Hi everyone. I am having trouble getting a new guard to fit nicely. I have compared the new panel to the old one and there a few subtle differences but i am hoping this won't affect the finished fit.

My question is .... do I start welding at the front and work back towards the A panel, pulling and shaping as I go or do I start at the A panel and work towards the front, manipulating the front apron and guard to achieve the finish?.
My understanding has always been to start at the fixed point and move from there ( the A panel in this case)
There is a bit of flex through the guard and also the front apron but I don't want to flex it so much that it starts to crease or alters the body lines!

Help!!!!!

Is the new panel Heritage or aftermarket? That might explain some differences.

Sorry, I haven't done panel work so can't advise on the process to attach the panel.

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ex-NSW Police 1970 MK II Cooper S
VMCI #43

Unfortunately aftermarket. I have fitted them before and they always seam to need some fettling but this one is a shocker!!!
4 hours in and its almost there!!! Furph!

In my opinion you will need a heritage guard as the guard you are using may need major work. Even the heritage guard is difficult to fit. Start at the back you will have to rework the curve at the back to get a good fit. Check length of guard and bonnet gap, bonnet gap should be even at the back. You will probably plug MiG the guard ,I spot weld for originality ,I have fitted a lot of mini panels the last guards I have fitted took e twice as long to do. I metal finish the panels no body filler, although there is nothing wrong with body filler used correctly,
Allen

Thankyou sir. Yes alot of re working to get the fit correct and i agree they seem to be getting worse as time gos by.
I have to re work all the seams and the curves and cut 3mm of the bonnet edge. Bugger of a thing.