723 replies to this topic

[stevede]

Once again, many thanks for the kind comments

Midas Mk1: I just had a play around with some LED's, didn't know how they would come out but overall, happy with the result

Scottyboi: I like the arches too thanks, just need to get them sorted out so the wheels fill them properly

MiniMan65: Thank you for the comments.

Philanio: I got the clock faces from Monty on here. Have a look at this threads, lots of choice. ps. Could you delete the duplicate post please with the pictures. Thanks.

Bean: A perfect description "over arched" I agree. The arch edges follow the lines of the bodywork almost exact but I am dissapointed that the wheels don't fill them as I had hoped. Wheels are 6" by the way.

Looking back on an old picture when trial fitted (this was the third set, I took 2 back because I didn't like them), they seem to fill more.



If my logic is right, as the suspension drops at the front, the wheels will move out a little more. I have also lengthened the tie bars today to match the length of the originals, again pushing the wheel out just a touch.

My options at the moment are, leave as is, spacers (last option I think as already has spacered drums) or trim the lip on the arch, but that means I won't be able to put a trim on them.

I'm doing nothing for now though, don't want to rush in and regret later.

Mini Mad Craig: Thank you, glad you like

Adamgreen: Thank you also, I too can't wait to be able to drive it.

Scallywag630: Thanks again

Down&out: Thank you also

Done a few bits more today in between the decorating and painting out some scrapes on the mother in laws car bumpers.

Will try and get an update tomorrow.

Thanks again, enjoy the Bank Holiday!

Steve

[stevede]

Nice work as always Steve. Was good to meet you on Thursday, hopefully meet again soon to see one another's mini.

Chris

Good to meet you too and many thanks once again for the petrol caps. Don't hesitate to give me a shout if I can help in any way.

Will give you a call soon to pop over with those bit & bobs for you.

Got the caps fitted and yes, the keys were matched!




Cheers

Steve

[Carlien]

really like it!

What are your plans for the interior?

[nimini]

Have just spent the last hour and a half reading this. I am going to look at a 1991 Mini in the morning and I am now frightened because I really don't think I could do as good a job of restoring it.. Its a credit to you. If I can do half as well I'll be happy..

Quality work throughout.

[Bean]

Steve - It's no big problem - As you rightly say - When she's sitting right & maybe even when she's got the engine in and the suspension has settled, take a look at it again.

As above though - can't wait to see what you've got planned for the seats etc!!


It looks great as usual!!

[stevede]

Just a quick update today, nothing too exciting.

nimini: Thank you for the comments, I hope the car you looked at was what you wanted. Virtualy everything I have done on this car I have learnt as I have gone along. I've made plenty of mistakes along the way and I've enjoyed every minute so far. Don't be frightened, give it a go and if you get it a bit wrong on the way, learn from it and move on. There's lots of help on here to point you in the right direction when needed. Most of all, enjoy!

The interior plans? Well, I might have to sell the bike to fund it, but at Himley I saw these......



If they had been with turquoise piping I reckon I would have been severely shouted at by the wife when I got home but they weren't so I survived.

Idea is the same as though but maybe a light biscuit colour to make it a bit more practical. Plan on having matching covered dash rails and fairly simple door cards. Probably an Aqua (sort of) carpet as well.


Need to find a home for this also that my pal gave to me.



Sure I still have some cassettes somewhere but came with a matching 12 disc multiplay CD changer also.

Got the steering column in along with the original sound deadening pad. Cleaned & fitted the original air vents. I sealed them with some silicon as the panel wasn't flat enough for the thin rubber gasket.



& Yes the clutch pedal was bent but a pair of stilson's soon sorted that out.



Some rivnut fixings on the front (dipped in Dinitrol first) and then in with the Halogen headlamps that I have had since the Bath & West show in January!



Plastic, no rust bowls.







I found the difference in quality on the headlamp surrounds quite amazing when I was looking. These were the cheaper option of the choices from Minisport at Himley but seemed far better finished that some others, including their own more expensive ones. Time will tell no doubt.



As always, I'm a little further on than this update suggests but I will keep you posted over the next week or so.

Thanks for looking

Regards

Steve

[Bean]

Those seats look lovely!! They did an interior very similar as an option on the later MPi ones - Nice cream leather - They look great!

I also, personally, find the high-back seats a lot more comfortable than the normal ones.


That paint finish & colour really does look great in the sun, Steve - You should be very proud!

