89 replies to this topic

[dfraser]

looking very good, are you keepin with the black soundproofing in the engine bay tho? as this will get very warm being black.

rob

Hadn't really thought about that to be honest, does it really make that much a difference?

Cheers, David

[dfraser]

IT'S HERE WOOP WOOP!! Can't quite believe it - took a lot of phone calls, but it's finally here - can you tell I'm a bit excited? No shame - I am very!! I was phoning around, and my brother had just visited the engine builder at lunch time to see what was happening. I was phoning the distributors to see where it was, and just then a big red lorry pulled up...
The lorry driver was a lot happier when he left my house, he was quite amused by how pleased I was - he'd had a bad day up till he got to me (had been the victim of road rage where someone spat in his face - poor guy!) - funny how moods are infectious!

So it looks like it will be fitted a week tommorrow (wouldn't be too popular fitting it on the 14th Feb eh?). My pal Ritchie will get the hoist round and drop it in. In the mean time, I will spend a little time touching up the chipped paintwork on the engine, jusy making sure it is spotless really.
Just waiting on my engine spec sheet now, apparently it is to be e-mailed. Enjoy the pics...











That's a full set of 12" steels next to it there up for sale - 4 excellent tyres including 1 brand new & 1 unused spare - shameless marketing I know! Haha!

Edited by dfraser, 13 February 2009 - 04:48 PM.

[dfraser]

Okay, engine is now in place - oh how good that feels!! Got a bunch of parts ready to fit sitting on a makeshift table in the back of the garage - looks like a surgeons table!! I know how you guys all like the pics, so Heather obliged by taking some good uns.


Ready to go - this little dude was desparate to help out!!
























Had a bit of a job getting one bolt to fit on the mount on this side - why is it that there is always one which causes a problem? The other three went in no probs. I'm not convinced that the engine mounts with the captive nuts are as handy as they are supposed to be - maybe better if the subframe holes are made a little wider - maybe that would be today's top tip, lol!




Wayhay, it's in **steady!**


Thanks for your help Ritchie!!

Next jobs are to generally fit up all the under bonnet stuff. I've also ordered some Thermo Tec exhaust heat wrap, so that'll be a performance enhancer - just a tad.

What do ya think then?

Edited by dfraser, 20 February 2009 - 10:26 PM.

[Saxo-Fiesta-Mini]

beautiful work hardy splicer retro to the end

[dfraser]

Well, just a little progress to report. I've fitted the radiator, thermostat housing, gear change mechanism, alternator & starter. Doesn't sound like much, but I haven't had a lot of time recently. Should make good progress this week though as I plan to spend at least two evenings in the garage.

I decided to try the exhaust heatshield wrap (thermo tec). Aparrently, this stuff keeps the gasses moving quicker, and reduces heat build up under the bonnet. It should also dumb down the noise a little. Not a cheap modification at all as it's about £30 plus VAT, plus some stainless jubilee clips, and some high heat paint. Stung to the tune of around £50!
I spent a whole evening doing this job - about 2.5 hours - felt really itchy afterwards too, but it should be worth it!







...and painted




A little under bonnet progress


I've also just painted my gear stick blue, so I'll add a piccie of that when it's dry & in place.

So this weeks jobs will be to connect up the Hardy Spicers, fit exhaust manifold, twin carbs, coil, solenoid & servo - all going well of course...

[dfraser]

BIg day yesterday then, got my Mini out on the road fot the first time for real! All went pretty well, started after a few cranks, rather odd first run round the block as it turned out I'd connected the choke to the accelerator pedal, and the... need I say more? so once I'd swapped that over, ran pretty good, so we all went out for a trip with a boot full of tools - which were not required thankfully!
Beautiful day, so decided to get some pics at a cracking spot we discovered in a previous Mini. My 3 year old son sat in the front, and had the grin factor - priceless!
Hope you like the pics...









Happy days!!

[Elisha-The-Cooper]

woooooo x

[analogue_radio]

That's fantastic he actually is a miniature version of you!

Edited by theIMAGE, 22 March 2009 - 12:43 PM.

[dfraser]

Done a few wee jobs to the Mini recently - new handles so I can now lock it, 2 relays in the lighting system and a new drivers side window runner.
MOT time tonight though - wish me luck! Should fly it though **crosses fingers** - it's only done about 200 miles since its first test!

[dfraser]

Okay then... it passed. However, one of those shut the door and forget about it moments I'm afraid... I had a brake fluid leak out of the union on the front subframe which sprayed the inner wing (why couldn't it have sprayed the engine instead??!!) so I've now got soft paint there now.
It was really difficult to drive as the accellerator cable is sticking big time. THis is happening due to the heat wrap on the exhaust, making the linkage run on the middle pipe - which is fatter than standard as well. I think I'll pop a couple more spacers in the carbs to inlet area - that should sort it. I think I'll have to re-shim the swivels as they are borderline, and the hand brake needs re-adjusted - got an advise for that.
Apart from that - all positive, went for a chipper after, and some young folk came over to look at the car and were really complementary, so that was nice.
Anyway, I seem to have had a bit of a twitter, so I'll leave now...

[Figs122uk]

Mate... That is pure sex!

Congratz!

[dfraser]

Shameless plug here, but I just thought I'd say that my Mini is featured in Mini mag this month... Embarking on another project shortly, just picked up a 1964 Mini. Watch this space!

[valibrad]

fantastic Mini.

[Saoirse]

So these are rave arches? they look awesome. this mini is amazing!

[jagman.2003]

Great looking mini & the magazine article looks good too.