX but he must know something about Mini's as that scamp things pretty quick lol.He has a couple of old 1275 GT's in very nice condition too

Just to add I think its 20 years since I helped my mate with one,the only original parts at the end was the shell and roof

escortmk3rwd

pm sent

daz1968

I am in process of restoring a mk1 mini and have used mini machine panels mainly these are good fitment, the floors and sills are spot on, also used there inner and outer a panels, when it came to front end I used magnum front panel and wings they fitted with little adjustment and am pleased with them for the cost, even heritage panels are not perfect.

Mister G

I'm also into my Mini's! Helped out with a few and i'd agree that heritage panels are the only way to go!

Rax

iTrader: (1)

My mate just messaged me,he also says Heritage but double the price of BS.I think they local to me.It would probably be http://www.bs-supplies.co.uk/
he must use them,fettleing it is or double money.Its like that game show

B16 Will

I've got a '97 cooper sportpack in almond green in need of resto when I pull my finger out !! She's just sat in a lockup waiting.

Chaz888

Just one thing please use the mini lump its just not right to have anything but the A block in there I had a 998 cooper in mine and a cracking little buzz box of an engine it was.

tommytwotanks

anyway according to classic car rescue it only takes 7 days to restore (if you have many helping hands working 24/7)

Turbo Zetec

iTrader: (1)

http://www.minispares.com/

fordrs2005

iTrader: (4)

Thanks for all the replies folks

Am going to list all the parts I need and start getting panels this week