280 replies to this topic

[minimikej]

Inner wing is now on, scuttle repair is in place. Mock fitted all the other panels to check gaps - it looks good!

I'm at a similar position with my mini. I'm shocked at just how badly the inner wing wants to sit with the A pillar box. With the sill end tabs all clamped together, when I offer up the inner A panel it is a good inch too far forwards! The outer one sits fine, there's just no way on earth it's going to line up. Neither inner nor outer A panels are genuine, I couldn't buy any new at the time - all the usual suppliers were out of stock. Maybe they are to blame, I don't know. The inner wing itself is sitting well on all the seams apart from the A post. I think the car may have been stuffed at some point :-/

[ChrisCityE]

The panels have taken a lot of adjustment and manipulation to fit "correctly"...

[PNL629G]

Great project. I do like a van! Loving the attention to detail. Thanks for posting the progress!

[ChrisCityE]

Here are a few little taster shots of what has been going on:

The Van was looking like this:



Then it was like this:



But with various repairs like this:



It is now looking a lot more like this:



Front panel is now looking really good in places thanks to the above repairs. A Panel in place, repairs around the door pillar are looking good... getting exciting!

Check out the large pics below:

http://www.flickr.co...ustin_mini_van/

Edited by ChrisCityE, 28 December 2012 - 03:28 PM.

[ChrisCityE]

I never seem to get replies, but here is another update!



This mess has been repaired:



Just the passenger side wing, front panel and floor to go in terms of big jobs.

Edited by ChrisCityE, 03 January 2013 - 11:24 AM.

[Gazza211]

Hi, you are doing a great job there, the attention to detail is amazing, also its good that you are repairing the hard to get panels instead of just replacing with what is available, this should be stunning when its finished, would love a van myself but have too many projects on the go at the moment,
All the best, i will certainly keep my eye on this one, Gaz

[nuclear_mini]

Well done mate! This is a lovely job to watch in progress. Keep it up!

[Tomlad]

that is a real nice job! I would love to be able to do something like that keep it up. People might not comment all the time but they will be looking and I'm sure impressed! Nice work

[Chriss]

Good job! I really like the van are you keeping it original or modify it to your own taste?

[minimikej]

Yes, great work. I could do with some pictures to see how the inner wing flitch should join onto the A pillar, I'm not 100% sure. The old Lindsay porter book is pretty vague on this bit. Did you attach your outer A panels first before the inner in order to correctly position the flitch to the A post?

Cheers

[Tanya]

I'm following this and really enjoying it. I know the quality of Minis that your family produce so I really can't wait to see it finished. It's going to be a real treat for Mini enthusiasts - keep up the great work

[SAL 821X]

Ive not had time for my van let alone getting onto TMF at the moment. But when I do I'm sure to drop in this thread, I've been watching your progress on flickr more also now.

[andybnova]

I'm keeping an eye on this project and idea's on how stuff needs to be done on my own Van project. Your doing a cracking job!

[ChrisCityE]

Did you attach your outer A panels first before the inner in order to correctly position the flitch to the A post?

My Dad did that so I don't know sorry...

BIG UPDATE TIME!!!

Loads of progress since I last updated the thread - just put 20 photos on the Flickr page.

The inner sills are almost sorted, the load floor is almost done, the floor is nearly ready to go on.... it's all go go go!

http://www.flickr.com/photos/austin_mini_van/

[ClubbyAsh]

Liking the way your van is shaping up! I am a huge van of the old vans so can't wait to see it when it's complete, i like the idea of repairing the old panels as opposed to simply replacing them, good job! Doesn't get much more heritage than that if you ask me! Good look with the rest of the build!