329 replies to this topic

[KieranB]

Well I've been at this project for some time now but after just recently purchasing the engine I'm starting to ask myself lots of questions and may be fowarding these questions to you lot.

As for myself this is my first mini ever, bought it last september in intension of running it for a few years then vtec it however after a trip to scotland and back i realised the 1275cc engine was in need of tlc. then other circumstances changed and ended up buying a house so all concentration went on that.

Anyway cut a long story short, the mini got replaced for a more realiable car and now its a the project. Plans are to do a full rebuild, so its sat as a shell with the rear end still together. Gonna get a few cheaky items installed such as roll cage etc but exterior is gonna remain mini-looking. Engine is gonna get left standard just renew gaskets etc

Budget is limited unfortunitly, apprenticeship wages aint great so things are being bought when i can afford it.

Right enough chatting, heres a few pics of the car before it went off the road:

[KieranB]

Then began the build, first taking engine out



then front end came off, did not like this bit at all



Had plans for the old front end to be turned into a BBQ in my garden but some gypsys decided they wanted it and nicked it along with everything else metal in the garden including an old boiler

Striped out all the interior and got it to a shell to see what condition it was in. despite a small hole in the footwell, all is good (so far)

Also started on my bulkhead box, i cant weld annoyingly however struck a deal with my next door naighbour who is a professional welder, for a "cheap" price he is gonna make the box up then teach me to weld it all into the car.



So whilst that is in progress its just been sourcing engine and countersinking the steering rack bolts.

Then just today this arrived



Next on list.....Allspeed Subframe once engine is all cleaned up

[Ro3ert]

looking forward to this. Good luck fella!

[Kam]

Good to see you get started

Why don't you get your neighbour to weld the box in for you and you watch and learn? Then he can teach on you some scrap, before the gypsys take it!

[KieranB]

Cheers Ro3ert

Well that was my initial plan Kam, but when i showed this guy the situation he decided he could do a good job at his work and get it all rolled as one piece and weld odd bits onto it. Plus gives me a chance to buy a welder as its on the wish list for next months pay.

[Ro3ert]

What front are you going to have in the end?

[KieranB]

hoping for the extended roundnose but flip front, think it looks awesome and its quite handy :)

[Ro3ert]

Nice 1, i cant make my mind up whether to go vtec or vvc?! Going to try squeeze it under a stnd roundnose. You going to be running 13" wheels? also what mileage has your engine done?

Rob

[LeaLeaCooper]

Good Luck with it Kieran

[KieranB]

cheers LeaLeaCooper whos real name i cant remember

If i ever do another vtec ill probibly try do it under a standard length nose. The engine has done just over 100,000 but had just come out a car that had been serviced a few weeks before. Could be a good thing....could be a bad thing

[Ro3ert]

Kl, look forward to your progress!!

[Kam]

The engine has done just over 100,000 but had just come out a car that had been serviced a few weeks before. Could be a good thing....could be a bad thing

100k is nothing, change the cambelt change the oil, then floor it

All done

[KieranB]

100k is nothing, change the cambelt change the oil, then floor it

All done

true, might just do the head gasket whilst im waiting for the subframe etc. See your engine block? Did you paint that silver or is that the result of just cleaning?

[Kam]

Brushed on some hammerite, it chips easy though, not the best job but then it aint a show n shiner, its a go n goner!

[Midas Mk1]

Subscribed Kieran! Should be a good build