297 replies to this topic

[Ben Rose]

You could always p clip the brake an fuel lines to the side of one of those roof beams out of the way.

Genius!  Perfect solution, cant believe I didn't think of that.

[Ben Rose]

Can anyone tell me the best way to strip old paint, stone chip etc off the areas I want to check for rust and then repair / zinc prime?  I don't want to damage the metal too much in the process and I feel like a grinder isn't always the best way to go especially for some of the better flat panels.  Excuse me if I am being dumb.

[Junior Mini]

You can try paint stripper or i prefer a wire cup on a  grinder. 

[dasupersprint]

I went with a wire wheel on an angle grinder, but I went through dozens of them and I don't want to know how much it cost me in the end. It makes a lot of dust so wear a mask and goggles!

 

Don't go too hard on flat large panels like doors, quarter panels and roof because it can warp them!

[Gilles1000]

I would go with a paint stripper on the big flat panels or where you do not suspect rust. 

And wire wheel where there is rust, or suspected to be.

 

I've decided to acid dip the body, but this is pricey and only because it's a keeper. But then there is no surprise in the end. All the rust is easily seen.

Once repaired there will be a second dip to remove surface rust and then an e-coat.

The shell should then be rust-proof ;)

[Ben Rose]

Thanks for the advice.  Maybe in another 10 years I might do this.  For now I just want her back on the road so we can start to enjoy it again.  Plus we don't have that sort of money to spend at the moment.

I would go with a paint stripper on the big flat panels or where you do not suspect rust. 

And wire wheel where there is rust, or suspected to be.

 

I've decided to acid dip the body, but this is pricey and only because it's a keeper. But then there is no surprise in the end. All the rust is easily seen.

Once repaired there will be a second dip to remove surface rust and then an e-coat.

The shell should then be rust-proof ;)

[Ben_O]

My preferred paint stripper is starchem synstrip. Removes paint easily but not sure on stonechip.

As with all chemicals, wear gloves and a mask as it's quite unpleasant stuff.

 

Twisted wire brush in a grinder is good for undersea but it's a messy job as has been said.

 

I use https://www.nortonab...aze-rapid-strip In the grinder too as they remove anything without damaging metal but you still have to be careful with heat build up.

Cheap ones are available but last minutes so a bit of a false economy

[Ben Rose]

Awesome Ben. Just what I needed.

My preferred paint stripper is starchem synstrip. Removes paint easily but not sure on stonechip.
As with all chemicals, wear gloves and a mask as it's quite unpleasant stuff.

Twisted wire brush in a grinder is good for undersea but it's a messy job as has been said.

I use https://www.nortonab...aze-rapid-strip In the grinder too as they remove anything without damaging metal but you still have to be careful with heat build up.
Cheap ones are available but last minutes so a bit of a false economy

[sonscar]

Try a blunt half inch wood chisel it is effective in some cases.Steve...

[Ben Rose]

Exciting times for me in my build which will hopefully mean I can push on with the body work.  I have a rollover jig!!
 

 
Harryrothers93 did me a good deal on the jig he used for his restoration. Properly nice chap too. His build thread is here if you haven't seen it and is doing great work. 
http://www.theminifo...-driving-resto/

First step to fit the jig was I had to remove the left hand drive blank plate on the bulkhead.







Then the fun commenced! Bare in mind I had no help getting shell on to the jig so it was bloody hard work.

Castors fitted to the frames at the end. My garage is tight so I will have to move it around. Hopefully it will also allow me to roll the shell out of the garage to turn around and work on the other side.



Trusty floor jack, four axel stands and a lot of wood helped me out.



Pallet trolley I had the shell on is out of the way.







Front brackets bolted on.



Front doesn't have to come up too far.



Main bar down the middle.



This picture taken by my wife gives you and idea of the size of my garage. I wish it was a foot wider but I certainly cant complain. I am glad I painted the inside of the garage and got it ready before I started.



The back of the mini had to come up a long way which was really tough to achieve on my own. Got it there in the end.





And I have a spinning shell!







Time to get the grinder out!!

[Gilles1000]

That's a good step forward!

Now you will delect yourself about the benefits of having this jig ;)

 

That's a small garage, but you still can work on the car and roll it (is it tight with the car on its side?)

 

Cheers

Gilles

[Bdshim]

Great stuff will help loads

[Harryrothers93]

Looking good bud, fair play with getting it on there with no help. Better man than me ;)

Let the fun begin!!

[rich_959]

Excellent work Ben, the fun really begins now! You will soon have a grinder addiction to match Nik from Project Binky....

[Ben Rose]

That's a good step forward!

Now you will delect yourself about the benefits of having this jig ;)

 

That's a small garage, but you still can work on the car and roll it (is it tight with the car on its side?)

 

Cheers

Gilles

Thanks gilles, yes still got plenty of room.  Bit tight but it spins all the way around and doesn't hit the roof beams which is what I was worried about.  If it had I would have removed the castors but thankfully it is fine.