[Stevee]

are them plastic bowls easy to fit

im still debating on getting some atm

and very nice looking mini been reading though it all and waiting for updates

Edited by Stevee, 02 June 2010 - 09:42 PM.

[stevede]

Those seats look lovely!! They did an interior very similar as an option on the later MPi ones - Nice cream leather - They look great!

I also, personally, find the high-back seats a lot more comfortable than the normal ones.

They do look rather nice don't they.

I would agree with higher backed seats although it's years since I've sat in a mini. I'm told they are refurbished Metro seats with a slightly modified subframe so they fit the mini as per original.

The front faces are leather with the backs being vinyl to keep the cost sensible.

The ones in the picture are by Ashley James who are quite local to me. (I've read all the post's for & against). One advantage they have is that they will supply me a complete interior when I have nothing to offer in exchange.

Other options to consider also though.

I have been spoilt for the last few years by some very nice BMW sports seats. If I could find a set from a 3 door car at reasonable cost I may go this route and have them re covered.

Now where did I put that "for sale" sign?

[stevede]

are them plastic bowls easy to fit

im still debating on getting some atm

and very nice looking mini been reading though it all and waiting for updates

Hi Stevee

Yes the bowls are a doddle to fit. These are the only new bits I have bought so far where the pre drilled holes have lined up exactly.

I used rivnuts for ease but I think they may have been self tappers originally. Nuts & bolts would work also but you may struggle a little with the nut on the top inner hole.

Good luck

Steve

[Stevee]

are them plastic bowls easy to fit

im still debating on getting some atm

and very nice looking mini been reading though it all and waiting for updates

Hi Stevee

Yes the bowls are a doddle to fit. These are the only new bits I have bought so far where the pre drilled holes have lined up exactly.

I used rivnuts for ease but I think they may have been self tappers originally. Nuts & bolts would work also but you may struggle a little with the nut on the top inner hole.

Good luck

Steve

thanks alot (y) ill order set of them tomorrow then

i can get a set on the cheap off a mate

looking good though

thanks stevee

[stevede]

Hi folks

Just a brief update, I didn't get too much done this weekend as I was on decorating duty.

Some of you may remember the marks I had on the roof.

Well after much trying and touching in, I couldn't sort them out to my satisfaction so, no other option..


Bit of masking and out with the small spary gun



A finished roof photo doesn't show any difference but the marks are now fully covered and the roof has been re polished.

Final bit of plumbing on the brake pipes





Done the initial bleeding and no leaks seen thus far.

Still need to do some more bleeding though as there's still a bit of air left in the system.

Marked out a plate to go in the boot to hold some relays, a small fuse panel and the inertia cut off switch for the electric fuel pump.



Also managed to get the bonnet pins fitted and adjusted up.



Quite happy with how easily the bonnet removes, even with the 4 pins.

I had some of the rubber arch trim left over so I put that around the lip of the bonnet to stop the paint getting marked & scratched.

Other than that, nothing more to report, I said it was brief.

I Have a long weekend off coming up so should get quite a bit done if the weather is kind.

Thanks for looking

Regards

Steve

[stocky]

I have been reading this as it comes up and it always impresses me

keep up the good work, you can sort mine out if you like! hehe

[Stevee]

Looks amazing Steve

Can't wait to see it full done

what Engine you gonna be running in it?

[stevede]

Just another quick weekly update.

Thanks for the comments

Stocky: I think I've got my hands quite full enough at the moment.

Stevee: The standard 998 is going back in but I do have an engine out of a 1275GT in the shed waiting a rebuild!

On with the update.

I seem to have done quite a bit this weekend but with little to show for it.

I'm on to the re wiring now. Much of it is methodical planning so that I only do it once but this means there's not much to see at the moment.

My pal bent the piece of stainless for the relays in the boot and I built it up on the bench.



After some marking & drilling, it went in no problem and the wires were routed and attached



Photo is not great as it was so sunny.

Sorted out the cables on to the boot lid also and refitted that.



Up at the front end, painted and fitted the wiper motor having ordered a new park switch assembly because the old one was so corroded.





Once all that was in, I turned my attention to this............




I have made some progression with the original loom in as much as I refitted it all as standard, connected a battery and it all seems to work.

I have now started to disect it, remove unwanted bits, (dim dip), modify it for the centre clocks, add my new bits and try to tidy up the routing around the engine bay.

And that is about where I'm up to. I will post some pictures when I am a bit further on.


Once again, thanks for dropping in and as always, comments most welcome.

Kind regards

Steve