7 replies to this topic

[Jase-the-ace]

So, I'm currently working abroad until 2011 but had a long term goal of buying a project mini to do up. However when I returned back to the UK in December for Christmas the option of buying my mates old 1993 Sprite came up within 1 day of being back. It was a little earlier than originally planned but I thought why not so, after a quick check over a week later I had doubled my mini collection.

So here's what I ended up with.....
 DSC01005.JPG   2.04MB   12 downloads
 DSC00995.JPG   2.23MB   11 downloads
 DSC01059.JPG   2.54MB   11 downloads
 DSC01044.JPG   2.21MB   7 downloads

I've now got 12 months of planning and collecting (especially tool wise) which is great but its also frustrating not being able to start just yet. Anyway, I hope to keep posting updates on the planning and also the car once I get started. I'm sure I will have many questions once I get going but for now, I've just resorted to reading as much possible on this forum-great source of info!!

[Jase-the-ace]

On closer inspection it has all the usual body concerns which will be the first job...

 DSC01005_compressed.jpg   48.28K   9 downloads
Both front wings need replacing and maybe even the front panel
 DSC01008_compressed.jpg   45.84K   7 downloads
Front floors also need some work - typical holes going right through to the road.
 DSC01011_compressed.jpg   47.45K   8 downloads
Think the sills will need some attention as well.
 DSC01014_compressed.jpg   35.75K   6 downloads
Wings have more rust that paint or metal (gussets are almost non existent)
 DSC01021_compressed.jpg   32.42K   6 downloads
More surface rust on the RHS wing - guessing the screen surround might not be too good underneath either.
 DSC01022_compressed.jpg   45.61K   6 downloads
RHS floor - bettter than LHS but still needs some work.
 DSC01023_compressed.jpg   41.05K   10 downloads
RHS Sill previous MOT repair will also need tidying up.
 DSC01039_compressed.jpg   40.98K   12 downloads
Boot floor again has had many repairs for MOT but needs some more attention really.

Having read many of the re-build forums on here non of these problems are anything new and usually quite common repairs - just hope I can do them justice and give the car the treatment it deserves!

[joe90gt]

looks like a great project - good bedtime reading is lindsay porters mini diy resto, that'll give you something to think about, good luck and keep us posted

[Jase-the-ace]

I'm now back in the UK and eager to crack on with getting this project sorted. I've started the strip-down ready to begin on the body work. I've spent the last few months slowly stripping the engine bay down to get the engine out and make a start on the front panels. I need/want to replace the inner wings, outer wings, front panels and outer scuttle.

Not going bad so far - takes a lot longer than I ever plan for but I guess you can never rush these things. Only downside so far is that I've managed to shear one of the starter motor bolts in the casing so I'll have to sort that out once the engine is out.

I should be getting back on it again next week after a few weeks away. I've been busy ordering more supplies and getting some of the front end panels in from Minispares thanks to simon. Also been busy reading up on the guides from Mini Mag recently which spookerly have been covering all my up and coming jobs!

Will hopefully have some more updates again next week after the weekend and I'm keeping my fingers crossed I can get the gear linkage bolt out (unusually didn't want to budge a few weeks ago so its been coated in penetrating oil since to help loosen it).

Cheers for reading.

Attached Files

•  IMG_4557.JPG   2.18MB   1 downloads

[ToM 2012]

looks like a great project looks like you are just up the road from me to. and i can remember the first time getting gear linkage bolt out was a night mare i think you have to put it into 1st or reverse to get to it better cheers tom

[Jase-the-ace]

Thanks Tom, had read up about changing the gear which I think is for the pins but I'm actually having more trouble with the bolt above on the stabaliser bar. I had already asked the question on here and the replies I go were that its unusual so it either been damaged in the past or just seized up somehow. Anyway, going to give it a go next weekend - may even have to heat it up. Fingers crossed! I was driving me mad before but now I'm just puttiing it down as one of those "special relationship moments" you have with your mini throughout the rebuild. By the picture it looks like you're cracking on nicely with yours.

[ToM 2012]

cheers mate good luck with that bolt let us no how you get on

[Jase-the-ace]

Update time.....

Had the last few weekends working on the car and managed to make some more progress. Finally got the engine out and also managed to release the gearlink steady bar but I still cant understand why the bolt was seized (looks like there is a collar on the bolt which has seized around the bolt which initially stopped it from coming out of the casting). I managed to keep this attached as I removed the engine and after getting better access at it I was able to force things around to release it.
 IMG_4815.JPG   81.91K   0 downloads
 IMG_4829.JPG   69.17K   0 downloads

I am continuing now with the rest of the strip-down before starting on any body repairs. Almost there now, just a few more parts under the front wings to remove and the fuel tank/fuel lines to take out.

 IMG_4833.JPG   47.71K   0 downloads
 IMG_4912.JPG   60.08K   0 downloads
 IMG_4929.JPG   50.39K   0 downloads

I've also got some of the panels in ready including new inner wings, outer wings, front panel and lower screen panel. I've decided to replace the inner wings as the closing panel has gone (especially around the vents as normal) plus there a number of not so good MOT repairs at the front which show a cheap front panel replacement. I thought as I as I am there I may as well start with fresh metal all round.

 IMG_4910.JPG   69.13K   0 downloads
 IMG_4892.JPG   58.9K   1 downloads

Having now pretty much cleared the interior I have been studying the floors and sills but cant decide or figure out what or how much to repair and replace at the moment. Both front floors have gone in the frt corners, inner and outer sills are also not good after a cheap repair before + the pocket filler panels are shot in the rear compartments. I think for now I will concentrate on the front end and then slowly work backwards.

I want to get on with things in a few weeks and will popping along to Himley in 2 weeks in the other mini and more than likely fill it with more new parts for this one!