43 replies to this topic

[mickeyd515]

i started when i was 17 ,20 now still not finished hahah my advice would be to buy a mini as complete as possible and when stripping it down take loads off photos off how thing fit believe me will be well worth it i say got for it BUILT NOT BOUGHT

[cal844]

i was £2100 just for insurance on a 998cc. im 18, the car is my daily and i love it :)

[Cooperman]

A few points if I may:

You might not want to go 1380 because if the engine subsequently needs a re-build, your block is scrap. Plus I don't know how you'll insure a 1380, or any modified 1275, at 17. My Grandson managed to insure his 1997 Cooper MPI when he passed his test, but it wasn't cheap.
Then you'll need a good MIG-welding set (minimum 130 Amp) plus body-work tools, body clamps, angle grinder and hand tools.
For the mechanical re-build you'll need a good set of Imperial-size tools including a socket set.
A torque wrench will be essential in the engine and gearbox re-build.
For suspension work you'll need a front suspension compressor & ball pin splitter.

You will be able to do the work yourself and we are all here to help. Just ask

[Binzo94]

Okay so i just got some quotes with lv .. That is with my mum on the policy too though so i get no no claims bonus:/ ..

http://i570.photobuc...49/9f0aeb82.jpg
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Got a few cars on there but thats using random names (same DOB and everything) and a address near mine..

I tried a cooper but they wont really insure me on that .. But a 1275 that isnt a cooper is okay but it seems like the only standerd non cooper 1275s were made in the 90s ? So I dont know what i would do if I was too buy a 1275 engine and attempt too fit it proboly just have too keep it down as a 998 on paperbOr phone them up and see what they say doubt theyll go with a changed engine though

Im not sure though as if I was too buy a okayish 2-3k mini and then I wouldnt really end up doing anything too it .. So i kind of want the challenge of maby doning some stuff too a partly finished project .. And maby try and learn something .. I guess the problem is I wouldnt know really where too start :/

[Cooperman]

Do not be tempted to run a 1275 insured as a 998. You would simply not be insured at all as it's a failure to declare a material fact effecting the risk insured. You must declare any and all modifications from standard.
My Grandson paid £1600 for a 1997 MPI Cooper. It had 8 months MoT left to run and 'a few rust blisters'. We knew exactly what to expect though and were not at all surprised when it had to have 2 new front wings, new front panel, inner wing repairs, new A-panels, new inner & outer sills, new screen scuttle panel & new screen inner lower rail plus front bulkhead repair, repair to boot floor and one new door skin. Then a re-paint which cost £1000.
After that the braking system was re-built with refurbished callipers. All suspension bushes were renewed. The engine & gearbox were rebuilt with new bearings, cam followers, piston rings, oil pump, water pump, exhaust valves, valve sem seals, head gasket, centre oil pick-up, clutch centre plate, clutch slave cylinder and a few other bits & pieces. Fortunately we are able to do absolutely everything ourselves except the painting in 2-pack metallic.
Always expect every restoration to take twice as long as you expect and cost twice as much - then you won't be surprised or disappointed.

Edited by Cooperman, 15 June 2012 - 08:23 PM.

[stretch tech]

well said cooper man. i've pretty much come to the end of my restoration, started when 16 now 17 and it has probably cost around £3000 plus the purchase price of the car but me and my dad did every thing our selves other then engine rebore, head skimming and the final paint job but we did all the prep work. before i got my mini, i was hoping to buy and restore a mini for a grand, how wrong i was

Edited by stretch tech, 15 June 2012 - 09:49 PM.

[gazza01]

Get a good idea of how much it will cost you by counting up the parts costs etc. Then double it and you'll be close

[Noah]

Tools wise, you wont need a massive tool collection you could get through it with a basic tool collection eg; a nice socket set, a trolley jack. Axel stands will be helpful, no one wants a mini landing on their face.

As i said to my parents, there's no point ,excuse my french, ******* footing about buying cheap crappy parts. Save up get a job by the stuff that you want and build a car you want and if it costs 3k it costs 3k chances are if you come to sell it you'll probably get that back in a heart beat.

[Binzo94]

Hmm okay, yeh im going too give it a think , my main concern though is I dont really have a garage at home too do it in :/
So id maby have too find one too rent? .. Im not sure really

[mk1leg]

I did a full resto under a tarp...........

[Noah]

Hmm okay, yeh im going too give it a think , my main concern though is I dont really have a garage at home too do it in :/
So id maby have too find one too rent? .. Im not sure really

Mines on a driveway inbetween a merc and a honda . Just get a car cover.

[Binzo94]

what about when its raining though,(which is like everyday) in manchester , and also my drive is probably too small as we already have 2 cars and 2 only fit on the drive

[Noah]

what about when its raining though,(which is like everyday) in manchester , and also my drive is probably too small as we already have 2 cars and 2 only fit on the drive

Go to b&q buy a gazebo. Ask one of the other car owners to park their car in the road. My sisters car has been bullied of the drive to make way for mine

[Binzo94]

Haha , well im gunna have a think about it :)

[Noah]

Or, just look around the area you live in for garages that arne't attached to houses. and rent one. i was quoted 25 a year.