647 replies to this topic

[Deathrow]

Oh I see! I misunderstood, I was applying red oxide straight to bare metal.. as you've seen, won't be a problem will it? I'll just make sure I apply them all in the correct order next time.

I couldn't tell you the answer to that, only the paint pro's, I just do as I'm told haha.

I would imagine it'll be ok, but again, I'm no professional.

Your work looks top notch though! I think I'll have to take as much time getting mine all clean when I'm doing my prep work (which is drawing ever closer!) .

[analogue_radio]

First things first was heli-coiling the sump plug, don't actually know if it's oil tight yet but i'll find out when I get a new plug in there and some oil.




Throughly washed out with petrol & water, every nook and cranny was cleaned to ensure all the metal filings came out.


Time to rejoin the block & head.


New cam followers.


Rockers back on, everything torqued up to the correct pressure & tappet gaps checked.


Dad and I struggled to line the damn thing up, not really happy that the gasket is sat properly.. so we are going to borrow/source an engine crane from somewhere and double check.


Time to play with the welder!


Whilst Dad set things up, I cleaned up the front (both sides) drilled out the spot welds and cut down the inner wing, just needs tidying up.


Dads attempt


My attempt

I went second, so had the upper hand of having the settings changed. The metal wasn't clean, not a brilliant earth & we are welding with Co2. But it was just to get a feel for things. Going to ask the local garage for some offcuts so we can practice a bit more.

Cheers

[analogue_radio]

Laziest day ever on her.




Pedal box removed, it was the last thing on the shell so I'm pleased it's completely bare. I do however need a new one, seeing as two of the studs have been sheered when I removed the servo.

Edited by analogue_radio, 08 September 2009 - 05:52 PM.

[TheBIGGERimage]

We are learning! Can't wait until we get steel sheet off cuts to practice welding on, then we will see who's best!

[Deathrow]

You'll be a bodywork master in no time at all!

Edited by Deathrow, 10 September 2009 - 08:53 PM.

[analogue_radio]

Hitting the nail on the head I think and calling the mini a day for now I'm leaving for Lincoln University on Sunday and right now it seems like an incredibly high brick wall.

I'll still stick around, for sure, this place kinda feels like home. First thing I check when I get online

There is one tiny glimmer of hope, involving a £1,000 - £1,500 student loan.. but I need to sit down and talk to my Dad about it, we'll see.

Thanks for all the support guys, reading positive comments is the icing on the cake with making progress

[carboy001]

Your not getting rid of it though are your mate?! Just keep it in the corner of the garage till your home from university or feel upto doing something again. Had mine for about 2 years before I even properly started working on it because of money and lack of garage.

Plus you can't turn your back on TMF your the only one that reads my thread haha

Also you want a dad loan not a student loan

[bananaman]

I agree, keep the car in a corner at home, gives you something to play with when you come home. There used to be a really good mini place in Lincoln, but I believe it's moved and being run by someone else, but it's still supposed to be good. May be worth popping down for a chat and look into the local scene.

[analogue_radio]

I'd never get rid of her!

My logic behind a student loan is that it's 'free' money.. either 0% or 1.5% interest. And it's money I'd only spend down the line on her anyway. So why not just do it now? It means when I come home on weekends I've got freedom & it means during holidays I can work full time without relying on my parents for lifts everywhere. Which in turn means a hell of a lot more money & I can pay of various loans and debts.

I'd imagine the running cost would be fairly low, as once it's passed the MOT it'd be a 'new' car. Whereas before I was fixing problems from years and years of wear, tear and jobs the previous owner didn't fix.

If I had a lump sum of money dedicated just for the mini, I'd absolutely gun it and get it done!

Need a good chat with Dad to figure things out.

[mighty mini jack]

Not the best situation to be in, hope you can sort something out thats best for you mate.

Good luck and the engines looking nice and clean!

[scsracing]

Looks like your getting on well,welding comes in time.

When you got those subframes powder coated were they blasted at the same time within the price of £85?

[gonzoavfc]

i spent alot of my student loan on my mini, its interest free loan, luckily it didnt effect my uni time for the year but u gotta be careful

[analogue_radio]

Looks like your getting on well,welding comes in time.

When you got those subframes powder coated were they blasted at the same time within the price of £85?

Yep, two subframes and a box of about 30 bits!

i spent alot of my student loan on my mini, its interest free loan, luckily it didnt effect my uni time for the year but u gotta be careful

I'm getting the bare minimum loan, so having to put some of my extra money towards paying for Accommodation & Tuition fees. Which means it'd be an extra grand or grand a half from the bank.

[Deathrow]

That's a shame luke, but at least this way you won't be in as much debt as the rest of us!

[analogue_radio]

I'd be a grand or a grand in a half more debt.. but the big plus side to the loan means I can work more, which means earning more which in turn means settling debts & loans.