How To De-seam a Mayfair

[steve;n;liz]

Hi can anyone give a some advise on the best way to de-seam my mini ?

[Ferg]

THE most important bit of advice is to do it a bit at a time. Cut the seam out (I did about 2") then leave a bit (I left 4") then go back and do the same again. Tap the weld in a bit then grind it, fill and finish. Worked for me.

[steve;n;liz]

Hi Ferg Thankz for that I didn't know thought you had to weld supports on the back then cut the full seam out but your way sounds much easier cheers

[PGM]

I think the seams give them the character, seems like a lot of work for no real gain to me?

[dogfather]

i say go for it....... check this out....was going to do it to my mini but decided against it but dam it looks good.

Edited by dogfather on Sunday 18th May 21:54

Edited by dogfather on Sunday 18th May 21:55

[Cooperman]

De-seaming reduces the frontal area by 44 sq. ins., which must have some small, but measurable, effect on the drag coefficient. Granted it's a lot of work and unless you intend to race the car probably not really worth while. The welding must, repeat MUST, be to a very high standard, as the original seams provide a lot of the structural integrity of the shell.
I agree that you should do a 'bit at a time'. Cut a bit, then weld a bit, then cut a bit, etc.

[andyps]

The trouble with doing it for racing is that for some classes the seams are required. There have been cases of people riveting fake seams on to satisfy the scrutineers.

[Cooperman]

A few years ago I was building a 970 'S' for Historic Rallying and the shell we had had been de-seamed. As you say, it is a requirement of some forms of motor sport that the seams remain, so I had to make up some strips and weld them on to take the capping strips and return to original appearance. That was a lot of work and a lot of welding, as it all had to look 'just right'.