54 replies to this topic

[Jgguinness]

Thanks gadget555.  I intend to keep it updated regularly as soon as I start the project properly.

 

Ill be asking plenty questions as its my first Mini.  Know Land Rovers inside out but not Mini's.

[skoughi]

From someone who bought a de-seamed mini I can only suggest to seriously look into replacing panels or at least make angles to get seams back on her. I kept mine de-seamed but had to redo it all as it was as rough as a dogs bum! It would've been easier and quicker to remove each panel in turn and replace with new ones. Also if she's a genuine GT then a body that matches the original will make her far more valuable. Good luck and will look forward to seeing some updates.

[Jgguinness]

Thanks skoughi for your reply.  Its looking like replacing each panel as you say.  I may as well do it right first time around rather than getting it on the road then pulling it back off again at a later date to start the restoration properly.  

[g111mds]

looks to be a great project. my pickup has been partially deseamed but with all the panels its needing, the seams will be back in place and on show by the end.

[Jgguinness]

Hi all just a quick update to the thread.  Can't believe its been almost a year since I got the GT!  Time has flown by, the wifes post stroke recovery is going ok, Im almost finished the Defender and I was wanting to fit a blind to a window in the house but got distracted for 20 mins and decided to see what was under those terrible arches!

 

Anyway I was pleasantly surprised, I was expecting rust, cut arches etc but the combination of a tub of bodge and wood screws seems to have worked.  I know I've still the issue of it being deseamed, and the mountain of work ahead but anyway, here are some photos.

 

Rare image of the lad helping out, chipping away small bits of filler

 

 

 

Starting to cut away the front arch

 

 

 

I did promise to finish other projects before starting but I couldn't resist.  Im hoping the other side is as decent.

Edited by Jgguinness, 17 April 2018 - 10:34 PM.

[minimissions]

Glad those arches are gone. its not looking a bad shell at all that, keep the updates coming :)

[Jgguinness]

Thanks. I was wondering what things were like under there for a while. Wheel spacers will be removed too in due course.

Once the project is underway properly Ill put regular updates on.

[minimissions]

Sounds good to me I look forward to seeing this one saved.

[Verderad]

Removed the arches from mine. Looks about the same state underneath.

[Jgguinness]

Well a little update. The Defender has now been finished and sold. Sold really quickly bringing more than I’d hoped so that’s good news.

Bad news (for the Mini fund) is that a house move is happening soon and I’ll need to fork it for a block paved drive, plus through the missus twisting of my arm she wanted to change the family car so we’ve ordered a new MINI Clubman Cooper D. Interestingly the sales lady said that they are not taking any orders for the Works versions for a whole year due to BMW wanting to preserve the values of them!

Once the move has happened and drive way finished I’ll be making a proper start on the GT.

[minimissions]

O Yes I remember your thread now, its a cracking car this. I hope you get the chance to get some more work done soon :)

[Jgguinness]

Evening all. First update for a while. House move is completed and driveway done so managed to get a bit of time on the GT this last few nights.

Moving a garage takes so much more time than a house, never again!!

Anyway the mechanical fuel pump was faulty but I managed to find a new old stock SU one locally, £20 later and it was mine. Fitted it tonight, what a fiddly job that was!! New pump fitted and new fuel hose too, fired up straight away. Longest I’ve had it running since buying it. Ran well.

My son decided he wanted to see how loud it was so out came his phone!! Apparently he wants to keep it loud! Hmmm.

Had a look into the local Mini specialists, one in Sunderland and one in between Sunderland and Durham. Interesting and definitely preferred one over the other!

https://youtu.be/U5GPo0Otovo

Edited by Jgguinness, 07 September 2018 - 08:38 AM.

[Ace Alex]

This reminds me of my first Mini, a 1275GT.

Mini specialists...just off the A690 by any chance??

Good to see some progress.

[Jgguinness]

This reminds me of my first Mini, a 1275GT.

Mini specialists...just off the A690 by any chance??

Good to see some progress.

Yes mate Green and Whites, found them more helpful than the other place.

[Ace Alex]

Been going to G&W for 15-16 years now. I was in a similar position back then when I got my first Mini, a 1275GT.

I’ll drop you a PM.