470 replies to this topic

[ferrit]

Looking forward to following this build, some lovely goodies in that shed particularly the binacle

[analogue_radio]

Mini Parts and Tools Shelf


I can't wait for my own garage space and my own shelves! get's me all excited! Haha.

Cracking project mate, really looking forward to updates.

[carboy001]

Thanks people

Yeah lots of goodies in the shed but near enough all accessories, nothing to help get it nearer the end of project

The garage was a dream, plus its away from the house so i dont get distracted when i have assignments (got other stuff to do that lol). The shelves are ace, got them from costco (silver ones), all metal and made in amercia but when i got them i just nipped to get them whilst dad was at the garage, nearly broke my back lifting them on to the trolley and then into the car, well worth it though

[carboy001]

Made a bit of progress this weekend with the mini.

Yesterday was a bit of a waste of time as the garage is right near my nanas and she came down for a chat, so all we managed to do was screw a fire extingisher to the wall that id got for Christmas before we were trapped into conversation Although when we got away we went to B&Q and got an extension lead so we can get power from my nanas. Roughly £25 (£29 with 15% off at the moment) for a 45 meter extension which i think is bloody good value money, also got a little bosch drill for the awkward to reach bits that the 24volt drill cant reach and a gate hook as my dad thought we needed one

Today was more productive, first things first was my dad had to put the gate hook in (can see the logic to be fair) so thats done. Also i got a mini advetisement thing which they put in the dealers showrooms (its a mini adventure) for my birthday in may so put that up as well whilst we were at it, gotta pics yet. But today we also prepared for dropping the subframe with the engine to put in the new shell, once we've done a few things to it (clean it, clutch replacement etc.) so i think its basically a matter of sorting the steering rack and undoing the subframe mounts and were done.

Any comments, advice etc welcome!

Chris

[carboy001]

Update

Finally progress has been made to make me press on with the project! Took yesterday and today off work so i could prepare for and pick up the new shell which i will be working on!

Firstly some pics of crimbo prezzies and stuff ive bought for the project



Red to match everything else in the garage







The insisted on bolt for the garage door



Setup the pot belly, just move the felt in the roof and stick a pipe through, easy as pie!

Also put up some signage in the garage;





Now the project;

Thursday I had to get the old shell out the garage but first had to get the front subby off with the engine, we'd already disconnected most of the auxillaries so it should have been a case of get down there undo a few bolt and off it comes, but with mini's things are never that simple We undid the bolts and the subby rocked which was what we wanted then we attempted to lift it and it was coming part way but something was snagging it so we checked all round the engine and we hadnt disconnect the battery cable, we took the cable out the boot and undid all the clips and attempted again, nope. Took a while to figure out because we were looking to hard, it turned out to be the steering rack, we didnt unbolt it from the floor unbolted them and after a bit of jiggering it came off eventually Whoever said they could do it in a hour, i take my hat off to them, not a chance in hell i could have done that







Oh and for a top tip, keep your nuts and bolts in an organised state so you can remember whats what



We were there that long we needed a wee that bad that we had use some jars!



...Only joking! thats the petrol that poured out on the uneven slope, that plus a can of the stuff! Didnt know it had that much in!

Nice and empty garage for a day!





Today was the big day of picking up the mini shell, was so excited its untrue, couldnt tell when i got there though it was so cold! Got to Britaxcooper's (Dave) around 2:15pm to pick it up and was away by 2:45pm once all documents etc were done. Was very fun driving down the M62 with a mini shell on the transit with people looking out their car windows.

Finally got it back 4ish and had it all snug in the garage about 5ish after carefully getting off the transit with only 2 people.

The heroic transit making the 130 mile trip



Pick of old and new, unbelievable difference



and one of the lucky new shell



I'll be out there tomorrow to take more pics and progress as it was getting dark but getting more into the habit of bringing the camera, actually went home today first with the shell to get the camera for you all!

Comments Please!

Chris

Edited by carboy001, 04 April 2009 - 09:40 PM.

[buddylove]

The new shell looks fairly rust free

[analogue_radio]

Brilliant progress mate! best of luck for this build, gonna be a winner.

[gregh55]

wow nice build might have to keep an eye on this one

[carboy001]

Thanks for the comments guys!

Really pleased with it, in 2 minds over the kevlar frontend now with it having such a mint front already, seems a shame to cut it off but not sure yet, if you wish to pass opinions have a looks at this topic i put up please;

http://www.theminifo...p;#entry1291250

Anyways today we did a lot but not much you can see as we basically finished stripping the old shell but still need to remove the rear subby. It was blooming cold and we were outside because the new shell is in the garage so it was most definetely a case of wrap up warm!

Before we stripped the old shell though we put the new shell up on axles, as high as it would go! So much easier!

Few pics for you all;











Comment please!

Cheers

Chris

Edited by carboy001, 04 April 2009 - 09:32 PM.

[Sir Cheat]

Looks a good shell to start a project with.

[warhonowicz]

Looks good ... wouldn't chop the front off though as it looks really solid

[carboy001]

Hey People,

Went down to the garage today to finish stripping the old mini shell, all done apart from the pedals and heater (probably get a new heater because it been raining but you never know). Took the rear subframe out and it was a dream, nothing went wrong with taking it out so i was pleased and even more pleased when i saw the condition of it when it was out, scrape a bit of muck off and its like new Also took the brake and clutch servo's off, what a b**ch them split pins were, all done now though but what a moment of relief when done

Will go down tomorrow to finish off and then get rid of the shell, its in pretty bad shape so i think its case of phoning the scrap man in the week unfortunately

Forgot the camera but its atthe door for remembering tomorrow so no worries

Cheers

Chris

[Ethel]

and also get this installed, its bloomin freezing!


Chris

I think you might have difficulty fitting it under the parcel shelf 'n Mr MoT tester might say the chimney obstructs your rear view mirror.

[carboy001]

I think you might have difficulty fitting it under the parcel shelf 'n Mr MoT tester might say the chimney obstructs your rear view mirror.

Thats why im ripping out the rear seat and putting it there lol. Some like ICE i like cast iron pot bellys

[carboy001]

Think its about time for a bit of an update. Wasnt able to put the pics up the other week as the power to the area went as i was about to upload them all onto photobucket and last week was Bingley

Well to be honest i havent done much other than strip more off the old shell. Although i have stripped the rear subframe and started on the front. Although ran into a snag with the driveshaft removal as in how to remove the blooming thing!

Got some pics of the little progress.

The rear subby before it was stripped


Scrape at the muck and its like new underneath


The front as it was left this Sunday


And the dreaded driveshaft



Bingley was awesome as ever but missed the TMF picture because i was just tucking into lunch when i realised it was 12:30

Couple pics of Bingley









Thought this was funny


Love the Paul Smith Mini, was surprised how many there were












Saw this reinforcement bar and thought it was a good idea on a flip




And ofcourse i couldnt go and not buy anything! I'm now spent up till March lol

Got some solid subframe mounts


Door Hinges as my doors dropped


A pair of front window seals, although i forgot to get the door seals


New brake pipes

Edited by carboy001, 04 April 2009 - 09:24 PM.