578 replies to this topic

[Ben_O]

Hi all.

 

I'm just wrapping up the restoration and modification of a 1987 Mini advantage so thought I'd share the before and after shots here.

 

It's had a full body restoration including some early touches as you can see and then fully rebuilt with a combination of new and refurbished parts.

 

Full rebuild can be found here

 

https://www.theminif...oad-garage-iow/

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cheers

Ben

[JXC Mini GT]

Great transformation Ben, I was fortunate to see it in the flesh when I was over, the owner has made some excellent choices on colour, wheels and the Mk1 touches, I bet he cant wait to get it back and put some miles on it

[Ben_O]

Great transformation Ben, I was fortunate to see it in the flesh when I was over, the owner has made some excellent choices on colour, wheels and the Mk1 touches, I bet he cant wait to get it back and put some miles on it

Cheers John.

I think he is looking forward to it.

 

Mot is tomorrow and then I shall be giving it a shakedown to make sure its all good and then he will have it back the following week I would have thought.

 

Cheers

Ben 

[FlyingScot]

Another top piece of work Ben. Looks lovely and agree the selection of changes suit the car well.

 

FS

[Ben_O]

I have a Cooper sport in at the moment for a few bits of rust to be sorted out.

 

 

Plan is to replace the front wings, repair the front panel and bonnet and sort out some paint damage on the ns quarter panel.

 

First job is to strip the brightwork and bits from the front.

 

 

And then get the wings removed

 

 

Once a few more bits were removed, I can start the front panel repairs.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

There was a repair required to the a panel too.

 

 

 

Next up was to complete the clean up ready for the wings

 

 

And then fit them

 

 

 

Next up is to trim the wings for the sportspack arches

 

 

 

 

I need to fit new reinforcers but they have been on back order. I should have them Monday.

 

In the mean time, I started the prep

 

 

Cheers

Ben 

[MikeRotherham]

Lovely looking car.

 

I'd love an MPI ideally with a stone beige leather interior.

 

Were the wings Heritage Ben? They looked like a good fit.

 

You must have steady hands to cut that lot. I'd need a drink or two to steady mine first.

Edited by MikeRotherham, 12 November 2021 - 03:54 PM.

[Ben_O]

Sounds like a nice spec to me Mike.

 

The wings were heritage. The os one fitted perfectly but the ns one needed the usual force to get the back edge over and the front edge down.

 

As for the cutting, it's all about patience and cutting slowly rather than slicing through in one sweep. Stick to that method and you can't go far wrong.

 

Cheers

Ben

[Shaunaw30]

Looks great Ben 👍🏻

[Ben_O]

Finally the arch stiffeners showed up for the red Cooper so I got those fitted.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Next up, prep for primer

 

 

 

Once dry, I applied guide coat

 

 

And flatted back the primer

 

 

I've also sealed up under the wings and applied the underbody coating which I've tinted to match the red paintwork.

Pictures to follow as it's in the booth curing now.

 

Cheers

Ben

[Ben_O]

Here is the missing photo from earlier after the underbody sealing and coating was complete.

 

 

I've also sealed up all of the external seams ready to paint Monday.

 

Cheers

Ben 

[Shaunaw30]

Looks like it’s coming on lovely Ben! Excited to see it now!

Looks like you had to take out the windscreen?? If so are you putting in a new rubber and stainless/chrome fillet? If that’s what it’s called lol 😂

[Ben_O]

All the big stuff is done now shaun.

Once it's painted, it will go back together quickly. It's really great to have gotten rid of those areas of rust kn an otherwise very clean Mini.

 

Yep took the screen out. It's such a quick process, it doesn't take much longer than masking up would have and we won't get a horrible paint edge.

 

The rubber seal and fillet strip are in pretty good shape but can be replaced if you would like me to.

Just let me know and I can get them in before I build it all up.

 

Cheers

Ben 

[Ben_O]

I also would like like say a huge thanks to my current customers for their patience with delays caused by ongoing building work which has unfortunately had plenty of delays and caused quite a bit of unexpected disruption to proceedings.

It's quite difficult to work in a building site especially on the occasions when the cars have to be cleared out to safety to avoid damage when walls come down etc.

 

 

The finished article will be 2 purpose built restoration bays which will be separate from the main bodyshop.

One will be for the bodyshell restorations to take place and the other will be a strip/rebuild bay.

Exciting times!

 

Cheers

Ben 

[Shaunaw30]

All the big stuff is done now shaun.
Once it's painted, it will go back together quickly. It's really great to have gotten rid of those areas of rust kn an otherwise very clean Mini.

Yep took the screen out. It's such a quick process, it doesn't take much longer than masking up would have and we won't get a horrible paint edge.

The rubber seal and fillet strip are in pretty good shape but can be replaced if you would like me to.
Just let me know and I can get them in before I build it all up.

Cheers
Ben

Thanks Ben if it’s good enough in your opinion then will keep the existing

[Ben_O]

Just getting the last of the prep done on the Cooper ready for paint.

 

There is a paint repair to do on the ns quarter panel so I'll be painting this entire side as I need to blend the door anyway

 

 

 

And ill blend the other door too

 

 

I've primed the repairs to the bonnet and the quarter panel too

 

 

 

Cheers

Ben