328 replies to this topic

[analogue_radio]

You can fit it afterwards, also means that dropping the engine in without a radiator will be much easier because you've got more room to maneuver the block.

[panelbeaterpeter]

I always fit it afterwards.

[scrippo]

Cool! One less job to do before dropping it in!

[scrippo]

Totally rhubarbed off!!!!!

The garage light fell of the roof joist and after smashing me straight on the nose (which felt like a blow from Mike Tyson as it's a big florescent light) it then proceded to continue its freefall and dented my mini's wing in the process. Oh and the light I'd just paid £30 for smashed into pieces to add insult to injury.

At this rate it's gonna need a trip to Mr PanelbeaterPeter just to sort out the minor dinks and dents once its built. The other week I accidently pressed my head onto the rear valance, knocking that out of shape, and then I scratched it with my bike when I got that out the garage. I wonder if these dinks can be removed without doing anything the paint?

Grrrrrrr!!!!

[panelbeaterpeter]

Yep there are places that do paintless dent removal, pretty damn impressive too. Usually mobile too, look in the yellow pages! Not that I'm trying to put myself out or work or anything!

[scrippo]

Cheers Pete!

Perhaps when it's on the road I'll find an excuse to drive it to you to get the bits done. There must be a route I can take which just uses B roads

[scrippo]

OK people after spending a while on here rabbiting and not getting anything done except denting my mini and my nose I thought I'd get on with an update.

This week I've been off work and slowly getting back into doing some work on it. My mate is coming over tomorrow and we're gonna get the engine fitted. You may remember that my engine used to look like this.....



...... well, after much thought and head scratching, I decided I didn't like the blue, and wanted to keep to the classic theme of the mini. I had changed my mind several times, but I finally got off my bum today and did this to it....



To say I'm chuffed with the result is an understatement! I'm so glad I painted it, particularly in the BMC green. I wasn't sure either about the black clutch cover, but I think it improves it no end, and I've given the starter motor a coat of black to match. I've painted the rocker cover in black, but this will only be temporary as I think I'll get a new one at some point. I decided to leave the gearbox silver and think this looks OK.

After seeing how much the engine has been improved, I think I'm addicted. I need to find some gold and silver brush on paint to do the alternator, clutch/brake cylinders, water pump, and plan to do the exhaust manifold in hight temp black.

Not pictured, I have also fitted the shock mounts the right way around now while I was waiting for a coat of green to dry, and also later fitted the oilway and filter, water pump, and engine mount brackets. Can't wait to see it in my engine bay now!

[emalee]

your engine looks fab!!!

you HAVE to refurb the all other parts, nuts and bolts as it wouldn't look right on such a lovely mini

i love the updates on your thread they so nice and pretty!!!!

keep them coming!!!

[scrippo]

Thanks Emalee!

I'll get there slowly! Hopefully a big update tomorrow!

I think I'm going to rebuild it and get it on the road, then gradually refine it sorting out every last detail as a continuing project. I'm just itching to drive it. I definitely want to re-do the headlining, so that'll be first on the list after the car is built. I might go down the supercharging route eventually, but want it on the road first. I guess as they say, a mini is never finshed!

Next dilemma on the list is do I spend £280 on 4 pot calipers from Minisport, or buy standard cooper S calipers for £240? I already have greenstuff pads for cooper S calipers, so would save myself buying more pads but are the 4 pots worth going for? I'm also going through all sorts of dilemma about my interior, but that can wait until another day!

[Jupitus]

Thanks Emalee!

I'll get there slowly! Hopefully a big update tomorrow!

I think I'm going to rebuild it and get it on the road, then gradually refine it sorting out every last detail as a continuing project. I'm just itching to drive it. I definitely want to re-do the headlining, so that'll be first on the list after the car is built. I might go down the supercharging route eventually, but want it on the road first. I guess as they say, a mini is never finshed!

Next dilemma on the list is do I spend £280 on 4 pot calipers from Minisport, or buy standard cooper S calipers for £240? I already have greenstuff pads for cooper S calipers, so would save myself buying more pads but are the 4 pots worth going for? I'm also going through all sorts of dilemma about my interior, but that can wait until another day!

Looking good fella - what brakes do you have right now? Standard disks are good with decent pads so long as you have it all well maintained... money could be well spent elsewhere?

[BMC Paul]

this is a great rebuild, just read the thread and is fantastic! Keep up the good work and bmc engine green is the way to go!

[scrippo]

I have the 7.5 inch discs, but don't have any calipers at all, so I can shop around. My budget is a bit tight so the £40 saved could go on a bumper I guess!

[scrippo]

Thanks Paul, I think I made the right decision. The picture in your sig has answered my in head question about blue with BMC green, as I have some silicon hoses in blue, and I think I'll keep them!

[BMC Paul]

Hehe! Keep them

[Jupitus]

I have the 7.5 inch discs, but don't have any calipers at all, so I can shop around. My budget is a bit tight so the £40 saved could go on a bumper I guess!

Ah ok, nice one - didn't realise you have the disks already