24 replies to this topic

[Mumbles Boy]

Thinking logically, all body panels are available. However, the problem is alignment and geometry.
The reason cars get re-shelled is because it is easier if a shell requiring less work is available.
In this case it is for TV so a rebuild is likely. It seems unlikely that the notorious TV restoration prog where one MGB was substituted for another will happen again.

Hi Cooperman, promise you it’s not being restored for TV. We are not going to influence what people choose to do. All we are doing is filming what happens, which is why we are not doing restorations on the whole. Unless you frigg it, it takes too long and costs too much! If time, and a second series allow - we will follow a few cars as and when we have the opportunity, and in the owners time frame. There is a Cosworth in this weeks show I would like to follow, and maybe a couple of others - but this Cooper S is a really interesting one. I know the ambition will be originality, but for all the reasons you and others are mentioning - there are options. At least you can get parts - I’ve got a 60’s Lancia!

[InnoCooperExport]

 At least you can get parts - I’ve got a 60’s Lancia!

 

 

I feel your pain. I've been helping my dad a lot recently with his S1 Fulvia... Christ on a two stroke moped. Some parts are like hens teeth and prices are outrageous. His needed a new thermostat housing, after some hunting we found a supplier of new castings. The quality of it was awful, looked like it had come straight out of the die (and that had been made by someone who only sort of knew what it should look like), the finish was very rough and none of the in/outlets had a thicker rim on the end for clamping the pipes on to. At least the mounting holes lined up and after some time sanding and polishing it became somewhat presentable. But for what you pay you expect a lot better. 

[Cooperman]

 

Thinking logically, all body panels are available. However, the problem is alignment and geometry.
The reason cars get re-shelled is because it is easier if a shell requiring less work is available.
In this case it is for TV so a rebuild is likely. It seems unlikely that the notorious TV restoration prog where one MGB was substituted for another will happen again.

Hi Cooperman, promise you it’s not being restored for TV. We are not going to influence what people choose to do. All we are doing is filming what happens, which is why we are not doing restorations on the whole. Unless you frigg it, it takes too long and costs too much! If time, and a second series allow - we will follow a few cars as and when we have the opportunity, and in the owners time frame. There is a Cosworth in this weeks show I would like to follow, and maybe a couple of others - but this Cooper S is a really interesting one. I know the ambition will be originality, but for all the reasons you and others are mentioning - there are options. At least you can get parts - I’ve got a 60’s Lancia!

 

Everyone loves the classic Mini and it will be interesting to see how this one turns out. I have a 1964 Cooper 'S' and it creates a lot of interest whenever I take it out.

Good luck with your programmes.

[mister bridger]

 

 At least you can get parts - I’ve got a 60’s Lancia!

 

 

I feel your pain. I've been helping my dad a lot recently with his S1 Fulvia... Christ on a two stroke moped. Some parts are like hens teeth and prices are outrageous. His needed a new thermostat housing, after some hunting we found a supplier of new castings. The quality of it was awful, looked like it had come straight out of the die (and that had been made by someone who only sort of knew what it should look like), the finish was very rough and none of the in/outlets had a thicker rim on the end for clamping the pipes on to. At least the mounting holes lined up and after some time sanding and polishing it became somewhat presentable. But for what you pay you expect a lot better. 

 

I've had eight Fulvias over the years, and rather gave up on them for just this reason. Omicron seem to have a virtual monopoly so can charge what they like

[InnoCooperExport]

 

 

 At least you can get parts - I’ve got a 60’s Lancia!

 

 

I feel your pain. I've been helping my dad a lot recently with his S1 Fulvia... Christ on a two stroke moped. Some parts are like hens teeth and prices are outrageous. His needed a new thermostat housing, after some hunting we found a supplier of new castings. The quality of it was awful, looked like it had come straight out of the die (and that had been made by someone who only sort of knew what it should look like), the finish was very rough and none of the in/outlets had a thicker rim on the end for clamping the pipes on to. At least the mounting holes lined up and after some time sanding and polishing it became somewhat presentable. But for what you pay you expect a lot better. 

 

I've had eight Fulvias over the years, and rather gave up on them for just this reason. Omicron seem to have a virtual monopoly so can charge what they like

 

 

Very true, but they drive so wonderfully. There´s a specialist here in the Netherlands who is a really nice guy who loves his Lancias, but it doesn´t make the parts any cheaper.  Sadly I find this is true for any Italian parts, try restoring an Inno. The main mechanicals are the usual Mini prices but once you get to Inno specific parts the prices can get eye watering. Luckily, much like our Mini community there is a great Lancia community here and the club parts day can be a real treasure trove. 

 

We needed a new rear light lens for the Fulvia (which is a Zagato bodied Sport 1.3S) and in the end it came to 100 euros for a good condition, but second hand, lens. Madness. But then I recently came across a set of new Carello light units for Inno Minis for about 500 euros. For rear lights! 

[DavidN]

Thanks to mab01uk for the heads up. Enjoyed the programme - Thanks.

[mab01uk]

Now restored and revealed today at the Blyton Mini Day.....and apparently it was not re-shelled.

(Note: For info only, unfortunately not my car or restored by me !)

 

Edited by mab01uk, 05 May 2022 - 01:21 PM.

[Cooperman]

Great job, well done. You should be proud of that restoration.

[coopertaz]

that looks great. if not re-shelled then a hell of alot of effort gone into that well done whoever did it

[RichMPiBlue]

Just saw the episode. Glad it wasn't re-shelled (if true), top resto done there!