surface rust

[fatspud]

can anyone help me my beloved mini seems to be taking the root of the mary rose and i'm loosing the preservation battle i've got surface rust on the tops of both wings off side (A)panel rust spots and drivers side scuttle panel rust. can this be tackled by filler as a tempary measure as i have all the replacement panels in the garage but i dont have the time or ability to cut off and weld new panels on. i just want a cheap job for now would a fibreglass front end be of any use and are they easy to fit. i'm reasonably machanicly minded but i dont want to start something and bugger it up .the car looks great from 20 miles away any suggestions on a local mini bodywork pro who could do the work for me in the morecambe lancaster area.

[Plotloss]

If its surface rust, rubbing it back until all trace is removed then priming and painting should be a good enough repair for a good few years...

[miniman]

You should take a look at the "repairs" I've just done involving large quantities of Isopon! Either "Heath Robinson" or "Bodgit & Scarper" would describe it quite nicely, I think...

[Cooperman]

Keep clear of fibreglas 'flip' fronts.They are basically unsafe (and I don't care what anyone else says about this). The amount of additional structure you need to weld in to replace the lost strength is heavier and more expensive than fitting new steel panels. You are also advised to add a full roll cage if going flip front.
Filler, as stated, is a very short-term solution. We've all done it, but it's not a solution,just a quick fix.
Find a Mini specialist who won't rip you off. Obviously I know a few down here in Herts/Beds/Cambs, but not 'oop north.

[fatspud]

cheers i'll try the filler method i know theres going to be holes would you just pack it out with fibreglass on the back of the wing tops and fill the surface i know this sounds like i have'nt a clue (i have'nt) but if you've never done it before and i want to make a half decent job then thats when you guys become helpful could anyone suggest a decent kit for the bigger holes

[Cooperman]

Go for the filler called 'Chemical Metal'. Grind all, repeat ALL, of the old rust out until you have shiny metal. If you go right through the panel use a filler called 'Hole Bridge'. Both those products are from Isopon. The ordinary body filler is not really much use for rust curing, it's more for filling body dents.
You can knock the panel in a bit with a light ball pein hammer in order to give yourself a surface to key the filler to if necessary.
Rub down when fully hard using coarse sand paper first, then a finer aluminium oxide type paper. Don't use wet & dry for this. Wet & dry is really only for painted surfaces. If you get this filler wet it will just attack any bare metal around the edges.
However, no matter how well you do it soon it will bubble through.
I hope this helps. You are a bit too far for me to come and give you a hand!

Peter

[fatspud]

cheers cooperman i'll give it a go when the weather improves
thanks again mate andy

[love machine]

I drag both of mine out when it's dry and with an old coffee jar and engine oil, paint my seams, underside and anything else which looks like it might rust. That is good advice.