Finally got some work done this summer, so better start documenting it...
Bought this Mini in 2018, as my first car/student runabout. I'll stop short of saying it was neglected, but it was run on a pretty tight budget. So when I moved to Finland after graduating, I knew it would need some work doing... Not helped by the fact I had a (low-speed, mercifully) accident in it literally the day before I moved (ironically, as I was driving it to be stored safely for a few months to avoid driving it over during the Nordic winter).
First step was to repair the dents. In doing so a few rusty spots were identified and fixed, including the heelboard and engine mounts.
The MOT having expired, I didn't dare try and put it through another one, so all that was needed was to get it moving under its own power. A sticky clutch was presumed to be the only obstacle, but it quickly turned into a replacement of the entire system, cylinders and all.
Then at long last we were reunited at the start of summer! So far I've only done a few odd jobs and upgrades. Every time I start something, I find that I'm missing a certain tool to be able to do it properly... My tool kit has grown a lot in the past couple of months!
The first job - and the first bona fide upgrade she's had since I got her - was the fitting of grille buttons. The grille itself still needs some mods to make a bit of room, but it seems like it fits reasonably well.
Then to a job that actually needed doing: replacing some bent tie-rods. Easy enough, and uncovered a few more bits that will need replacing...
The current plan is to have the Mini back on its wheels (and re-registered in Finland) by next spring. Every May Day bank holiday sees a huge old car parade, so I have a date to aim for to at least have some of the work done. No doubt it will need some more substantial repairs subsequently (looking at you, bubbly a-wings), but I figure I can get at least one summer's driving out of it...
(Pictures to come later!)
