136 replies to this topic

[998dave]

Oi you lot, stop arguing in my project thread,
If you want to ask me anything or question my motives then please do so, but don't start shouting at eachother.

what a waste of a mini. you no mini lover

I removed the quoted pictures from your reply, hope you don't mind.
Did you read what I said, the Mini had been rolled, it's written off, dead, destroyed, caved in, and was beyond repair.
I could have rebuilt it, with almost all new panels, but would never have been happy it was safe, so rather then scrapping the shell I made a trailer.

@Simon

How on earth is it a waste? Its not like its just getting scrapped?! Plus, we're not exactly running out of Minis are we...

ye we are runing out of minis cause more and more people like you are wasteing them. and there no such thing as a mini to far gone or to rotten

As above, the vehicle would have been unsafe. It would have needed a new roof, new sides, new front, and new bulkhead, essentially an entire new shell.

So Danny, Simon, I respect your opinions, but I don't need your approval for anything I decide to do.
If you don't like what I've done, then thats fine, but don't make my project thread a battleground.

As you're relatively new to the forum, you won't have read my other project threads on the three mini's I have saved and returned to the road in the last year and a half, or know that I'm currently also restoring two rather tired Wolseley Hornets.

Thanks,

Dave

[998dave]

Update from the weekend...

I finished welding the rear deck on, and started cleaning up the welds;


Then got busy with the filler to tidy up the edges;


And tidied up the fuel filler and other areas, also got some primer on her;


I also got busy at the front end, cutting and lining up the panel;


And tacking it in place;


I then seamed the top and both sides, but this needs cleaning up.
Unfortunately it looked like it was going to rain, so I put the welder away, and got back to tidying;



Next job is to clean up the welding on the main front panel, and try to form the shaped bit for the top, and also bend some sheet to do the bottom of the front.

I'll then be gently laying the shell on it's front, to tidy up and paint the rear valence and both sills, also fibreglassing the row of holes from drilling out the seats spot welds.

So, all in all, it's going well, and while I didn't get much done today, I am fairly happy with where I am with it.

Wish me luck as I want to get the body close to complete before the end of the month, when I have a whole week of to play with my Mayfair, and try to do the top for this.

Dave

[bcjames]

Looks good progress, really brings it together with it in primer now!

[Twincam]

Keep up the good work

[998dave]

Thanks guys, didn't get anything done last night, but will be grinding tonight, (or just filling), will see how I feel...

[MiniBonkerz]

looking good dave keep up the good work

[998dave]

Thanks old chap.

Unfortunately didn't get any done this weekend, spent it working on the Impreza instead.
I gave it an oil and filter change, topped up the coolant, and tyres, put a wrx recirculating dump valve on instead of the chavvy Bailey one that someone had put on there, also fixed the wipers.
All done now, and it's much nicer for a good service.
Back to the trailer next week!

[stuwhitfield]

Any updates on your project?
Im going to restart working on mine this weekend. My towbar is installed and waiting....

[998dave]

Just about to go and pick up my welder, and I have tomorrow and Saturday to play, so I hope to update you all soon.

I've got to finish off the bodywork for the trailer body, adjust the chassis, and build the lid.

Also paint the body, but that won't take too long - I hope...

Dave

[998dave]

Thanks for the kick Stu.

Got home, and have started doing the trailer floor, fibreglassing the small holes, and preparing to weld the big ones, I've a couple that will need plating, but shouldn't be too bad to do now I'm getting good at this welding lark.

Once the bottom's dried I'll put it back right way up, and get on with cleaning up the front edge - hopefully tomorrow!

Dave

[sonikk4]

Fair play to you for doing this, i like the idea of utilizing a write off to turn into a trailer. A future project methinks and to those knockers who have ridiculed you for doing this when a car is dead its dead especially if its a total write off. There are enough dodgy cars on the road as it is. Anon!!

Edited by sonikk4, 20 May 2010 - 07:59 PM.

[Daveuk]

hi just wondering how much of your budget you've used or have you gone over budget?

[998dave]

Fair play to you for doing this, i like the idea of utilizing a write off to turn into a trailer. A future project methinks and to those knockers who have ridiculed you for doing this when a car is dead its dead especially if its a total write off. There are enough dodgy cars on the road as it is. Anon!!

Thanks Sonikk4, my sentiments exactly.

hi just wondering how much of your budget you've used or have you gone over budget?

Don't worry I'm keeping a record of all expenditure, (parts, materials, paint, etc).
Only thing I haven't recorded is cutting discs and weld wire, as I enjoy those bits...
From memory though, this is approximate status.

The base shell (with rear subframe) and angle iron were free.

£11.73 - Tow Hitch
£15.00 - Metal sheet
£6.50 - Hub Caps
£2.99 - Trailer plug
£12.00 - Primer
£8.00 - Black Hammerite
£16.00 - Arum White Spray Paint (got three full cans still)
£16.00 - Clear Laquer (got three full cans still).

So we're on £86.22, most of which (£52) was paint!

I need a little bit more angle iron, that I may have to buy, and may need a drop more spray paint...

Best keep an eye on things!

[sonikk4]

When i built my first box trailer many many moons ago it cost me over £100 to do and did not look as cool as your little beastie. If you can make it happen for a ton or less then spot on.

Although i'm not keen on fitting a tow bar to a mini the combination does look good especially colour coordinated.

Keep it up it will be spot on.

[miniminded]

Great to see another mini-trailer project!

I have just searched the forum for the first time to get some ideas for my own (budget) trailer project and registered to post a reply. I started my project about a week ago. Bought it (for a small amount) from somebody who never finished it. Done a bit of welding and some pre-fitting. If you like to see some pictures, check here.

I must say, your project looks good so far!! I will be watching this topic from the netherlands!

Keep up the good work!