Posted: Apr-30-2008 12:19PM

The photo does hint that paint is hiding past "fixes" of unknown quantity /quality.  Ordering anything ahead of thorough investigation may leave you with money spent but without the panels actually needed.  Along with the rusting door edges, the leading edge of the A panel seems to show patching, which may be covering rusted inner panels.  And that's just the front.  Take a peek at the rear subframe, the subframe mounting area and the leading edge of the rear wheel openings while you're looking under the car. 

SE7EN

Posted: Apr-30-2008 12:02PM Edited:  Apr-30-2008 12:09PM

Actually, ahead of the jack point you see the outer sill has been cut away and a patch welded in connecting to the floor just below the inner sill bend.  Sloppy work and rusty already. Now, the jack point may well be rusted too.

If it were mine, I'd clean the outer sill and floor edge in and out, front to back, to inspect damage and find holes.. lift the carpet out & inspect.

On the easy end you may need to just patch the floor edge and inner sill and fabricate a piece to complete the outer sill for a proper look. At least all work won't show when done and wil not effect the paint job, if done carefully.

On the worst end, you may need to pull the outer sill, fix multiple holes front to back on the inner sill, replace the jack mountings, and replace the outer sill with a new one. On one Mini I had a local sheet metal shop bend a repair piece on a metal brake for the inner sill patch. Then, I applied new outer sills. Again, this can all be done without damaging the paint work of the body. Not a bad job for the novice to learn how to MIG weld in the garage. Just have to tilt the car high enough to get access.

As far as part #MS55R. That is a 9" oversill made to cover over a bad inner or outer sill. While many UK shops weld them in, most don't bother to remove the rust underneath. Ask around. Some Minis have a couple layers of these bodged onto them to pass MOT in the UK. When they no longer can pass inspection, they get sold to unsuspecting US Mini buyers. It just traps the rust and moisture and creates more & faster rust issues. The Mini I referred to had them   Better to remove and replace as original (as suggested) in the long run. Do it once. Do it right.

Make it idiot proof, and someone will make a better idiot....

Posted: Apr-30-2008 10:58AM

A FATHER CARRIES PICTURES WHERE HIS MONEY USED TO BE 

1130cc, 12g295, SW5 cam, LCB, HIF38, CA spec.

Posted: Apr-30-2008 09:39AM Edited:  Apr-30-2008 09:52AM

Hard to tell from the photo supplied.  You need to clean all the crap off and hit it with a wire wheel to see how much rust is there.

It looks like you need to repair the floor between the sill and first rib. It looks like it's been patched once already. You may find someone to let in (weld) another patch or you may need to secure the following panel to fix the whole side depending on how extensive the rust is. (Panel may be sectioned to fit damage present.) Check out the rear subframe mount area at the bottom rear of your rear pockets for rust damage. You may need an outer sill as well. Hate to be negative, but since it was repaired once already it likely has spread to more areas.

Panel should be available from our host.

Panel U14 below....

If the rust is limited just to the floor and goes in further than you may only need this:

Make it idiot proof, and someone will make a better idiot....