I would have it blasted but I would paint strip any big panels exterior that you are planning to keep (thinking mainly about the roof) as the blasting process is likely to damage them. You can then just get the edges/gutters blasted.
Once in bare metal spray it in epoxy primer, you need a compressor and a spray gun (a cheap gravity gun from toolstation is fine for this). I use this stuff Mipa EP-Grundierfiller Epoxy primer 2k 5L + EP-Hardener E10 2.5L | eBay , 6 litres mixed was enough to do an entire MK2 jag bodyshell without doors, boot or bonnet.
The epoxy is water resistant unlike other primers and so once in this it should stay rust free while you work on the rusty bits (apart from where you grind it off of course to weld) which is hand if your workshop isn't heated and you are going to take a while to get it done.
Also get a rotisserie to work on it, I used these guys for mine ROLLOVER JIG Kit ,SPIT, ROTISSERIE, MINI, Clubman, Van, Pick-up, Estate, Cooper | eBay
you might find a cheaper one as a mini is fairly light, I use mine on MK2 Jags and its a good strong bit of kit.
I've always found the best way to tackle something like this (especially if its your first one) is to break it down into task and do a task, for example if your going to change the whole floor do that and consider it a milestone. A lot of people look at the enormity of the task and get demoralised, i've always (even now having restored dozens of cars) broken it down into tasks like the floors, then the sills, then the front inner wings, then the front outer wings, then the boot floor or however you want to do it. The main thing is don't get bogged down with it all or it will never get done.
Best of luck, one day you will look back at a welded up shell and thing "I did that!" and if you want to see what is possible for a self taught welder in home workshop to achieve you have only to look at these forums
thanks for the advise that's really useful information! I've got a Jig that I did have it on a while back will be re mounting it soon! for me its time! working, house renovations etc really suck up all my time so breaking it up into milestones sounds like a good idea!
hopefully have some time next week to carry on!
cheers
Edited by Dandyer1995, 08 July 2021 - 07:45 AM.
