Classic Mini Restoration: Eleanor Video 64 Fitting The Companion Bin and Closing Panels Part 1

In this video I begin work on replacing the Companion bin and two closing panels surrounding it. This will be split into two parts, this is part 1, please join me soon for part 2.

[@markgutter8443]

It's coming along nicely now.Thanks for sharing.

[@andywhitelaw6957]

Need to get me one of those finger blasters! Looks like a handy tool

[@DBMiniDIY]

One of the best tools i bought Andy, I'd highly recommend them

[@tonyaylott4114]

Good video DB, I have this to do to my Mini Cooper, now I know what to expect 👍

[@thedjse]

Nice work DB very methodical work looking good

[@DBMiniDIY]

Cheers mate

[@robertnehrbass7745]

Good to see you back,patient and a plan always pays out in the long run

[@BMCWorkshop]

Looking good DB, the car is fairly coming along now buddy

[@DBMiniDIY]

Cheers mate, making the most of lockdown

[@BMCWorkshop]

@@DBMiniDIY it would be rude not to!

[@jamesbarrie2965]

Nice work, you’ll run out of panels to replace shortly lol. On a side note, I have the same power file and find the belts a bit inconsistent in size and durability, could never do without it though. Looking forward to Part 2👍

[@DBMiniDIY]

Thanks mate, i can't wait to run out of panels!, means its done 😁. I found the silverline belts are pretty good, its the usual story, you get what you pay for

[@jamesbarrie2965]

I’ll give them a try, I also have an air fed one which uses smaller belts and don’t get any issues with it. It may just be a training issue with the operator😄

[@markpiper8082]

So is it now easier to say what hasn't been replaced? 😆👍 coming along great keep up the good work.

[@DBMiniDIY]

Oh how it spirals 😂😂 Cheers mate

[@GRAY8618]

That’s the part on my mini I dread doing, my quarters and companion bins are good so I’m going to have to try do that closing panels with the bin and rear quarter in place!

[@DBMiniDIY]

@@GRAY8618very difficult if not impossible to do ig with both still in place

[@GRAY8618]

@ nothing is impossible but yep definitely going to try my patience when I get to that bit! Might actually tackle it first to get it out the way! Still in the strip down phase and part collecting at the moment

[@DBMiniDIY]

@@GRAY8618 im doing that very part just now on Ed. Ive left the bin in and am accessing from the bottom of the quarter panel cut out and that was even a struggle getting to the corners with the mini grinder and finger sander, plus you will no doubt find issues with the adjoining panels, good luck

[@EnginesRob]

Very helpful video today DB - thanks. The order of those panels makes more sense now. How close to the (new) side panel should those closing panels be - linked to the wheel arch, inner sill/floor OK, but should they butt up to the outer skin, or leave a small gap?

[@DBMiniDIY]

I'm glad it has helped. There is a gap between that and the rear quarter panel, prob around 10 mm

[@piperdoug428]

Great new video format, saves you time and unnecessary filming of repetitive stages. How’s the shoulder holding up?

[@DBMiniDIY]

Thanks Doug. Shoulder is knackered and its really slowing me down and giving me Gip, but it not stopping me (yet) so that is the main thing

[@186scott]

Would you suggest replacing the heel board before doing what you have done? as I need to do the same on mine but have to salvage the companion bin and the closing panel as I have a clubman estate

[@DBMiniDIY]

Yes i would do the heelboard first because they needs lined up with the subframe and the companion bin can be manipulated if needed to fit onto the heelboard

[@karlgt9989]

Good work mate, maybe get in Insta and upload progress pics too?

[@DBMiniDIY]

I do updates regularly on the facebook group, never got around to insta