MINI2

BruceK · Jul 10th, 2002, 10:45 PM

Has anyone else noticed how much road debris gets trapped in the recess on top of the front wheels' plastic liner? (see photo below) I think this has the potential to be a future rust trap with the sheet metal flange just sitting in wet mud and muck on top of the wheel liner.

(Everytime I wash my car I make it a point to squirt high pressure water right into this area to try to remove all the road grime - hope it works.)

daro911 · Jul 11th, 2002, 06:28 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by BruceK
Has anyone else noticed how much road debris gets trapped in the recess on top of the front wheels' plastic liner? (see photo below) I think this has the potential to be a future rust trap with the sheet metal flange just sitting in wet mud and muck on top of the wheel liner.

(Everytime I wash my car I make it a point to squirt high pressure water right into this area to try to remove all the road grime - hope it works.)

Don't worry your BMW MINI was designed to wear out much faster than it could ever rust out

Hence the crappy build quality we are all being subjected to.

mr.bill · Jul 11th, 2002, 09:55 AM

Bruce, this was discussed several months ago in another thread. One MINI owner said that water collects in several places and gets stagnant and stinky over time. BMW claims they pour hot wax into the interior parts to stop water from collecting and causing rust, but they should have paid a bit more attention to some under-the-bonnet areas too. You might be able to solve the problem by running a bead of Goop or RTV around the edges of the depressed area and then stretching a sheet of clear plastic sheeting across it. Trim off the excess plastic when the glue dries. Might look a bit odd, but it's better that than a rust pocket. The glue can be removed if desired and shouldn't harm the painted surface.

R1 · Jul 11th, 2002, 02:58 PM

I also noticed this from day one of ownership.

I sprayed the area inside with "Waxoil" and left it to dry as soon as I got my MINI home.

BMW have also noticed this because on my first MINI (October '01 build) there was no sealant or "wax" in this area at all. On my new MINI, the area inside has sealant and a wax. Still "Waxoil"ed it though.

Beware of sealing the front or back of this area (inside the wing) because if you don't make a tight enough seal and water gets in, it will compound the problem very quickly if it can't get back out and it will just rot away with time!!

Your better off just keeping it clean.

R1 · Jul 11th, 2002, 03:00 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by daro911
Hence the crappy build quality we are all being subjected to.

My new MINI's OK!

daro911 · Jul 11th, 2002, 03:44 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by R1

My new MINI's OK!

Good for you but is it very new still? And how was the 1st?

I am just about to switch from a 61K 100% Trouble Free miles in a RAV4 into a Cooper "S" and I am in serious doubts that I will be able to say the same about the MINI for much more than 60 days even!

Judging by these pages and the MINI owners I chat to in garages etc etc... But it will be good to be back in a British built icon just poorly egineered by you know who

Phil Craddock · Jul 12th, 2002, 03:59 AM

I have also noticed whilst opening the boot hatch in the pouring rain that water collects quite nicely in the hatch bracket area

so this needs cleaning off dry and waxing/polishing to give it a bit of protection.

Another excuse to get the autglym out

mr.bill · Jul 12th, 2002, 10:44 AM

Watch the boot struts too. They are mounted outside the rubber gasket and will get rusty.

Jazzy Jase · Jul 12th, 2002, 01:42 PM

The boot struts on my Vauxhall Corsa were also outside the seal. Never in 3 1/2 years did I see any rust.

Maybe because of the angle water simply runs straight past the struts.

62pasquale · Jul 14th, 2002, 03:19 AM

You realize your going to be taking all the fun out of restoring these Mini's 30 or 40 years from now. These will be the sought after car to restore down the road.

What is restoring a car all about if you don't have a couple of rust areas to deal with. If we're not careful there will be not heritage to pass on for future classic cars restorers.

Anyone who has restored a Austin H, a MG, a Sunbeam or a Mini knows exactly where those special spots are. This could be our little secret here.

Just a little humor here!
Regards,

SemiImbecille · Jul 15th, 2002, 05:35 AM

One of the bolts holding the passangerdoor have began to rust, I´m going to my dealer today to sort it out.

