6 replies to this topic

[charles_head]

All,

 

I have a 1990s classic Mini Cooper that I want to modify to a 1960's look.  This would involve work on the bonnet, wheel arches, and rear

lights as below:

 

1. Remove lip from bonnet for a Mk1 grille conversion
2. Remove existing wheel arches, install brake conversion to accommodate thinner 10" wheels, add chrome wheel trim.
3. Convert rear lights: weld new back light plate/panel, fill, prep, paint and install new lights.

 

Can you guys let me know roughly how much I should expect to pay for this?  And also where in London would be a good place to undertake such

work?

 

Cheers,

Charles

[Ben_O]

Would you be supplying all of the parts?

[Dr s]

Personally I'd forego the mk1 lights at the back and go for mk2 spec and then fit a mk1/2 style bootlid

[splintercat]

Removal of the lip is easy and if done correctly not very expensive dependant upon who does it and how it takes to make good not expensive at all 2 hours work max

 

Agree with above .......forget going to MK1 lights ...there are weld in panels out there but they still require fettling and it really isn't worth the cost or the hasstle or the making good. Go for Mk2 lights cost bout £40-50 a set with rubbers and takes an hour or so to fit and re-wire....there is a good guide inthis styling section.Dont buy new as theres always plenty of second hand ones at all of the shows.

 

A for changing  brakes to fit 10 inch wheelswell that's easy nuff theres plenty of complete kits out there to do plenty of giuds out there too in Mini World or Mini Magazine and the costs are bout £200-250  Huddersfield and other suppliesrs do em plenty around such as Mini Spares

Personally I'd go otta London to get em done  London just seems dearer for ANYTING

Edited by splintercat, 06 January 2015 - 08:05 PM.

[charles_head]

Would you be supplying all of the parts?

Easier for me if the parts were purchased by the company who takes on the work. Also reduces the chance I order the incorrect stuff!
Any help appreciated.
Charles

[Ben_O]

You are probably looking at around £500 just for the parts to do the work you are planning.

 

The replies above about the bonnet lip are correct to a point. Yes it is easy to remove the lip but if the bonnet is not completely sound to begin with, then it will need repairs once the lip is removed.

Best case scenario is that the lip just Needs painting where the bare metal is exposed from removing the spot welds.

 

alot depends on the colour of the car, especially when considering fitting Mk1 rear light conversion panels as this will determine how much of the back panel needs repainting.

The other thing to consider is the condition of the boot floor, valance etc in that area, this could well kick up extra work in that area.

 

The brake conversion kit is straightforward to fit, as is the grille etc but body mods usually kick up one problem or another and could end up costing you more money.

 

If you really want it done the way you say, then you really need to pop down to a specialist and have a chat about your requirements and only then can you get a ballpark figure.

 

It is really hard to say on a forum when it comes to labour, because there are other elements that need to be considered which would require seeing and inspecting the car and above all else, price will vary between different places.

 

Have a look around on the traders area of the forum and see if there is anyone near you who can take on the work and at the same time, you will be able to see reviews from other people who have had work done there as there are some companies out there who do it only for the love of money and in no way for the love of the car and won't be afraid to overcharge or not do a proper job

 

Good luck

 

Ben

[charles_head]

I just want to thank everyone who replied to this post. Some absolutely essential information. I will be trying to find an appropriate trader to do the work.
Also I completely agree about the rear lights. And will descale that side of the work. Thanks again.