After being forced to sell my 1983 full resto about 18 months ago, I found myself back in a position to have a mini again so picked up this:
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a 1977 Mini 1000 - fully standard.
I don't want to take this too far away from standard, any modifications will be in keeping with its age. There will be no big wheels or arch extensions for example! Just restore or replace anything that was tired and keep any changes tasteful!
Annoying and non-exciting expenditure was a new seatbelt as mine seized!
First thing first was to sort some slightly nicer wheels so wanted some reverse rims in order to keep it period. So found a set of Hedgey on here, who was great and couriered them down to me.
Not in great condition, so (for now) just rubbed them down and rattle canned silver and fitted 165 tyres as i wanted a little bit of poke! Love them, so will probably have them shot blasted and coated!
Oh and some shiny new wheel nuts as unsure if I'm going to fit hubcaps!
Also fitted Hi-Los all round! Went well except found the difficult way that one cone was Metric and one Imperial -
but we got there in the end...
Happy with the stance and poke:
The interior is fully original so don't want to change this really - 70s Brown everywhere, so just fitted some seat extenders and restored the brackets as they looked turd.
Better:
Swapped the incorrect rubber sill trim for correct chrome - read lots about how hard this is - but honestly was easy, took about 20 mins with a heat gun - i full recommend the MINISPARES trim £13 each side.
Also, fitted black roof gutter trim.
Me and my brother are also restoring a 205 GTI thats been off the road for a decade - which is "fun"
Im lucky to live fairly near Maniflow - so picked up a Stage 1 kit, centre exit 1.75" from them and fitted it all (by the way if anyone wants a decent standard exhaust and manifold let me know)
Old one out:
New one:
Now realised i don't have a decent up to date picture but will get some!
Still plenty to do, needs new bumpers and grille as they are a little tired and marked, door mirrors also are tarnished. New fuel cap and interior mirrors and other shiny bits will also materialise no doubt!
Have ordered some new number plates as the ones on it are lovely but are ancient and cracked and discoloured.
Rolling road also setup for end of the month to get in running correctly.
Once all those bits are done, it should be looking mint!
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