52 replies to this topic

[minisilverbullet]

Fitted some splash guards! trimmed them to about half the original size and fitted them under the bumper instead of over. I have since lost one on the drive to work, but made my own replacements with a sheet of rubber and an IKEA chopping board as the backing, much stronger 

 

 

 

 

[minisilverbullet]

Fitted a high level brake light!

 

 

I wasnt happy with it at all. 

 

so......

 

Stumbled across this idea a while back, while looking for Japanese mini styling.

I recently fitted a cheap universal LED third brake lamp across the top of the rear screen. it wasnt very easy on the eye.

SO the thought of doing the Japanese style lamps has been bouncing around my head, (i dont get out much, but the mini is also stuck in a state of hibernation in the garage, so lots of time to tinker around it.) A member on here has made a very smart housing for a LED brake light. but my fabrication skills = zero; so had to look at an alternative.

I also remember seeing some cooper S race cars with two brake lights at each corner of rear screen. so I thought i would combine the two



Some inspiration from Japan....





....
Remeber my fabrication skill level from above...So i ordered some lamp brackets from a neat ebay shop and (after many hours ebaying) some American truck lamps from the USA.





the lamps:



and together...

 

 

Finally fitted, Had a nightmare trying to conceal my speakers. Speakers are now hidden within the speaker board.

But all done.....

 

 

[minisilverbullet]

After being overwhelmed by inspiration from other forums , who have made their own boot liner, I gave it a try. 

 

I know they don't cost all that much! And expended effort required, means you should really just buy one. However, postage to Sweden was around the same price as the completed board (700 SEK). 

 

There is a guide with templates around the internet. I used it as reference but didnt follow the templates at all. Well i did at first using cardboard, but for whatever reason, they didnt really fit/work with my car. In the template they suggest using quite think MDF 10 mm I think. I went to buy this but couldnt find it in a manageable and transportable size. I also figured it would weigh too much once completed. So I settled for some "fibre board" the stuff you line the bottom of drawers and the back of wardrobes with. It was pretty thin maybe 5mm - but light! 

 

BEFORE:

 

 

I made some card board templates and then transferred them to the board. Yes that is blood in the corner. 

 

 

Patterns all laid out, I added a vertical piece to the floor to keep it all neat. I also had to cut an arch in the back section to accommodate the spare wheel. 

 

 

Some speaker carpet - cheep , easy to use and really forgiving, when you male mistakes. Biltema 110 SEK

 

 

Spray glue - highly recommended 

 

 

All covered (dog looks amused)

 

 

Made a little trap door, so I can access the battery, I don't use the car in winter so need to get in there pretty regular, for a trickle charger

 

 

Also decided to cut a hole to access the window washer fluid. I mean unless I get a flat, I can't be assed ripping the board out all the time. The washer hole and battery flap are pretty neat - even if I say so myself

 

 

 

All done!

 

 

 

Totally unrelated but I also added some stickers......

 

[minisilverbullet]

I had been looking at a set of vinyl covers for my spot lights. I was Astonished how these retail for  30 pounds each from Mini sport.

 

 

There are also a couple of sets knocking around ebay for around 35 for two. 

 

Now I am getting pretty good at using a sewing machine. I have some old black vinyl lying around, so am going to have go at making these (without the lucas logo)...

 

 

Well made a test one tonight, only took around 15 mins.

 

The vinyl and a lamp for size.

 

Patterns cut - 

 

Edges of the side panel trimmed and tidy

 

 

All pinned together ready for sewing -

 

 

First try done-- Excuse the doc martin lace all I had handy --

 

 

 

I wasnt totally happy with the fit. So made some adjustments. BUT my sewing machine gave up - 

 

 

I couldnt fix it - ten years old and it has had a hard life. So I found a new machine on blocket (well new to me). found this in for sale in Hassleholm - 

 

500 SEK BARGAIN

 

it is a 1964 model. needs regular servicing  :meck: but seems to have stood the test of time, reminds me of another 50s/60s piece of engineering.......  :rivstart: 

 

A beautiful machine, all metal but still quiet, even came with all the original accessories. there is one on ebay at the moment with bidding of 200, so I am well happy with it. Most importantly it allowed me to finish the covers.

 

I made a slight change since my first attempt and sewed and straight line across the bottom of the face panel to accommodate the brackets and so i could tie the covers nice and tight

 

Front 

 

Back:

 

on the car --

 

 

 

[minisilverbullet]

The eagle eyed amongst you will see above i also added a rubber strap from a Moke. 

 

So next comes the Ital mirrors. I wasnt sure about them, but decided just to fit them. They arent made for a mini, so required some modification. I didnt want to drill into the doors so i drilled the mirrors. 

 

 

 

 

 

AFter my S sign trouble, in the summer. I haven't been able to find one anywhere. so I ordered roofless

[minisilverbullet]

1 full  can of wurth penetrating oil, 3 stripped bolts, thankfully no stripped captive nuts; the brackets are on,,,,

 

 

 

absolute nightmare finding somewhere to get the geometry set up though....though managed in the end. 

 

found it very tough to adjust the minisport brackets but got close to the settings i wanted.

 

front - 
Camber -1.5
Caster 3.5 exact on both sides
Toe -0.36

rear
Camber -0.4
Toe 0.32

 

[minisilverbullet]

So now to this summer - wizzed through the MOT (first time)

 

 

Spent a weekend waxoyling the sills and i stone chipped the sills and inner arches (masking off my nice new suspension parts first)

 

Spent some time setting the tappets. If you haven't done it in a while, definitely worth it, i really noticed a difference. 

 

Which meant, while testing my new found power. 

 

And then the first proper outing of the year: Löddekoping - apparently Europes larges spontaneous car meet. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

[minisilverbullet]

So almost up to date, I have missed lots of stuff. 

 

last job was to fit a solid front subframe bush kit! car feels nice and tight now. 

[Ben_O]

I love this car!

 

Ben

[JacckKirk]

Looks great

[Badboytunes]

Mint but the tow bar spoils it.  An absolutely cracking read!!

[minisilverbullet]

Mint but the tow bar spoils it.  An absolutely cracking read!!

 

I agree! it is factory fitted though and is solid. I could take it of, but i have always thought of it as extra rear end bump protection. 

[minisilverbullet]

I spent a good weekend mucking around with my ride height....The car was almost on the bump stops at the front. It didnt look particularly low, but I guess it was an illusion with the large arches, intended for 13's

 

Before - 

 

After -

 

 

The ride is so much more comfortable with the extra height. I do have lowered shocks on the car but they appear to be ok with the new height. 

[minisilverbullet]

The reason why I checked the ride height in the first place, was because a couple asked if the mini could be their wedding car. 

 

The couple were of the large variety, So i decided to start raising the car a little. anyway the obligatory wedding car shots....

 

 

 

Front seat removed - 

[rally515]

Thi surely is he most pimped out mini on TMF ? SURELY !!!