First of all thanks to all the members that answer my questions on the forum ,I am doing my best on my 1970 mini cooper S. Also thanks to Dr Mini, and Guru John Sneddon for sharing their knowledge.
When fitting a new front apron panel on a mini ,after you have removed the old panel cut small triangular sections out of the front guard flange about 4mm wide 4 mm deep 2 cuts are required with snips to remove a small triangle of metal. The cuts should be about 25mm apart, use vise grips to pull both panels together ,check the fit of both panels, you can adjust the panels at this stage. If the curve of the guard has been damaged use a needle gauge or cardboard template set off the curve on the opposite side, Needle gauges can be purchased from a tile shop, not expensive. After you have made sure the panels fit correctly commence welding of the small cut out sections .Turn the MIG welder to a slightly higher setting and make sure you know how to trigger on and off when welding. You may need to practice on some scrap metal. When the welding is complete there should be no distortion in the panels .Most repairers weld the edges of both panels together this looks bad and your panel gaps can open, my method retains the originality of the build and I do not have to grind off any weld. When this area is painted and stone guarded it looks original. You need to be a good at MIG welding. Sorry for the long TIP .My next post will tell you how to reduce WELD CREEP when welding on car bodies.
P7676

Thanks for your inputs.

Mods could this eventually be made into a How to with all the information being given out in different messages in one spot.

Maybe titled Body work or the like?

Just an idea?

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What is a needle gauge ? Do you have a picture

Usually called a profile or contour gauge. The one above is from Eastwood and is quite wide, more common are the thinner pin type.

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Don't listen to what I am saying... just understand what I mean.

That's cool, where can you get them from

A needle gauge shop?
Sorry, couldn't resist. Just google it, or try tool supplies shops, ebay etc.

Checking eBay they all seem to come from UK. Nobody here can be bothered.
Try a tiling shop.

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DrMini- 1970 wasaMatic 1360, Mk1S crank, 86.6HP (ATW) =~125 @ crank, 45 Dellorto (38 chokes), RE282 sprint cam, 1.5 rockers, 11.0:1 C/R.

https://www.machineryhouse.com.au/Contour-Gauge

Silas

I just put an apron on the other week, I will revisit it to do the triangle cut-outs.

A purposeful post and just in time for me

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SooperDooperMiniCooperExpertEngineering

All garage work involves equal measures of enthusiasm, ingenuity and a fair degree of irresponsibility.

Total tools sell them as should gasweld.

Sent from my SM-G900I using Tapatalk

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http://www.ausmini.com/forums/viewtopic.php?f=3&t=93352

If I'm carrying on like a pork-chop, I'm having a great time.

If I go very quiet there's a very good chance I broke something.

Thanks I have just ordered one