879 replies to this topic

[markje]

nice engine bay very clean an tidy i hope it will drive as you had in mind

[webby0121]

Just scrolled through from page 1 and Blo0dy well done! very brave to attempt this and if sombody saw the latest pic they would never think it would be the same picture as the first lol

 

But 1 question

 

Why??

[minimuk]

engine bay,...sexy indeed, got to keep that one clean though   what is the brake master cylinder, haven't seen that one before....

[jagman.2003]

nice engine bay very clean an tidy i hope it will drive as you had in mind

 

Thanks, should drive well. Test drive was successful. Just some refinements like doors to do.

[jagman.2003]

engine bay,...sexy indeed, got to keep that one clean though   what is the brake master cylinder, haven't seen that one before....

 

The master cylinder is an aftermarket one from Merlin motorsport. I think it's a 7/8" bore, would have to check earlier posts to be sure. The original 5/8" couldn't push enough fluid for the single line system with four pot calipers. This one is working very well now. Bit tricky with the reservoir. I've seen a couple more on this site fitted.

Edited by jagman.2003, 10 July 2013 - 12:20 PM.

[jagman.2003]

Just scrolled through from page 1 and Blo0dy well done! very brave to attempt this and if sombody saw the latest pic they would never think it would be the same picture as the first lol

 

But 1 question

 

Why??

 

 Well it depends on your meaning of why?

* Despite many minis being produced & lots of minis still running around in this country, they are getting scarcer. I very rarely see one on the road now. Scrapping another won't help.

* Why restore any old car, because I wanted an old mini on the road again.

* I already owned the car, so no hassle getting it. Even a rusty project will set you back a few hundred now plus transport.

* I've done plenty of sympathetic classic car restorations which get the car back on the road for a couple of years. But it's not as satisfying as doing a proper job.

* There are better minis out there, but not many. I looked at a few & some bare shells. Minis rust very well. the panels list for many of the restorations on here are not much different to mine. Front end, floors, boot floor, doorsteps etc.

* I knew this car. The decision on which panels to replace was simple. Some were no longer there.

* Obligation, I bought this car with crumpled back end many years ago & just neglected it. I owed it another chance.

* The challenge. I now know all the panels & how to fit them. Could come in handy for future projects & maybe even start a business doing repairs.

* Skills, my welding, painting & planning skills have improved.

* Finally I wanted a solid, reliable mini that was quick enough to have some fun.

 

 Hopefully that's covered a few points on 'why' it seemed a good idea to me.

Either that or I'm just a looney car fanatic.

Edited by jagman.2003, 12 July 2013 - 10:00 AM.

[jagman.2003]

Passenger door polished & mounted. Looks pretty good all things considered. Door gap ok. Rear corner of door seems to be pushed out by the door seal a bit. But will see how that pans out if the seal flattens at all. I can start building this door up now. I have the old door complete, so will see if I can transfer as much as possible, piece by piece.

Both front seats are in now. Look pretty good with matching white piping.

Edited by jagman.2003, 12 July 2013 - 12:05 PM.

[jagman.2003]

Hopefully next up is the bonnet..!

[jagman.2003]

Bonnet on, although not very happy with the colour match & the finish. I had the bonnet, boot & doors done by a garage to save time. But the bonnet really isn't right. But it will do for now. I will come back to it later as I need the car road worthy fairly soon. The bonnet can be a quick fix. Getting an MOT could be more of a challlenge, Also fitted last wheel arch & a stainless door mirror. More shiny bits!

[hughJ]

Compared to my bonnet its a masterpiece. The car is stunning.

 

Hugh

[jagman.2003]

Thanks Hugh, much appreciated. Looking forward to getting it finished now.

[JacckKirk]

its amazing to look at the first couple of photos then to look at this

amazing work, well done

[jagman.2003]

its amazing to look at the first couple of photos then to look at this

amazing work, well done

Thanks, I have to look back myself every so often. I've got used to it's present condition.

[markje]

looks good :)

[jagman.2003]

Started to strip down the original doors for parts. Attached new door handle, gaskets & door lock to passenger side. Not the best phot, but it was late & getting dark.