135 replies to this topic

[robj2502]

So after owning various classic minis in the past and then some BMW versions (sorry! - still own an R56 JCW works) amongst a variety of hot hatches and fast saloons I once again entered the fray with this little purchase earlier in the year:

 

 

 

 

An early 90's italian job has given up its shell and some interior bits and whilst the body was pretty clean it does require some work to finish and whilst it looks good in the pics it was bought as a project. It has a 1380 fitted (allegedly!....yet to be confimed) with twin HS4 carbs and some other bits and pieces and also came with a load of bits from the origianl 68 car that will hopefully find thier way back onto this shell. So a deal was done and I made it mine

 

So with finally getting it home a few issues to deal with:

 

A few oil leaks (no surprise there!!) rocker cover, gear selector seal and what looks like the drive shaft oil seals although this latter one might just be where so much oil is running down the block from the rocker cover!!

 

• Drivers side door skin is loose
• Front suspension doughnuts have collapsed.
• Poor repairs to the inner sills (patches) plus damage from poor jacking
• Loose wing mirrors
• Running rough/over fueling
• A shed load of little wiring niggles and messiness
• Engine breather system needs sorting out
• Coolant hoses need to be replaced

 

And likley a load of other issues that I am yet to find as I start picking through this little lot. It sounds pretty bad but I didnt pay too much and nothing is particularly serious.

 

So I have already set about sorting out some these issues:

 

Firstly the mirrors:

From this:

 

To this:

 

Also found some new sun blinds that are much nicer than the originals:

 

New steering wheel:

 

From these:

 

To these:

 

Which meant the removal of these:

 

and then replaced them with these:

 

Also a Mk1 grill fitted along with some unusual spots:

 

So the general plan is to get the rest of the issues sorted out, Add some more nice parts and get it ready for the show season next year. More to come as loads of parts purchased.....

Edited by robj2502, 13 November 2017 - 08:45 AM.

[robj2502]

Cleaned up the passenger floor and found this (I put primer on it):

 

 

And this:

 

Knew there were some messy repairs here but never the best news when you find holes! I have also knocked out the damage caused by poor jacking. Drivers side to have a look at now....

Edited by robj2502, 10 November 2017 - 07:01 PM.

[MasterD78]

Looks like a fun project and a really good starting place! Have you done anything to your R56? I loved mine, but no longer have it.

[robj2502]

Looks like a fun project and a really good starting place! Have you done anything to your R56? I loved mine, but no longer have it.

Thanks :) It is pretty clean

 

Nothing too major as it pretty much had every extra from new on top of the JCW works bits so the high back Recaro's, sat nav a load of carbon bits etc although I have fitted polybush's allround, coilovers, adjustable rear arms, Pro race 1.2's, Quicksilver exhaust with carbon tips and a GP2 diffuser. Think the turbo needs a rebuild now though so perhaps this along with a sports cat and maybe a remap will be up next. Having said that theres a £1000 worth of work there and on top of the classic mini rebuild and my need for an ever increasing amount of expensive road bikes im not quite sure where I will find the cash from!

 

This is it:

 

 

 

I do love it and really enjoy driving it but its no classic mini!

Edited by robj2502, 10 November 2017 - 06:55 PM.

[CityEPete]

Crikey, that was a blue auto in 2009 when it last failed it's MOT!

[CityEPete]

What's under the blur on the yellow rear plate, the real reg?

[1984mini25]

I'd put money on the stamped in vin in the scuttle channel not matching that of the v5...

[Northernpower]

You have to have some confidence to put this project on here.

[CityEPete]

As it's not been mot'd with that reg yet it's only a decorative adornment at the moment, I suggest it revert back to the other plates before the MOT.

[johnR]

He's bought a period plate for it, that's not particularly unusual is it?

[Northernpower]

He's bought a period plate for it, that's not particularly unusual is it?

According to the OP it's a late 80 early 90's car registered 68, that's the problem.

[CityEPete]

No he hasn't the reg is just from a different car.


Edit to say this was in reply to johnR

Edited by CityEPete, 10 November 2017 - 09:40 PM.

[CityEPete]

He's bought a period plate for it, that's not particularly unusual is it?

According to the OP it's a late 80 early 90's car registered 68, that's the problem.

Also nonsense as I can see the spi radiator fan on the inner wing, looks like an Italian Job other than the vin plate and carbs.

[Northernpower]

He's bought a period plate for it, that's not particularly unusual is it?

According to the OP it's a late 80 early 90's car registered 68, that's the problem.

Also nonsense as I can see the spi radiator fan on the inner wing, looks like an Italian Job other than the vin plate and carbs.

Couldn't agree more.

[robj2502]

Well this is all very friendly and helpful???

I had completely forgotten just how many minis exist on their original shells, with their original engines and original interiors.

For info the white and yellow plates are the same Reg (I still have them) and the reg has been blanked out as these were the pictures from the advert. The gent I bought it from still had the remnants of the blue original car but it was a complete basket case and far to gone to repair. So with that and the ridiculously high cost of finding a replacement mk1 shell a later shell was found.

Edited by robj2502, 18 May 2018 - 07:57 AM.