235 replies to this topic

[Jase]

Ben, how do you get into the rear bins with paint? By that I mean the base of the bins and the internal sides?

 

Thanks

 

Jason

[Ben_O]

Hi Jason.
It is rather tricky which is why I paint the inside of the shell with it on the rotisserie. This allows you to adjust the angle of the shell and stand within the shell to get the paint in everywhere.
The biggest issue is the paint cup and air hose get in the way of positioning the gun where you need it.
If you want a nice finish in there then you would be better off painting in there with the quarters off but that's not ideal if you don't need to change them or you already have!
Cheers
Ben

[Jase]

Thanks Ben, I have smaller gun which I am going to try out for these hard to reach areas. I may resort to brush painting the base of these to ensure I have it covered.

 

Thanks

[Ben_O]

Few bits more done

 

Inside cleaned

 

 

 

And carpets laid

 

 

 

And then I painted the inside hidden areas of the dashboard black to tidy things up after the primer overspray and whatnot

 

 

Im also waiting on delivery of a specialist components throttle body kit to add to the spec now which should be good!

 

Cheers

Ben

[Ben_O]

Its been quite a frustrating week.

I wanted to get the S works head and kit fitted but unfortunately, the head gasket sent with the kit was damaged. Looks like it had become crushed in the box.

We telephoned the supplier and the said they would get back to us but didn't. further chasing lead to them agreeing to send a replacement but after not receiving it, we chased again to be told they were out of stock....

I would have got one from the local motor factors had I known...

 

Anyway, I can fill the time by getting other jobs done so I mixed it up a bit and stripped, cleaned and painted the front running gear, as well as doing the dash and some other odd jobs.

 

For the dash, Silver was decided as the colour as this will compliment the steering wheel and the seats. I had some colour chips sent over and found a 99% match to the steering wheel colour so went for that.

One thing that did strike me was that the finish on the steering wheel was satin matt.

After some playing around with the clear coat and careful flatting, i came up with this.

 

 

That's the glovebox door.

Happy with that, I proceeded to paint the rest of the dash in the same method and here it is partially reassembled

 

 

And then fitted

 

 

 

I also unpacked the oil cooler. I hadn't realised that I would be fitting one so I hadn't drilled holes to mount it prior to painting so I had to do it now.

I decided to use riv-nuts instead of the supplied nuts and bolts.

I covered the shoulder of the rivnuts with PU seam sealer before inserting them to seal up the edges and keep the wet out

 

 

And then mounted

 

 

Few more bits in the bay too

 

 

After stripping, degreasing and painting the running gear, I started re-assembling the o/s.

 

I used all new nuts/bolts etc and also ended up fitting new ball joints all round despite the originals being sound. The reason was that the uppers had been replaced at some point so it didn't seem worth leaving a mixture of old and new fitted for the sake of the low cost and the fact that they had to be removed to clean anyway.

I refitted the wheel bearings that came out as they look to have been replaced recently, are Timken items and have zero wear. I just put them back with fresh grease.

Finished up with new discs and pads and new gaiters on the driveshaft

 

 

 

 

Ill put the other side together in the morning and then it can roll

 

Cheers

Ben

[the.stroker]

Amazing !!

[rich777]

Sorry to hear about the frustrations you're having with Mini Spo...sorry, "the supplier" Ben.    Customer service seems to be a bit hit and miss with them.

 

I'm amazed at the level of effort you've gone to with the dash. But then it's you so I shouldn't be that surprised! Only 99% match huh? 

 

Also for anyone wondering, the steering wheel is off an MG TF Spark (shhh, don't tell anyone!)

 

Everything looks fantastic Ben, keep up the incredible work!!

 

 

 

[Ben_O]

Cheers Rich.

Glad you are happy with the progress.

I did notice a sticker on the steering wheel that said MGTF. I think it looks good in there.

 

Cheers

Ben

[Ben_O]

I finished up the front suspension and running gear today. Same as the other side, I built up the hub with new ball joints and the existing cleaned and re-greased bearings and new gaiters on the driveshaft etc and topped off with a new disc and pads.

 

I wanted to see the car on all 4 wheels before I left so i forgot to take a picture of the components assembled before fitting the wheels.

Have a pic from the inside instead

 

 

And back on its wheels again!

 

 

 

I have another head gasket now so I can get the engine together next week.

 

Cheers

Ben

[tankertanker]

What a looker .... wow

[MikeRotherham]

When that car goes home it will attract a lot of attention in the queue for and on the ferry!

Edited by MikeRotherham, 20 October 2019 - 01:43 PM.

[panky]

Passengers heads nodding, murmuring "another one of Ben's"

[Ben_O]

In between another job today, I have been adding more parts to the Mini

The head and rocker shaft is now on and all torqued up

 

 

I fitted the exhaust manifold downpipes and then in a rare moment where the other workshop was quiet, I pushed the car on to one of the MOT ramps

 

 

So I could fit the exhaust system. A job I hate doing on the floor

 

 

 

 

I did a few other odd bits whilst it was on the ramp. Again bits I dont like doing on the floor...

 

Cheers

Ben

[tankertanker]

A proper thing of beauty

[Ben_O]

Been busy cluttering up the engine bay

 

 

 

Shame the cooper plate is obscured by the rad top hose