Basil · Jul 16th, 2002, 03:46 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by BruceK
Has anyone else noticed how much road debris gets trapped in the recess on top of the front wheels' plastic liner? (see photo below) I think this has the potential to be a future rust trap with the sheet metal flange just sitting in wet mud and muck on top of the wheel liner.

(Everytime I wash my car I make it a point to squirt high pressure water right into this area to try to remove all the road grime - hope it works.)

Hmmm, a common problem on MGB/MGB GT's too....these youmg designer blokes I dunno, too young to remember these problems.

daro911, I would respectfully suggest you cancel or at least postpone your cooper S if you have already convinced yourself (no doubt via these boards) that your MINI will be a dog.

Basil · Jul 16th, 2002, 03:48 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by mr.bill
Watch the boot struts too. They are mounted outside the rubber gasket and will get rusty.

Hmm, along with 95% of all other hatchbacks mr.bill ?

(G'day by the way

)

Clutch Cargo · Jul 19th, 2002, 01:58 PM

Is "Waxoyl" sold in the US also? If not, what would a comparable product be.

tia

BruceK · Jul 19th, 2002, 02:08 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Clutch Cargo
Is "Waxoyl" sold in the US also? ...
tia

Only as a speciality item for dealers of British car stuff -- like MiniMania, Triple-C.com, etc..

Caution - Waxoyl is a solid at UK-like temperatures. However, I have heard of it resulting in a car that weeps paraffin in extremely hot climate. Perhaps a small price to pay for preventing rust?

Clutch Cargo · Jul 19th, 2002, 03:04 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by BruceK
...a car that weeps paraffin...

The fuel we call "kerosene" is called "parafin" by the Brits -- or am I breathlessly reporting last year's news?

Anyway, if the stuff liquifies in hot weather, it won't be much use over here.

mr.bill · Jul 20th, 2002, 02:47 PM

If you search faults and fixes, you should find a post from a MINI owner who complained about rusty water dripping down when he opened the boot. It was coming from the struts because they are mounted outside the rubber seal. For the record, I have an old Datsun hatchback and the strut (it only has one, is original and still works fine) is inside the hatch seal. Ditto for my mother's Sentra, my friend's Ford Escort, my cousin's Honda, etc. I have never seen a car with the boot struts mounted outside. That doesn't mean it isn't done, but I prefer having them inside the car where they aren't going to turn into a rusty mess.

Basil · Jul 21st, 2002, 04:40 AM

My Subaru has them outside the sealed area too.

Jul 10th, 2002, 10:45 PM	#1
BruceK Moderator & Sponsor Join Date: Mar 2001 Location: San Antonio, Texas Local Time: 03:31 AM Posts: 3,759 Offline	Future Rusty Area on all MINIs? Has anyone else noticed how much road debris gets trapped in the recess on top of the front wheels' plastic liner? (see photo below) I think this has the potential to be a future rust trap with the sheet metal flange just sitting in wet mud and muck on top of the wheel liner. (Everytime I wash my car I make it a point to squirt high pressure water right into this area to try to remove all the road grime - hope it works.) Attached Thumbnails + 2002 MINI Cooper S - Dark Silver / White roof, Sport, Premium, Lapis blue leather + 1965 Mini Traveller - Tartan Red / White roof, 1275, Cooper S discs, fully restored/renewed

Jul 11th, 2002, 06:28 AM	#2 (permalink)
daro911 MINI2 Senior Join Date: May 2002 Local Time: 10:31 AM Posts: 493 Offline	Re: Future Rusty Area on all MINIs? Quote: Originally posted by BruceK Has anyone else noticed how much road debris gets trapped in the recess on top of the front wheels' plastic liner? (see photo below) I think this has the potential to be a future rust trap with the sheet metal flange just sitting in wet mud and muck on top of the wheel liner. (Everytime I wash my car I make it a point to squirt high pressure water right into this area to try to remove all the road grime - hope it works.) Don't worry your BMW MINI was designed to wear out much faster than it could ever rust out Hence the crappy build quality we are all being subjected to. Too many freaks not enough circuses Tell a man that there are 400 billion stars and he'll believe you. Tell him a bench has wet paint and he has to touch it.

Jul 11th, 2002, 03:00 PM	#5 (permalink)
R1 Addicted to Speed!! Join Date: Sep 2001 Location: ..."B" roads!! Local Time: 10:31 AM Posts: 4,915 Offline	Re: Re: Future Rusty Area on all MINIs? Quote: Originally posted by daro911 Hence the crappy build quality we are all being subjected to. My new MINI's OK!

