723 replies to this topic

[Ethel]

The seats look cracking, I'd go talk to a few upholsterers/renovators could be a lot cheaper than getting them recovered in leather


'n speak to Roofless about making your very own badge.

[Danny_California]

WOW.

Literally spent 4 days reading this word for word in my spare time, and I've got to say I think it's the best build thread I've read. Great attention to detail and the colour is beautiful. Top effort all round, very inspiring.
By the way I have a spare airbag for the mpi wheel in storage, with the green Mini badge on it, but I dont think postage would be very safe!

[stevede]

Hi folks.

Next update heading its way to you. They seem to be getting farther apart now as the car is almost finished. I'm still pottering on a regular basis, just nothing of note to put on an update.

Danny: Thanks for the comments and the offer of the air bag. I wouldn't feel too happy about one going via the postal system either. I took the bag out of the one I have to make it safe for the car. As it stands, I'm not too desperate to change it over.

Ethel: Thanks for the tip on the renovation. I may have a look into this option but as I will need a rear seat to match as well, I may be able to do a deal as a package. Got to get them fitted in first!

After much searching, looking, thinking & suggestions from the TMF, I finally bought a grille.

A wide slat MK1 complete with moustache & whiskers. Wasn't entirely happy with what they cost me, but any used ones I saw were not in the best condition. When I look at the finished result however, worth every penny in my eyes.

Start with the grille



Lamps removed (note in my pals garage where it was drier and just a little warmer)!





Before the grille went on, I needed to fit the points replacement module I had bought.



Very straightforward apart from one of the existing screws not being long enough. As it was an odd thread, we ended up re drilling and tapping to M4, hence the allen head bolt in there.

After fitting & wiring the new coil, (original was ballast) a problem with the running was soon solved with the help of the TMF once again. I searched for a similar problem and found an exact replica of my issue. It was at the bottom of the replies where Ethel said about the timing with the vacuum advance disconnected (Mine was still plugged in), that the problem was resolved.

The car certainlty seems to idle better & run more smoothly now. Can't notice any power difference but the rev counter is now reading stable on the motorway whereas before, it was jumping around all over the place indicating a problem with the points.

On with the grille.............

The grille went on fairly easily. We had to pull it up at one side a little to get it to sit even. Probably more about my front panel than the grille although it is a heritage item. Had to space the horn back as well to clear.



Note: The odd look in the picture I think is due to the light. The grille certainly isn't bent as the picture suggests.

After trimming the top of the lamp brackets, they went back on. Not the easiest of tasks with the grille now in place.

Then came the point which I had been dreading, and one of the reasons the grille had taken so long to be decided upon...

How to get the moustache to fit?



I knew we would have to trim it, just didn't realise quite how much.

After much measuring, marking, cup of tea, measuring again etc, I still wasn't happy about cutting into a brand new, expensive, piece of trim.

No problem there for my pal though who happily set of with the cutters!!!



Moustache on, moustache off, bit more trimming, more measuring, more tea, and eventually..................





The fit is near perfect on the top and also hides the bolts on the lamp brackets.

Very, very pleased.

More marking for the whiskers which were quire easy to fit



And the final finished result





And a couple out in the snow. Posted elsewhere on another topic but what the heck!







Thanks for stopping by

Kind regards

Steve

[Ethel]

Great job, looks like a finished car now I wouldn't worry about chopping the tash, if it's a stainless one you can always weld a patch in. Try increasing your plug gaps with the new fangled ignition.

[panelbeaterpeter]

Wow looks fantastic! Love the spot light and grille combo. Have you intentionally colour coded it to your vacuum cleaner?

[carboy001]

Awesome work Steve, love it. Looks spot on

[stevede]

Great job, looks like a finished car now I wouldn't worry about chopping the tash, if it's a stainless one you can always weld a patch in. Try increasing your plug gaps with the new fangled ignition.

Thanks Ethel, I have opened the gaps to 30 thou as you suggested in the post I referred to.

Regards

Steve

[stevede]

Wow looks fantastic! Love the spot light and grille combo. Have you intentionally colour coded it to your vacuum cleaner?

Thanks Peter, glad you like.

I think Mr Dyson may have copied me actually, must have a word!

Regards

Steve

[stevede]

Awesome work Steve, love it. Looks spot on

Thanks Chris

Give me a call in the week and we'll get a day back on for your wiring

Regards

Steve

[leaky]

Now that looks loooovly!!!! Some of those metal number plates would finish it off a treat me thinks.

[mini danny]

hiya just looked at your thread amazing ive got a 1991 mini city in rebuild dont suppose you want to sell me your rollover jig by any chance ???

[grahama]

That is the dogs danglies Steve. Worth all the effort !

[rosco454]

Coming together nicely now,been ages since I looked on here and its come along loads.Great work!

Cheers Ross.

[Stevee]

Looks Amazing well done!! you did a bloody good job on that mini

you should be very proud

[shellspeed]