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Not A Newbie Owner, But Definitely A Newbie Restorer!


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#1 twoducksandamini

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Posted 15 April 2014 - 09:01 PM

Hi,

 

When I passed my test I had my Mum's M reg Mini Cooper, but my brother ended up with it :(

 

After 10 years of wanting another mini my partner decided to buy one for "herself" for me to do up....as well as getting me 2 ducklings, another life long dream!!!

 

The mini was registered as a 1989 classic, but there was no other details. When we went to see it for the first time it was dark so could not get much idea for what I was about to let myself in for! Ended up having to make a quick decision due to another person showing interest. So the next time I saw the mini, it was after I had paid, sorted the V5 and it was being loaded onto the back of a pick up truck....again in the dark!

 

I was not really interested about the model and the history as this is a project for me to play with when I have time....but my partner told me that the log book states it is an "AUSTIN SKY ROSE".

 

After a quick google search we realised that it has gender confusion issues, as it is either the Sky model or the Rose model.....one with a blue roof and decal and one with a pink roof and decal However the reason I was so confused is because the roof was black and the paintwork white.....no decal :( So I needed to sex my mini!

 

After HOURS of research on the internet last night I was very excited to run outside this morning to investigate further......IT'S A BOY!!!!!!! Round the edges of the roof where the black paint is cracking and flaking.....there is sky blue showing through!!! 

 

Found out that there were only 500 of these manufactured in 1989 (and 500 of the Rose) and out of the 1000 Sky/Rose models there are only 317 taxed or sorn vehicles registered (may not be 100% accurate but gives you a vague idea). I am not entirely sure if the previous owner was aware of what he was letting go of as there was no mention of the model or it being a limited edition in the advert. However I will be keeping in touch with the seller as I will be taking HIM back round once it is all done up!

 

Not sure the extent of the work that needs doing, but it is a non runner (which I am sure you picked up on with the mention of the tow truck!). Will get some pics uploaded asap and will keep in touch with how it is all going :)



#2 Carlos W

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Posted 15 April 2014 - 09:15 PM

Welcome to TMF

Get some pics up, we all like pics.

And they all rot in the same places, have a look at some project threads

#3 cal844

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Posted 15 April 2014 - 09:30 PM

Sounds like a good project!!



#4 twoducksandamini

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Posted 15 April 2014 - 09:48 PM

Thank you :)

 

Will have a look through some threads, I literally know NOTHING about restoration but want to make sure that I pay this classic the respect it deserves.

 

I had contacted a couple of mechanics to work on the project with me, something that can fill their quiet gaps (whilst being paid hourly) and something for their portfolio.....I don't have any un-realistic time scales and was willing to work around their commitments as I have my own business and can be flexible.

 

I (secretly) thought that people would be snapping my hand off for the opportunity as they would be getting paid to do something they like and with no financial risks for them involved, but so far I have had 1 rude response and 2 people interested, but then has not bothered coming to even look at the mini.

 

So at a bit of a loss on where to start?!?! But I guess that is part of the fun!!!

 

Abbey

 

PS will post pics when I can get them off my phone :)



#5 Ben_O

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Posted 15 April 2014 - 10:06 PM

Sounds great!

If you feel up to the challenge and are willing to purchase equipment (mig welder, basic power tools and hand tools etc) then why not have a go yourselves!

Sounds like a huge undertaking and it is but you will learn so much stuff and end up with a car that YOU built and the satisfaction from that is amazing.

 

There is lots and lots of advice on here, answers to your questions on tap and loads of project threads that seem to coverall types of repairs in the same places but all with different techniques.

 

Also there are a couple of good books on the subject which i found invaluable when i first started out and in fact, the knowledge i gained from them is what got me my placement job when i applied for a panel beating apprenticeship all them years ago!

 

The books are -

The Haynes classic mini restoration manual

The Haynes car bodywork repair manual

 

Both great reads for beginners and well worth having even if you don't want to attempt the work yourself.

 

Also there are plenty of books covering the mechanical side of things too but mini's are so simple that body work is the main thing you would need to focus on when restoring one.

 

Look forward to the photo's!

 

Ben



#6 twoducksandamini

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Posted 15 April 2014 - 10:27 PM

Sounds great!

If you feel up to the challenge and are willing to purchase equipment (mig welder, basic power tools and hand tools etc) then why not have a go yourselves!

Sounds like a huge undertaking and it is but you will learn so much stuff and end up with a car that YOU built and the satisfaction from that is amazing.

 

There is lots and lots of advice on here, answers to your questions on tap and loads of project threads that seem to coverall types of repairs in the same places but all with different techniques.

 

Also there are a couple of good books on the subject which i found invaluable when i first started out and in fact, the knowledge i gained from them is what got me my placement job when i applied for a panel beating apprenticeship all them years ago!

 

The books are -

The Haynes classic mini restoration manual

The Haynes car bodywork repair manual

 

Both great reads for beginners and well worth having even if you don't want to attempt the work yourself.

 

Also there are plenty of books covering the mechanical side of things too but mini's are so simple that body work is the main thing you would need to focus on when restoring one.

 

Look forward to the photo's!

 

Ben

 

"Sounds like a huge undertaking" ......that just sounds scary!!!!

 

I don't even know where to start but do love the sound of being able to do it myself....just thinking I might need some guidance to start with.

 

Luckily my brother is a mini enthusiast and qualified welder....however he lives over 200 miles away so won't be able to help me out on a regular basis. Also my neighbour used to be a mechanic and restore minis as a past time, I just didn't want to assume that he would help....but might be worth getting his opinion.

 

Was wanting to get some books so I will get the books you mentioned, will trust your judgement and enjoy it as bed time reading for a while. Maybe after looking at those I won;t be as scared or clueless.

 

After finding out that the mini is a limited edition Sky version I figured that if I got some help doing up him up....I could then get a Rose version and restore it with my new found knowledge so I can have a matching paid :D

 

Will keep you up to date on which route I decide to take!



#7 Ben_O

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Posted 15 April 2014 - 10:44 PM

I think that you would enjoy the challenge!

 

The body work repair manual has a very comprehensive section on welding and if you could get hold of a Mig welder then you can practice the techniques on scrap steel before going near the shell.

 

The best way to look at the project is as a series of small jobs rather than one huge job. The first thing you need to establish is the condition of the shell. If you go onto a panel suppliers website, particularly somerfordmini.co.uk, they have exploded diagrams of all of the major body panels and components which will help you to establish which panel will repair what part and most importantly, what it is called.

 

If you decide to have a go at fabricating repair patches then thin car like old cereal boxes makes ideal templates, that way you can keep adjusting the template until it fits well before transferring them onto steel.

All of this and more is covered in the books.

 

In the meantime, have a look at the project section of this forum to see what others have achieved.

There are many beginners there too that have produced excellent results with patience and time.

 

You could always start your own project thread and if you don't know where to start then just ask within your thread and loads of us will be more than happy to advise, every step of the way :-)

 

Anything else i can help with, please ask!

 

Ben






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