64 replies to this topic

[MacGyver]

There is a sportspack near me that's bright pink with flowers on it!
No my cup of tea but it's stunning! 😎
Go with your own taste and ideas.

Edited by MacGyver, 19 October 2016 - 06:37 PM.

[Kevinmini]

So I took the cooper for its first full inspection today to make a decision on the restoration process......... Not good news
The car is a great base being a soortspack with all the original paperwork, rover production line checklist, original logbook.

So i bought the car knowing it was a project in need of work...... It needs new front end - new door skins - 1 a panel needs a patch new sills as over sills fitted - boot area - rear arches - rear valence

That's just bodywork as both subframes are rotten and everything else underneath needs repairing or overhauling and then refitting

I have been advised by the mini specialist I took it to that it would be ££££££££ and a quote was impossible as the over sills could be hiding a lot more work

I'm now unsure what to do, I wanted to save this cooper and keep it for years!

Realistic decision to make as I don't want it to be a project that takes years or gets put to the back of the garage..... Even though I haven't got a garage ha ha

[Steve220]

Welcome to the world of mini restoration. The MPi's (as you'll probably already aware of) are notorious rotters. I'd be surprised if you get someone to do the work (welding, panels, painting etc) and not have much change from the very high thousands.

[g111mds]

So I took the cooper for its first full inspection today to make a decision on the restoration process......... Not good news
The car is a great base being a soortspack with all the original paperwork, rover production line checklist, original logbook.
So i bought the car knowing it was a project in need of work...... It needs new front end - new door skins - 1 a panel needs a patch new sills as over sills fitted - boot area - rear arches - rear valence
That's just bodywork as both subframes are rotten and everything else underneath needs repairing or overhauling and then refitting
I have been advised by the mini specialist I took it to that it would be ££££££££ and a quote was impossible as the over sills could be hiding a lot more work
I'm now unsure what to do, I wanted to save this cooper and keep it for years!
Realistic decision to make as I don't want it to be a project that takes years or gets put to the back of the garage..... Even though I haven't got a garage ha ha

Did you manage to get to a decision on the mini for the way forward?

[Lt-SilverDragon]

Yeah any further forward? Don't give up on it.

[Kevinmini]

Nothing done apart from a good clean and wax and then under cover on the drive..... I am looking into some big ideas for this year which I hope will be the start of not only restoring this cooper but hopefully more minis, I am trying to find a suitable location to carry out the work which is a task in itself.

I will keep you guys posted on any further news

[Kevinmini]

Ok so I cannot find anywhere to restore the car, I have advertised and used social media but no joy! I don't think the neighbours would appreciate tons of grinding and I don't fancy doing it under a sheet on the drive.

Having received 3 separate quotes from mini specialists I am now at the end of my options..... With the mot due in 2 weeks it could be the end of the mini dream

The quotes are from really genuine restoration garages that know the pitfalls of a mini so the quotes are very realistic in terms of labour on the car but way higher than I could possibly spend on the car. If the car had a huge amount of sentimental value I would go ahead with the repair costs, 2 have said to sell it and buy another that is either restored or a better base without as much work needed.

[Wild]

Ok so I cannot find anywhere to restore the car, I have advertised and used social media but no joy! I don't think the neighbours would appreciate tons of grinding and I don't fancy doing it under a sheet on the drive.

Having received 3 separate quotes from mini specialists I am now at the end of my options..... With the mot due in 2 weeks it could be the end of the mini dream

The quotes are from really genuine restoration garages that know the pitfalls of a mini so the quotes are very realistic in terms of labour on the car but way higher than I could possibly spend on the car. If the car had a huge amount of sentimental value I would go ahead with the repair costs, 2 have said to sell it and buy another that is either restored or a better base without as much work needed.

Don't know what to advise really mate .. Looking at the pictures it doesn't look as if the rots too bad on the front end? Fair enough the subframes etc but why not put it in for an MOT at a reputable place down south and see what it needs .. fix those and over the next year change the front end piece by piece that way you'll still have it driveable and you can fix the rest as you go ... rolling resto

[Northernpower]

Ok so I cannot find anywhere to restore the car, I have advertised and used social media but no joy! I don't think the neighbours would appreciate tons of grinding and I don't fancy doing it under a sheet on the drive.

Having received 3 separate quotes from mini specialists I am now at the end of my options..... With the mot due in 2 weeks it could be the end of the mini dream

The quotes are from really genuine restoration garages that know the pitfalls of a mini so the quotes are very realistic in terms of labour on the car but way higher than I could possibly spend on the car. If the car had a huge amount of sentimental value I would go ahead with the repair costs, 2 have said to sell it and buy another that is either restored or a better base without as much work needed.

I'd put it in for its MOT as soon as possible and see what it fails on. The title of your thread says its going to be a rolling resto, I know everyone wants theirs right as soon as possible but if you can do the minimum to get it through the MOT you'll be able to decide between selling an MOT'd car or going through with your original idea of a rolling resto.

[Kevinmini]

Hope to have this built by the summer so I can begin the rebuild at last

[Kevinmini]

Wanted to share the original sign off list that came with my mini........check the date

[Kevinmini]

The restoration has finally started

 

I have built myself the garage as pictured above and started a Youtube Channel which I will upload the progress of the restoration

 

A new video will be uploaded once a week so stay tuned...... please Like and Subscribe as this helps the channel.

 

Any positive comments or suggestions welcomed. 

 

Thanks and hope you enjoy

 

https://www.youtube....Hcx8RQ/featured

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Attached Files

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Edited by Kevinmini, 26 January 2021 - 07:13 AM.

[sonscar]

Enjoy it.Steve..

[PiG]

Well done, I've subscribed to your channel.

I'm doing a 40th Mpi at the moment, done the engine, moving onto the subframe assembly now, bodywork in progress too. 

 

I've taken loads of photos but not done any video or blog I'm afraid.

[doublethebass]

looks fun. Garage is awesome. Subscribed