684 replies to this topic

[Ben_O]

Hi Ben

 

Great progress, the Mini is looking really good especially with all the bits going back on to a fresh looking car, however just when you think it's all straightforward it does keep throwing up suprises for you like the poor wiring additions. Hopefully that's the last one ?

 

Regards

 

John

I did know about the wiring issues prior to beginning the job

 

There is additional wires spliced in for the electric fuel pump and for the push button start but the installer used only orange and blue wires for everything and they are a bit of a tangled mess so i would rather just remove it all and use proper wiring so it's safe and reliable.

 

I can't think of anything else that will need any attention at the moment apart from a split dust cover on one of the front knuckles but ill just change that anyway.

 

Do you have the spare wheel for the Mini John?

 

Cheers

 

Ben

[JXC Mini GT]

Hi Ben

 

I have got a spare steel wheel for the mini, I removed it so I could fit all the bits of the interior in that i had taken out.

 

Cheers

 

John

[Ben_O]

Perhaps when you collect the car, you might bring it with you. I would be happier knowing you have a spare Tyre for the journey home.

 

(knocks on wood)

[JXC Mini GT]

I intended to get the train / ferry / taxi when I pick the mini up but I agree it would make sense to bring the spare with me just in case even though it might get a few strange looks,  we may spend a few days on the island before we travel back home so a spare is a must.

[Ben_O]

I have another spare you could have to save bringing one on the train.

 

Cheers

 

Ben

[JXC Mini GT]

I have another spare you could have to save bringing one on the train.

 

Cheers

 

Ben

Thanks for the offer Ben,   I am bringing my wife with me so she has volunteered to carry it,

 

In reality I have a fold up trolley which will be ideal for it.

 

Many thanks

 

John

[Ben_O]

More done today as the paint job booked in has been moved to Tuesday.

 

I began by fitting the other radius arm and suspension components to the o/s and then fitted the handbrake cable.

 

 

Then i installed the handbrake lever and adjusted the handbrake

 

 

Next up was the electric fuel pump which i rewired and installed with new hoses etc

 

 

And then the fuel tank

 

 

With that complete, i torqued up the radius arms and double checked the subframe mounts.

 

Next up was the gear selector, front shock absorbers and exhaust system then i fitted the wheels and took it down off of the axle stands

 

 

 

 

 

 

And then after a sweep and tidy, i moved it back into the bay ready for the next leg on Monday

 

 

 

Cheers

 

Ben

[JXC Mini GT]

Great progress Ben

 

Regards

 

John

[panky]

Loving this, top job

[Nino]

great progress :) 

[skoughi]

Awww man this is taking me back to the rebuild of my clubman! I've got an elec. pump ready to be fitted so will do the same as what you've done here. Will be good to see the finished job!

[bilbocamper72]

Hi Ben
 
Great progress, the Mini is looking really good especially with all the bits going back on to a fresh looking car, however just when you think it's all straightforward it does keep throwing up suprises for you like the poor wiring additions. Hopefully that's the last one ?
 
Regards
 
John

fantastic work you're doing.you must be very proud

[Ben_O]

I have been plugging away today sorting out the electrical problems.

 

I have rewired the electric fuel pump and the Air horns so the birds nest has gone in favour of a more streamlined solution.

I have also finished plumbing in the engine

 

 

And finished up the inside wiring

 

 

The switches are not clipped in as i need to test everything before i do.

The heater is now in and plumbed in too. I have temporally fitted the instrument cluster for testing but that will need to come out to fit the dash etc.

 

I put it's face back on

 

 

The indicator/sidelight lenses are not fitted as i want to test them first.

 

I have started fitting the glass but ran out of time. I am off tomorrow so work will resume on Wednesday.

 

Cheers

 

Ben

[JXC Mini GT]

Hi Ben

 

Great work, the wiring is looking much better and the mini is really coming together.

 

John

[Ben_O]

Back to it today and after waxing up all the inner sills, companion bins and everywhere else, the interior could go back.

 

The scruffy big blue bucket seats have been scrapped and the original trim has gone back

 

 

 

I have also scrapped the VW seat belts that were poorly fitted in favour of proper Mini ones which make a big difference.

The carpets are a bit worn out and don't fit particularly well but the interior is coming together well.

 

I have also fitted the rear screen and 1/4 windows.

 

Next I turned my attention to getting the engine running.

After topping up the cooling system and adding fuel, it started right up first time which is what we like to see.

 

There are some electrical gremlins to work through including the wiper motor which keeps blowing it's fuse, the headlamps aren't working and the high beam tell tale is permanently lit.

The wiring is quite a mess so ill work through the problems tidying it up as i go.

 

Colin has flatted and polished the doors, bonnet and bootlid so they can go on along with the front screen and the MOT can be done next week. Ill also give the engine a service and flat and polish the rest of the car.

 

Thanks for looking

 

Ben