120 replies to this topic

[jagman.2003]

Good to see another MK3 being restored. Looks pretty sound. Generally the earlier the car the better quality metal to begin with. The front subframe should be ok. I've never seen a rotten one yet. The mini's natural ability to spray oil all over the front of the car goes along way to saving it. The front subframe you have should be the twin bolt variety which are getting a rarer these days. Great progress so far. Good luck.

[K-FMF]

what did you use to get the paint and stuff off the inside of the boot lid? as done the outside but the inside is proving to be a pain???and very nice project matey

[vincent300]

what did you use to get the paint and stuff off the inside of the boot lid? as done the outside but the inside is proving to be a pain???and very nice project matey

Thanks, same thing I used to do the outside, wire wheel drill bit. Does take some time, but its worth it hope that helped.

[vincent300]

woops

Edited by vincent300, 16 April 2011 - 07:42 PM.

[vincent300]

Well didn't really get too much done today, just felt like doing odd bits here and there, also went through a load of stuff that came off the car. Turns out the rear seats are in really good nick. When I took them off the car they looked a wreck, but in actual fact they were just extremely dirty, polished them up and they look almost new. Love finding gems like that (can't say the same for the front seats tho)







Also, the fans not too bad either.



Here are a few of the parts I have been working on.



I have been working on the airconditioning unit and the radiator inside is rusted to hell, anyone know where I can get a replacemnt one? ty. Gonna attack the rear subframe tomoz and see what I am left with.

[vincent300]

Ok so I managed to remove the rear subframe, only to reveal more rust, its pretty bad.









Indside the boot





More bad parts







Who ever tried to repair this before did a horrible job...



bootiful





So much rust, at least it was a nice day.

[olds_kool_lews]

looking good mate! dont give up on it!

[sonikk4]

I've seen worse but that floor pan is a cracker.

If you can afford it go for the complete boot floor and heelboard replacement, there is no point in trying to plate or repair it. It will take a while but it's all very doable.

The subframe it toast so a good second hand one will do the job or a new one. If you are going to Himley next month then you may pick one up there as there are always a few bargains to be had.

[mk1leg]

Thats some project you've undertaken and looks like your making a great job..keep it up...............

[tedmcedd]

looking good! front subframes never seem to rust, too much oil of the engine! lol

the rear seats look great! brown ftw!!

keep it up!

Ed

[vincent300]

Thanks for the support and advice guys, much appreciated

managed to get it up on some "jury rigged" trestles before I left, sturdy as tho

[vincent300]

Few more parts done.





Just ordered a bunch of body parts for the car, and I will be getting the welder pretty soon aswell. Gotta learn welding sometime...

[vincent300]

So, I finally managed to remove the driveshafts and completely separate the engine from the subframe, woop woop. Just the matter of lifting and moving the engine over the subframe.











this is the orginal colour of the engine, I think



gonna attack the front subrame tommorow, and maybe attempt to take apart the engine, which is pretty daunting for me, ya know being a noob and all

[Boycie]

Keep going, you're doing great!!!
The engine would have originally been black, which is correct for a 1973 A-series, the waterpump pulley is sometimes yellow like the fan. Can't quite make it out but that may be a yellow A+ engine, fitted from 1983ish.

For inspiration, this is how it should look on your year!!!! -



Doesn't make much difference though, unless you're going for originality- did the engine run ok?

Edited by Boycie, 25 April 2011 - 07:44 AM.

[vincent300]

Keep going, you're doing great!!!
The engine would have originally been black, which is correct for a 1973 A-series, the waterpump pulley is sometimes yellow like the fan. Can't quite make it out but that may be a yellow A+ engine, fitted from 1983ish.

For inspiration, this is how it should look on your year!!!! -



Doesn't make much difference though, unless you're going for originality- did the engine run ok?

yeah I was planning to go for originality. I could never get the engine started, but it did turn over and the previous owner said he had it running for a time. So hopefully an engine rebuild will sort it out. Just hope I don't run into any nasty or expensive problems Also If I could get my engine to look anywhere near as nice as that, lets just say, it would be awesome. Also, also after scrubbing away some of the grime I found that the engine was yellow underneath.

Edited by vincent300, 25 April 2011 - 08:43 AM.