135 replies to this topic

[bigcaddy]

Starting the restoration of my 1980 Leyland Mini.

Plan:

Replace right side A-panel
Repair rust at the base of each door
Repair rust at the back right corner of the roof

Paint:
Silver roof and hood stripes
Black shell

Parts.
Keeping it all stock minus some flares for possible 13" revoluitions

1275cc engine to swap out my tired 998


I will keep adding pictures as progress is made. thanks for looking.


Oh, any suggestions on a replacement grill? I see soem listed with trim on ebay for $115.oo US JUNK??

pictures:

Getting the car in the garage.

Stripped of all parts for reconditioning



Parts Piling up.

[bigcaddy]

Got some more time in on the MINI. the roof has a few coats of paint so I thought I'd take it back to metal and start over. I stripped the roof and will be applying Epoxy Primer/sealer then a few coats of Epoxy high build primer. then a light dusting of black rattle can as a guide coat to find the dings and dips and high spots.

Then another coat of epoxy primer thinned down prior to PPG Silver DBC and concept clear. should look sharp.

I'll then wrap the entire top to protect it while I finish the body.

I cut out the A panel on the right side. fairly easy. I have a heritage replacement. just waiting on a welder to use.

Overall the car is in great shape minus the A panel.

[benb12]

Nice little project there, looks pretty solid underneath that A panel, I'm guessing it's the warmer climate that protects it.

[bigcaddy]

Nice little project there, looks pretty solid underneath that A panel, I'm guessing it's the warmer climate that protects it.

not sure about warmer climate. expecting 15 inches of snow tonight.

[mk1leg]

Nice project keep pictures comming...................

[bigcaddy]

Got the roof completely stripped.

I applied a wash which turned it purple. it's changes the compound of any rust that formed to primer

I then applied epoxy primer sealer.
Last night I went around the edges with a little putty to even out a few areas. I'll apply High build primer tonight and start with a guide coat and some block sanding.

I partitioned off my garage to keep down the dust on my other car. plus any overspray.

[bigcaddy]

I put down a couple coats of High build primer to fill scratches and dings.

I sprayed a dusting of black rattle can over it as a guide coat. I have a 15inch block for sanding tonight. woopeee.

[bigcaddy]

I know, this seems very repeitive, but body work is.

Mmmm, by beer supply is first.
block sanding after a guide coat reveals lots of dips and dings
Megablock for sanding. Love it for getting panels straight.

I applied another coat of sealer before applying the final color base coat and clear.

I'm gonna paint it this weekend.

Once this is done the pictures will get better. I know I know it's boring now.

[bigcaddy]

I got the roof painted. Turned out great. Just some wet sanding and buffing.

I also had the fun of my gas tank dumping 3 gallons on the floor while I was away. yikes. guess the line was weak when I move it.

I got that all cleaned up minus the smell. At the same time I thought it was a good time to prep the trunk for paint. So, I got all the glue "snot of satin" we call it in VW world out of the back using a wire brush and solvents.

It's ready to paint. no rust weee.

[bigcaddy]

Gawd, Black looks like crap in shotty light. anyways. I got the trunk painted with a single stage paint I had. I realized once it was dry that it had some metallic in it. I don't want any metallic so I'll probably repaint it when I do the rest of the body.

I got a bunch of welding done on the front along with sanding, grinding and hammer/dolly. the front apron was pushed up and in and I was able to get that nice and straight again. I cleaned the hell out of the paint with wax/grease remover and applied some bondo. I was only able to sand some of it out. I'm gonna do some more sanding tonight and apply some sealer.

pictures.

[bigcaddy]

[mini_matt_106]

hehe nice picture lol That roof is looking amazing!!!! keep going your getting there

[Mini Basher]

Nice job on the roof, you can't beat Durablocks for getting nice straight flat panels, keep at it

Andy

[bigcaddy]

Thanks,

the Durablock has been the best tool. love it.

I've had great sucess using it in a diagonal motion.


I picked up some real nice 3M chip gaurd spray for the front apron. I think I may apply it to the trunk floor and wheel wells prior to repainting it. Also got some 3M under coat to line the fender wells and bottom with.

[Tomf]

Nice project.

Where did you get the massive flatting block? iv been looking for one for a while.