723 replies to this topic

[JayBox]

Wow. All I can say dude. Beautiful.

[minimotor_JD]

Looking really nice!, good job on getting the engine in so quickly.
Liking the engine colour

[stevede]

Thanks for the kind comment guys.

James: I'm looking forward to seeing your build. I believe it's off in the paint shop at the moment.

Steeve: Video may be a slight problem as I don't have a video camera. I can do one on my standard digi camera but no sound.

Miniman65: Yes I was a bit ******* when putting the engine in. My neighbour was "driving" the crane and I had to keep asking him to stop so I could move bits out of the way.

JayBox: Thank you - Appreciated.

Minimotor_JD: Red wasn't my first choice but the only blue paint I could find was mail order and £20 a tin! The 1275 GT engine will be blue though when I get it done.


Just a brief update following on from the events of last week.

I got the engine mount bolts in without any problem but then I came to fit the top steady bar.

What a mare! I bought new bushes, new bolts and none of it fitted. The engine bolts were too long, the bolt on the bulkhead was to big on diameter and the bushes were a complete waste of time.

I wouldn't mind if I had bought cheap & cheerful, but all through this project I have tried to buy quality components from reputable suppliers. Maybe its because my mini was built on a Tuesday and in the afternoon and it happened to be raining at the time that it's a bit different to the rest.

Bit of bin surfing later found the old minipsaares poly bushes which I re-used. I cut the new engine bolts down, drilled out the bulkhead brackets and all was well.



Bit more cleaning, painting & re-assembly of the finished parts.





Once I had this done and had fitted the bottom stabiliser bar, (which the new bushes fitted in a treat) I thought I'd give it a turn over to check out the bits I had fitted and check if the oil gauge worked.

Turned the key and BANG!!!

All sorts went through my mind so I ran to the back and quickly disconnected the battery before investigating.

Any ideas??


I had left some of the masking tape on after painting.





Panic over.


Got the alternator fitted along with the water pump pulley.



Couldn't find the special bolt for the adjuster. I'm sure I must have had one.

So, a little improvisation with a bolt, nuts & washers



Popped the radiator back in also with some new hoses & clips.



Still playing with the heater hoses as I am having to re route them due to the centre clock conversion.

I have the pipe, just waiting for some connectors.



Still need to bleed the clutch but tidied up the final bit of wiring at the front.





Drive shafts in next me thinks and then I need to decide on the exhaust.

In two minds whether to go RC40 or pay extra and get a maniflow. I want someting that will be suited to the GT engine as well but am just wanting a standard looking side exit system. (no cat on this, too early)

Any ideas / suggestions?

That's all for now. Thanks for stopping by.

Regards

Steve

[Miniowner123]

ain't checked in on your project in ages, you've made some real progress, nice touch with the led's, i got a batch of those i was gonna use aswell, i'll have to place them different so it dont look like im stealing your ideas lol

[Stevee]

Looking good glad your nearly finshed

[DaveVader]

Looking ace!
I really do enjoy this project, there's so much heart going into it, it's going to be quite a triumph once finished!

[danie garry]

great work, no cutting corners with u is there!!

[jmini22]

i love this build and that colour i do hope you aren't keeping that rocker cover

jordan

[mahesket]

Well i've got one things to say, congratulations, just managed to loose a whole sunday afternoon reading through every post o this thread, brilliant stuff.
makes me want my mini back or at least another one, just need a better job now.

Keep up the good work it looks amazing love the colour choice and the attention to detail. i'll keep checking back for progress

[analogue_radio]

I was going to say that Jordan, rocker cover is letting the side down! Wiring is looking superb though

[Clappy]

Looking good ! I'm loving this thread, and not just because it's a surf blue......

Cant wait to see it fully finished !

[myredmini]

Hi Steve cars looking amazing ! Can I just ask did you use argon/co2 gas for welding ? If so how much do you pay for it ? I am using stupid disposables which don't last long and need big canisters like the one you have.

Cheers Steve

Dan

[stevede]

Hi Folks

Just a quick note to say I haven't forgotten my update just other things took priority.

I'm back on with it today though.

Many thanks once again for the comments everyone, much appreciated, but what's wrong with the rocker cover??

I know it needs a bit of a clean but other than that!! I think I'm quite offended!




On second thoughts. Yes, it is a bit naff I know. I'm planning on getting an alloy one or similar, just not top of the spend list at the moment. I'll probably pick something up at one of the next shows I go to.


Dan

I use BOC Argoshield. I opened an account with them which I'm sure will work out less expensive that disposables. If you need more info, drop me a PM.

Will have the latest pictures over the weekend....Promise!

Regards

Steve

[jmini22]

its not the rocker cover i dont like it the condition compared to the rest of your beautiful car
sorry for any offence

jordan

[stevede]

its not the rocker cover i dont like it the condition compared to the rest of your beautiful car
sorry for any offence

jordan

Jordan

My comment about being offended was totally tongue in cheek, sorry if it came over otherwise.

New one is on the parts list - has been for some time now.

Kind regards

Steve