Jul 11th, 2002, 03:44 PM	#6 (permalink)
daro911 MINI2 Senior Join Date: May 2002 Local Time: 10:31 AM Posts: 493 Offline	Re: Re: Re: Future Rusty Area on all MINIs? Quote: Originally posted by R1 My new MINI's OK! Good for you but is it very new still? And how was the 1st? I am just about to switch from a 61K 100% Trouble Free miles in a RAV4 into a Cooper "S" and I am in serious doubts that I will be able to say the same about the MINI for much more than 60 days even! Judging by these pages and the MINI owners I chat to in garages etc etc... But it will be good to be back in a British built icon just poorly egineered by you know who Too many freaks not enough circuses Tell a man that there are 400 billion stars and he'll believe you. Tell him a bench has wet paint and he has to touch it.

Jul 12th, 2002, 03:59 AM	#7 (permalink)
Phil Craddock MINI2 Sponsor My Classifieds Join Date: Dec 2001 Location: Planet Pirate Local Time: 10:31 AM Posts: 2,117 Offline	FUTURE RUSTY BITS I have also noticed whilst opening the boot hatch in the pouring rain that water collects quite nicely in the hatch bracket area so this needs cleaning off dry and waxing/polishing to give it a bit of protection. Another excuse to get the autglym out Crazy Phil aka The Pirate www.minipirate.com

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Jul 11th, 2002, 09:55 AM	#3 (permalink)
mr.bill MINI2 Senior Join Date: Jun 2001 Location: USA Local Time: 09:31 AM Posts: 577 Offline	Bruce, this was discussed several months ago in another thread. One MINI owner said that water collects in several places and gets stagnant and stinky over time. BMW claims they pour hot wax into the interior parts to stop water from collecting and causing rust, but they should have paid a bit more attention to some under-the-bonnet areas too. You might be able to solve the problem by running a bead of Goop or RTV around the edges of the depressed area and then stretching a sheet of clear plastic sheeting across it. Trim off the excess plastic when the glue dries. Might look a bit odd, but it's better that than a rust pocket. The glue can be removed if desired and shouldn't harm the painted surface.

Jul 11th, 2002, 02:58 PM	#4 (permalink)
R1 Addicted to Speed!! Join Date: Sep 2001 Location: ..."B" roads!! Local Time: 10:31 AM Posts: 4,915 Offline	I also noticed this from day one of ownership. I sprayed the area inside with "Waxoil" and left it to dry as soon as I got my MINI home. BMW have also noticed this because on my first MINI (October '01 build) there was no sealant or "wax" in this area at all. On my new MINI, the area inside has sealant and a wax. Still "Waxoil"ed it though. Beware of sealing the front or back of this area (inside the wing) because if you don't make a tight enough seal and water gets in, it will compound the problem very quickly if it can't get back out and it will just rot away with time!! Your better off just keeping it clean.

Jul 12th, 2002, 10:44 AM	#8 (permalink)
mr.bill MINI2 Senior Join Date: Jun 2001 Location: USA Local Time: 09:31 AM Posts: 577 Offline	Watch the boot struts too. They are mounted outside the rubber gasket and will get rusty.

Jul 12th, 2002, 01:42 PM	#9 (permalink)
Jazzy Jase Moderator Join Date: Jul 2001 Location: Berkshire, UK Local Time: 09:31 AM Posts: 432 Offline	The boot struts on my Vauxhall Corsa were also outside the seal. Never in 3 1/2 years did I see any rust. Maybe because of the angle water simply runs straight past the struts.

Jul 14th, 2002, 03:19 AM	#10 (permalink)
62pasquale MINI2 Newbie Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: University Place, WA Local Time: 01:31 AM Posts: 12 Offline	What no rust for the future You realize your going to be taking all the fun out of restoring these Mini's 30 or 40 years from now. These will be the sought after car to restore down the road. What is restoring a car all about if you don't have a couple of rust areas to deal with. If we're not careful there will be not heritage to pass on for future classic cars restorers. Anyone who has restored a Austin H, a MG, a Sunbeam or a Mini knows exactly where those special spots are. This could be our little secret here. Just a little humor here! Regards,

Jul 15th, 2002, 05:35 AM	#11 (permalink)
SemiImbecille MINI2 Regular Join Date: Jan 2002 Location: Stockholm Local Time: 11:31 AM Posts: 61 Offline	One of the bolts holding the passangerdoor have began to rust, I´m going to my dealer today to sort it out.

