1 reply to this topic

[jackclancy]

Hi everyone!

 

So I have just bought my first MINI! Its a 1989. I bought it off a guy who had completely stripped it but then given up as he is too busy to continue it. Its come with a Vauxhall C20NE which will give it some punch I think. I am a complete novice so am definitely gonna be active on here once the project starts. I live in Hackney, London so am trying to find somewhere to park and work on it. I have taken the somewhat novel step of letter dropping about 160 address' near me that have garages (the marvels of google earth!). Hoping to get started in the next couple of weeks. 

 

My plan is to turn it into a race car, not to renovate it back to how it would have been originally. I am pretty interested in the Mini 7 Racing Club so my vague plan is to fit stuff to the car that complies with the regs so that if I do eventually decide that I want to join the series, I minimise what I would have to change. I would have to change the engine to an A Series though which I guess is a lot of work!

 

As I mentioned I am a complete novice (although usually pretty quick at learning things of this nature).

 

The shell is in very good shape at the moment, barely any rusting so thats a good start. The engine did run when the previous owner took delivery of it from the guy that was renovating it before him. The engine is currently mounted to a custom subframe for the C20NE.

 

My struggle at the moment is to work out the order of work so that I can formulate a plan. Roughly thinking it will go as follows from research:

 

- Get the shell completed (welding, filler and painted)

- Install roll cage

- Get engine off front subframe, clean and repaint it

- Get the engine serviced (I am not going to take it apart and rebuild myself as I think this might be a recipe for disaster and in any case will take a v long time)

- Strip, clean and re paint rear subframe

- Re fit subframes

- Fit the various suspension system components

- Refit engine

- Fit the various drivetrain components

- Fit the various braking system components

- Fit the various fuel system components

- Fit seats

- Fit steering components and mounts for PDM

- Get someone to come and help me fit - or do entirely - all electrical systems (I would like to fit one of these but have no idea if its even possible etc! https://www.aimshop....ata-logging-kit)

- Fit the various cooling components

- Fit the various exhaust components

- Fit wheels and tyres

 

I know thats quite top level info but thats my start. Any pointers or advice would be really welcomed!

 

I will be doing a YouTube series of the whole build too :)

 

Thanks

Jack

 

 

 

 

 

[cooperd70]

Hey Jack 👋
Welcome to the forum! Big plans indeed! You're a braver man than me!!

Well, you've joined the right forum....there are many very experienced folk on here from all over the world with some having very extensive knowledge on both original fit A/A+ setups and conversions alike.

Keep us in the loop on how you're getting on and once you start posting to YT let us know what to search for...I'd be very interested to see the progress.

If I can help on any of your future posts {with my very limited knowledge} I will do....as long as I'm 100% sure it's the info you're after.

Now you just need to wait for some of the guys on here that have done what you're intending to do to come along and give you some initial input.

Good luck and look forward to updates, Q's etc!!

Edited by cooperd70, Yesterday, 04:50 PM.