12 replies to this topic

[russ_1380]

Hi guys and girls.

I stripped my minus down a few years back and lost interest, needless to say its been gathering dust for years.

I am now hoping to start the rebuild.

To be honest, I am overwhelmed with it and do not know where to start.

I was thinking in the following order:

-Front and rear subframes
-suspension, brakes, wheels
-Steering
-Test fit doors + boot and bonnet
-Remove doors etc
-elec loom
-prep and paint as a rolling shell
-engine and box


What do you think is the best order is? Does the above sound logical?

I do not want concours (yawn) as this car will be a driver not a museum piece.

The build will take a few years (working on and off), so thats why I wanted to get the wheels on first so I can move the shell out the way when I'm not using it.

Any tips or hindsite appreciated!

Thanks

russ

[robtheplod]

Hi guys and girls.

I stripped my minus down a few years back and lost interest, needless to say its been gathering dust for years.

I am now hoping to start the rebuild.

To be honest, I am overwhelmed with it and do not know where to start.

I was thinking in the following order:

-Front and rear subframes
-suspension, brakes, wheels
-Steering
-Test fit doors + boot and bonnet
-Remove doors etc
-elec loom
-prep and paint as a rolling shell
-engine and box


What do you think is the best order is? Does the above sound logical?

I do not want concours (yawn) as this car will be a driver not a museum piece.

The build will take a few years (working on and off), so thats why I wanted to get the wheels on first so I can move the shell out the way when I'm not using it.

Any tips or hindsite appreciated!

Thanks

russ

I worked from the back to the front which worked well as I did'nt see all that needed doing in one shot and get put off!

[russ_1380]

Very wise!

I wish I did that.

Its the sheer overwhemlment of it that keeps putting me off it you see. Plus I have stupidly forgotten where I put all the pieces and which bolts are which.

[zef]

Very wise!

I wish I did that.

Its the sheer overwhemlment of it that keeps putting me off it you see. Plus I have stupidly forgotten where I put all the pieces and which bolts are which.

The greatest journey starts with a single step. Everything you do will take you nearer to finishing. So crack on

Edited by zef, 06 September 2009 - 08:42 PM.

[CobraV8]

I suggest you give up and send your head to me instead

[oli8925]

Its the sheer overwhemlment of it that keeps putting me off it you see. Plus I have stupidly forgotten where I put all the pieces and which bolts are which.

im feeling your pain

[olds_kool_lews]

put some pics up for us all to see? i love minus's, the mean low look always gets my vote!

[rosco454]

Best way is to split it down into the jobs (or maybe groups of jobs) that need doing so you can concentrate one one at a time.This way you can look at the project as a series of smaller activities instead of one huge task.

[russ_1380]

cheers guys

I'm getting more motivated which is good!

This mini will probably be the death of me, but I WILL WIN!

I haven't got any recent pics, but I'm number 34 on the register:

http://miniminus.co.uk/

Unfortunately it now looks a bit more sorry for itself as its been completely srtipped down since the pics.

I'd love to get it running with the 7 port, as far as I know there isn't yet a 7 port minus around.

[russ_1380]

hello all,

Just a quick note, my impulsive side is kicking in again.

I'm going to try and rebuild the rear subframe properly this time, then it will be front subfame next. Watch this space.....

[MiniMonty]

I'd say break the jobs up into "tiresome but needed" and "good fun"
Do three or four "tiresome" then reward yourself with one "good fun".

So Maybe start building a dashboard for the finished car alongside the rebuild.
Every time you finish three rebuild jobs buy yourself a switch or a light or something funky
to fit onto your cool custom dash.

Be strict with yourself though otherwise you'll end up with one hell of set of switches !

Best wishes
Monty

[russ_1380]

hhaha good tip Monty


I also need the garage space so the rebuild must go ahead.

I'll re-do the rear subframe but get everything done 'properly' this time, i.e. all torqued down mainly for peace of mind as it was years since i last looked at it. Then I will follow that with the front subframe.

I'm dreading the electrical side of things; as its a Minus i'm guessing its not a standard loom. I do not understand electrics so it might be wise for me to have a new loom made. What do you think?

I bought the car as a non runner, so I have no idea if the loom fitted to the car will work or not, it looks pretty scruffy. If I had one built, would the makers be able to label it up dummy style for me? I've lost touch with the mini scene these last few years, there used to be a company who specialised in wiring looms. Does anyone know of any companies who do this work?

Cheers

Russ

[danie garry]

at least u'v no rusty shell to worry bout and that seem to half the battle with most rebuilds, prob best to do it in small parts just like u said.