Jul 16th, 2002, 03:46 AM	#12 (permalink)
Basil MINI2 Master Join Date: Nov 2001 Local Time: 07:31 PM Posts: 5,956 Offline	Re: Future Rusty Area on all MINIs? Quote: Originally posted by BruceK Has anyone else noticed how much road debris gets trapped in the recess on top of the front wheels' plastic liner? (see photo below) I think this has the potential to be a future rust trap with the sheet metal flange just sitting in wet mud and muck on top of the wheel liner. (Everytime I wash my car I make it a point to squirt high pressure water right into this area to try to remove all the road grime - hope it works.) Hmmm, a common problem on MGB/MGB GT's too....these youmg designer blokes I dunno, too young to remember these problems. daro911, I would respectfully suggest you cancel or at least postpone your cooper S if you have already convinced yourself (no doubt via these boards) that your MINI will be a dog.

Jul 16th, 2002, 03:48 AM	#13 (permalink)
Basil MINI2 Master Join Date: Nov 2001 Local Time: 07:31 PM Posts: 5,956 Offline	Quote: Originally posted by mr.bill Watch the boot struts too. They are mounted outside the rubber gasket and will get rusty. Hmm, along with 95% of all other hatchbacks mr.bill ? (G'day by the way )

Jul 19th, 2002, 01:58 PM	#14 (permalink)
Clutch Cargo MINI2 Regular Join Date: Dec 2001 Location: Near NYC Local Time: 09:31 AM Posts: 348 Offline	Is "Waxoyl" sold in the US also? If not, what would a comparable product be. tia

Jul 19th, 2002, 02:08 PM	#15 (permalink)
BruceK Moderator & Sponsor Join Date: Mar 2001 Location: San Antonio, Texas Local Time: 03:31 AM Posts: 3,759 Offline	Quote: Originally posted by Clutch Cargo Is "Waxoyl" sold in the US also? ... tia Only as a speciality item for dealers of British car stuff -- like MiniMania, Triple-C.com, etc.. Caution - Waxoyl is a solid at UK-like temperatures. However, I have heard of it resulting in a car that weeps paraffin in extremely hot climate. Perhaps a small price to pay for preventing rust? + 2002 MINI Cooper S - Dark Silver / White roof, Sport, Premium, Lapis blue leather + 1965 Mini Traveller - Tartan Red / White roof, 1275, Cooper S discs, fully restored/renewed

Jul 19th, 2002, 03:04 PM	#16 (permalink)
Clutch Cargo MINI2 Regular Join Date: Dec 2001 Location: Near NYC Local Time: 09:31 AM Posts: 348 Offline	"Common Language" alert Quote: Originally posted by BruceK ...a car that weeps paraffin... The fuel we call "kerosene" is called "parafin" by the Brits -- or am I breathlessly reporting last year's news? Anyway, if the stuff liquifies in hot weather, it won't be much use over here.

Jul 20th, 2002, 02:47 PM	#17 (permalink)
mr.bill MINI2 Senior Join Date: Jun 2001 Location: USA Local Time: 09:31 AM Posts: 577 Offline	If you search faults and fixes, you should find a post from a MINI owner who complained about rusty water dripping down when he opened the boot. It was coming from the struts because they are mounted outside the rubber seal. For the record, I have an old Datsun hatchback and the strut (it only has one, is original and still works fine) is inside the hatch seal. Ditto for my mother's Sentra, my friend's Ford Escort, my cousin's Honda, etc. I have never seen a car with the boot struts mounted outside. That doesn't mean it isn't done, but I prefer having them inside the car where they aren't going to turn into a rusty mess.

Jul 21st, 2002, 04:40 AM	#18 (permalink)
Basil MINI2 Master Join Date: Nov 2001 Local Time: 07:31 PM Posts: 5,956 Offline	My Subaru has them outside the sealed area too.

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