62 replies to this topic

[998dave]

Good stuff, and sounds like you've got some good kit there, I'll be interesting to see it once it's together, (maybe in the flesh), as I want to do something very similar with my Hornet Cabrio.

Next question, how are you capping the doors off? Frameless / windowless?

Dave

[joe90gt]

they'll be frameless apart from a small triangle at the front for strengthening and location purposes, I don't like the ones which keep the frames as it doesn't look like a proper convertible - I have to reskin one of the doors first - I'll post more pictures up later

[998dave]

they'll be frameless apart from a small triangle at the front for strengthening and location purposes, I don't like the ones which keep the frames as it doesn't look like a proper convertible - I have to reskin one of the doors first - I'll post more pictures up later

Seems fair, which door are you reskinning? Might be easier to just buy a decent door as I presume you're repainting the whole lot anyways!

For the capping I'd thought of taking the edges of the roof and using that to give the tops of the doors, and pillars a nice curved shape, rather then just making them flat?

Dave

[joe90gt]

gonna do the n/s and see how i get on (they are only £20 from minimail) - trouble with most s/h doors is they've got dents anyway or are rotted out - if the frame is good I'll reskin it as I fancy a (another) challenge - if its rotten I've got a spare lying around - the glass is a bit scratched so i might have to replace that as well, I still like your idea of fly screens instead of a windscreen , reckon that would look pretty cool on a mini
If I've got your idea right wouldn't that look a bit strange when the windows were down?, maybe not but you'd have to watch your head when getting out .............
Once all the strengthenings done I'm gonna try my hand a spraying especially as there's hardly any metal to spray and no masking - hopefully do that at the end of summer then use the winter to sort the engine (leaks from diff seals) and the interior and have it ready early next year

[998dave]

You've not got it right, I was going to run without side windows but wanted to cover the big gap that'd leave!

You'll be done long before mine, I've got my Hornet saloon to do first!

Dave

[joe90gt]

right - i see what you mean now - that would look pretty good i reckon

[joe90gt]

gonna try reskimming one of the doors this w/e - if it works OK I'll do the other

[998dave]

Okay, let us know how you get on!
Also some overviews of the car if you're got any further?
D

[Junior Mini]

Good luck, There's a good how to by Panel Beater Peter.

[Mini-Mad-Craig]

It look's really good mate.

[joe90gt]

thanks - i'm gonna use the guide in the "bible" - lindsay porter diy resto which has been my guide for all things mini - i've got more pictures which i'll u/l soon

[joe90gt]

Done the first door - took about two hours and to be honest was a bit of a doddle, I reskinned it on the lawn because it would be easy to put a dent in it on a hard surface, there are a couple of very small dings but that was justr down to inexperience - luckily the door frame was good apart from a bit of pitting on the lip which was soon sorted with cure rust and red oxide, - once it was back together I seam sealed it. Gonna do the other one now as this was easy - just have to be careful folding it round the rear bottom corner as it would be easy to create ripples
 IMG_1765.JPG   364.14K   8 downloads  IMG_1768.JPG   377.5K   9 downloads[attachment=1003
22:IMG_1769.JPG]

Attached Files

•  IMG_1769.JPG   278.42K   8 downloads

[joe90gt]

more updates in general
 IMG_1764.JPG   291.36K   24 downloads -
red oxide shows all the extra metal welded in
 IMG_1627.JPG   241.49K   21 downloads
final bit of door pillar strengthening
 IMG_1628.JPG   216.79K   24 downloads
parcel shelf where it meets the wing - if in doubt weld it up!
 IMG_1630.JPG   216.4K   26 downloads
seat belt mounting point - this has gotta be strong so i welded a beam in running from door pillar to rear bulkhead
I've started stripping paint as well ready for a bare metal respry by myself, have to get moving because i want to do it while its still summer - at least it won't take much paint - I'll use cellulose as two pack is too dangerous and unobtainable unless for a pro, funny thing is they din't want to let me have any cellulose until I told them what it was for - apparently its OK to sell it to someone restoring a classic

[Junior Mini]

Your doing a great job there, very captivating to read.
Keep at it and it'll be in paint in no time.
What colour did you decide on in the end?

Edited by Junior Mini, 03 July 2010 - 07:37 PM.

[joe90gt]

I'll keep it yellow - seems like a good 70's mini colour