MINI Wholesale Parts Dealers

defend yourself in a court of law. Going forward, list each item you used in the repair process. If you do not want to list each item, use a line that states “for all corrosion protection products used in the repair, please see attached invoice.” See Fig. 3 for example of an invoice for a quarter panel replacement using the PROS program from Kent Automotive.

Fig. 3 I think we need do a tutorial on the many corrosion protection items used in the repair process and what the OEMs state in their repair manuals. Fig. 4. You can see a number of items on the Kent Automotive corrosion protection cart. There are several fi ne companies that make these products, but I am most familiar with the Kent line.

Weld Through Primers

These primers are used between mating surfaces. You can use copper-based through primers on all mating surface. Honda states you will use weld through primer on all mating surfaces that will be spot welded, but no WTP when MIG plug welding. Fiat Chrysler states it does not want weld through primer used on its vehicles.

2K Direct to Metal Primer

This primer is a two-part direct to metal system. It is the closet product to factory applied electrodeposition primer. It can be used as a bare metal primer, high build primer and/or a primer surfacer. (Fig. 6) Fig. 6, 2K Direct to Metal Primer Let’s look at what the OEMs state about epoxy primer. Toyota and Honda want a coat of epoxy primer applied to all bare metal surfaces before body fi ller, adhesives, urethane primers and seal sealers are put on. Honda says that the EP can be applied with a spray gun, roller, foam brush or a dobber. (Fig. 7) Nissan, Ford, GM, Audi and Mercedes-Benz recommend the use of epoxy primer to all bonding surfaces prior to the application of adhesives. Fig. 8a Self-etching primers (Fig. 8a) are used on bare metals. The primer contains phosphoric acid and should not be used where glass adhesives are applied. If the acid is not totally cured or a seal coat is not applied, an adhesion failure will most likely occur. The same scenario applies to body fi llers and seam sealers. The next sets of primers are colored self-etching primers (Fig. 8b). These primers are used on interior

Fig. 5, Weld Through Primers

sheet metals that are diff erent colors

Fig. 8b

than the exterior of the vehicle. The same rules that are applied to regular self-etching primers pertains to these primers. Cavity wax (Fig 9) is a semi hardening or a hardening material that will “creep” into seams, folds and hems to seal off the parts from moisture and air. This product is applied after the vehicle has been painted because paint will not stick to it. Toyota says in CRIB 1997 it will

be applied to the inside of new doors, (with zinc) or zinc-based. (Fig. 5)

Choose Original MINI Parts.

Illinois

Patrick MINI Schaumburg 847-605-4055 (847) 619-4511 Fax Hours: M-Sat 8am-5pm patrickMINI.com

Michigan

MINI of Grand Rapids Grand Rapids 888-708-1359 (616)-452-1101 Fax miniofgrandrapids.com

The Dealers Above Are Original MINI Parts Distributors