1658 replies to this topic

[Mini Basher]

Good luck with getting things back on track

Someones burning the midnight oil

Andy

Haha, got back from a night out and had a quick scan through tmf, surprised I typed so well and didn't spell anything wrong

Those were the days, being able to have a drink and still be awake/able to talk at the end of the night!!!!!!!

[analogue_radio]

Adam?

[Deathrow]

This is more of a planning update than a material update but it's an update all the same.

It's quickly heading towards being too cold for me to paint Elliot and to be honest, the amount of work in front of me is a bit daunting because I have lost all enthusiasm for the project. So, a new plan is hatched:

I'm going to:

• Complete the welding
• Fit the front end
• Brush paint inside the boot, underside, interior, engine bay, etc.
• Finish the engine rebuild, install engine
• Whack the old interior back in (seats and clocks)
• Buy some cheap rattle cans to paint all the exposed areas on the body for protection (I might even just brush paint them with Rustoleoum)
• Get the brakes and suspension changed and get her off to the MOT.

Basically, I should be able to pull all that off quick enough with the smallest expense if I pull my finger out and get on with it. Once she's back on the road, I can get back to driving her and with a bit of luck, the love will come rushing back .

Once said affection has returned, I can use her day to day to maintain my enthusiasm and I can carry on working on the interior and bits and bobs. Next summer, if I'm not fond of her looking like a tatty well loved wreck, then I will either pay to have her sprayed properly or I'll have a go at painting her while it's warm. But the more I think about it, I think I might like her look like a bit of a shed . Who said Minis had to be shiny to be loved? Plus, everyone hates a shed overtaking them.

She's here to stay though guys!

Edited by Deathrow, 26 October 2009 - 04:44 PM.

[Alex_grease_monkey]

Really good thread

been great reading! how long have you been welding? really good quality welds!


will keep checking back

[Deathrow]

Really good thread

been great reading! how long have you been welding? really good quality welds!


will keep checking back

Thankyou sir!

Elliot is the first car I've ever welded on, I did some practicing on some scrap sheet metal for an hour or so before moving on to the car .

[Alex_grease_monkey]

Really good thread

been great reading! how long have you been welding? really good quality welds!


will keep checking back

Thankyou sir!

Elliot is the first car I've ever welded on, I did some practicing on some scrap sheet metal for an hour or so before moving on to the car .

bloody hell! in that case your well good!

[Deathrow]

Once again, I apologise because there are no pictures to accompany this post.

I went to the garage today and did some grinding, dressing the welds inside the boot. I was about to make a start on the underside and the rain started coming down. I'm hoping it will be dry again tomorrow and I can go and do some more. I did take a few pics but I don't have time to sort them out now. I might do it later.

Thanks for reading .

[1987MiniParkLane]

Love this project, amazing work so far!!

[Deathrow]

Love this project, amazing work so far!!

Why thankyou sir .

All your good words go to a good cause; my motivation.

Hehe.

[bamby]

do i need to bring the mini to lancaster and take you for a spin round lancaster then ?

[Deathrow]

do i need to bring the mini to lancaster and take you for a spin round lancaster then ?

Haha, for motivation?

I do have another Mini to drive while I fix Elliot . Still getting my Mini fix.

I have been round to the garage today and hatched a plan for how to put the valance and closing plates on in the correct position. If the weather is good on friday I will go and set about getting that done .

[Deathrow]

Right then boys and girls! I've got some pictures and an update for you!


Closing plate offered in to position with the rear valance.


Clamping the valance in place slightly moved the rear panel so I wanted to be sure the boot lid still fitted, it does.


Spreader plate welded in place.


Welds cleaned up.


Closing plate sanded so I could zinc prime it.


Passenger side closing plate tacked in place.


Driver side closing plate tacked in place.

If the weather remains good, I'll be going back tomorrow to fully weld in the closing plates and then I can attach the valance. After that there are a few bits on the heal board I need to attend to.

Thanks for looking guys and girls . I think we're back on track for regular updates now.

[deemo]

I haven't been on here in aaaages.
He's coming on nicely.

[Saxo-Fiesta-Mini]

my threats of me welding the car up worked then sfm to the rescue

[Deathrow]

I haven't been on here in aaaages.
He's coming on nicely.

Well let me welcome you back .

I'm getting excited about getting her back on the road now with my new quick results plan.

my threats of me welding the car up worked then sfm to the rescue

That it did! Seems to have spurred me in to action!

There is a possibility I'm going to roller paint Elliot black when I'm done welding and protecting her and then have my friends come round and put hand prints all over her in various colours. It's just for a bit of fun, I can change it later if I want .