42 replies to this topic

[Amsfeld]

I've done my first 9 weeks in the new job.  Averaging 4 nights away from home per week hasn't given me much time to work on the car, but I've done bits.

 

Front reassembled - 

 

 

I then went to my first classic car meet with the Mini Clan - the Selkirk Rally.

 

 

My job takes me all over the country now - I was in the York area this week, so had to stop into Mini Spares

 

 

I've managed to get myself a roof rack for the car as well.  It's not in the best condition, but I should be able to get it stripped, repaired and repainted.

[Amsfeld]

Making some progress on the roof rack...

 

 

 

[Amsfeld]

Roof rack metal work all done, now onto painting (if the rain ever stops!).

 

 

[Amsfeld]

I've managed to get some paint onto the roof rack, and have test fitted it to the car.  I still need to do some paint touch ups and fit a couple more pieces of wood, but it's more or less complete.

 

I wish I'd made it slightly bigger now, but overall I'm happy with it!  Now just need a big load to carry....

 

[Amsfeld]

So I did eventually get to actually use the roof rack!

 

 

I'm going to keep going with my slow strip down of the paintwork, and then the respray.  Having a good look at the rear of the car I decided to put a temporary hold on finishing the front, and get the back sorted - I could see a few bubbles etc starting to come through.

 

To try to speed things up I finally invested in an angle grinder, and a generator to power it.  I made a quick start on it tonight - 10 minutes work with the new tools probably would have taken me an hour or so in the "olden days".

 

[Amsfeld]

The car isn't quite as red as it used to be, but I'll get some paint on it tomorrow!

Edited by Amsfeld, 11 January 2016 - 10:48 PM.

[Amsfeld]

I've just realised that somehow I managed to forget the picture in that last post.

 

I've had to go back over my body work repair to tidy it up.  I've got some high build primer on it, so I'll give it a couple of days, then sand it again and see how we're looking.....

 

[Amsfeld]

So, I decided to change my choice of colours again, and am going to stay with red!  

 

In the past I did experiment with rollering on the paint.  I found I was able to get a good finish, but found it tough having the patience waiting between coats.  I'm working away from home a few days a week now, so I have time to let the paint dry between coats, so that should allow me to let things fully dry between painting/sanding.

 

I've found that getting an even colour is tough when using such a bright red, but I'm going to keep going.  Most people seem to get away with rolling on about 8 coats of paint, but I'm going to go for 12 to make sure I get a nice, thick, even covering.

 

The two pictures below are after 9 coats - the new paint is on the left, the old existing colour on the right (apart from the one I've managed to post upside down....).

 

 

Edited by Amsfeld, 12 February 2016 - 06:03 PM.

[Amsfeld]

Despite not having posted for a while, I haven't completely forgotten about the car!

 

I work away from home now a fair bit, so my free time now comes in fits and bursts, but still - progress.....

 

I've managed to pretty much finish the rear

 

 

Then I kept going with stripping the car

 

 

Then I made a start on the front, got some paint on it, then put it all back together again (still got to put in the front windscreen....)

 

 

I've got myself the mini spares brake kit, and managed to get some 10" wheels.  If anyone has advice for fitting them, please let me know.

 

Edited by Amsfeld, 04 June 2016 - 05:27 PM.

[blueovalcraig]

Looks great. Looking forward to the next update

[Daviewonder]

Wow quite a turn around at the end there. Looking good in that colour with the pressed grille.

[Amsfeld]

I've made a bit of progress, although not anywhere near as much as I would have liked!  (un)Fortunately I'm planning a my wedding, so that is taking up my free time at the moment.

 

I've stripped and painted one of the sides in OEW, just the door to do now.  A previous owner had fitted electric windows, which while useful were very temperamental.  Not fun when they won't close in the rain!  I'll be putting regular windows back in as my next job.

 

 

 

I finally have the car on 10" wheels now though!  I need to sort out my hilos, then get myself some new wheel nuts - my chrome hub caps don't fit over my existing ones.

[Amsfeld]

And now with the 10" wheels - I'll adjust the ride height once I've put on the waxoyl etc, the start adding some chrome and seem finishers