17 replies to this topic

[Foxy Mini]

Ok, so here's the challenge...

I need an almost complete list of every part I'd need to build a brand new classic mini

If anybody can help I'd be grateful, as I'm sure there's plenty of things I'm forgetting!

[Jammy]

Down to what level of detail? Number of screws and bolts? Or just main components.

[Dan]

Why, it wouldn't be very legal on the road. It would have to pass an SVA test which a Mini pretty much can't do just because of its bodyshell.

These lists are called parts manuals and all of the Mini specialists sell their own version. The Rover parts list and manual is also available from BMH on their Mini Classic CD ROM.

Edited by Dan, 25 January 2006 - 09:40 PM.

[minislapper]

Plus you would need a massive amount of equipment. Jigs etc to keep the shell straight as you put it together. What a bizarre request. Be cheaper to buy a new shell !

[Dan]

Foxymini didn't say they wanted to build a shell from panels though, I was assuming they would buy a shell as a single part and buy the other parts to build it up. They haven't actually said they'd build it at all either just asked about a list. It is a strange request as you say.
Someone did ask if they could build a shell from panels a couple of weeks ago and we all said much the same as you did Minislapper.


It is very very expensive to buy the whole lot as a kit of parts, with all the nuts and bolts and screws and washers and everything.

Edited by Dan, 25 January 2006 - 09:47 PM.

[minislapper]

No they didn't specifically say they would be building a shell from panels. But surely it would have been worded slightly differently if they'd wanted to build up a new shell? That's how I read it anyway.

Still expensive to buy every part brand new to fit to a new shell though. Would be far more economical to buy a donor car.

Come on....shed some light on your post ! :tongue:

[Foxy Mini]

Why, it wouldn't be very legal on the road.  It would have to pass an SVA test which a Mini pretty much can't do just because of its bodyshell.

These lists are called parts manuals and all of the Mini specialists sell their own version.  The Rover parts list and manual is also available from BMH on their Mini Classic CD ROM.

Thanks for that post, was very helpful ta.

My other half is in the process of finding out the cost for him to build a new mini.
He is basically talking of buying a brand new shell from British Motor Heritage, and then using brand new parts to build a new mini.
At the moment we're just looking at the cost and how realistic it is. We have also discovered that for the car to be registered on new plate (e.g 06) then it can only have ONE re-conditioned part. And then obviously it will go through the SVA test.

Like I said, at the moment we're looking at cost and the laws which may prevent us from doing it. We know it won't be cheap, but we have access to equipment and knowledge that we'll need

[Jammy]

Best bet is to get a donor car and just reshell it, replacing and refurbishing and parts on the way.

[miniT]

I did this last year although i didn't need to reg it as new.......my rebuild included:

Shell from Moss, de-seam front and rear bumpers, paint by pro's, all new brakes, wiring, lighting, interior (inc dash,carpet,headliner,seats) this cost me around £8k this is without labour for all the putting together as my angel of a fiance did it for me at his garage. This is only approx as i didn't want to know the final amount!

The finished product is gorgeous.......and my man can stand back and proudly say he built it!!

[kada1980]

I put my westy throught a SVA a couple of years ago, and if the same rules apply to a mini then there is no way it would pass, the amount of edges you would have to radius is unreal, There are other ways around it, not entirely sure the dvla would agree that its legal but it can be done. You can re-shell a mini providing you use the existing components and sub frames, then when you have the new shell registured with the old one chassis plate you can change the other components, Its total possible and legal if done correctly, Its just the same as replacing parts as they wear out. It all depends on how much you want a new reg or not, Also consider the stringent emmisions test it would have to pass, and it would have to pass the same test for the rest of that cars life no matter what engine you put in. For example my westy is registered as a 2004 car but only has to pass emissions standards that were set in 1983(because of the age of the engine when i registered it), but i'm on a q plate which is a different ball game. Also keep checking the DVLA's website there are new proposals that they are considering to put in to place regarding changes and componets made to vehicles know as radically ultered that could effect what you want to do. It would be ideal if you could complete your project before this legislation takes effect.

Good luck whatever you decide.

Karl

[Mini Mad James]

Hi Foxy Mini

Glad to hear you are getting a proper mini

Good luck with it and if you get stuck with anything just post on here im sure someone will help

My poor mini is in the phoenix minis garage on foxhall road in ipswich at the moment because the diff broke and damaged the gearbox :nugget: they are very useful if something goes wrong with your mini.

Tell me when uve finished your mini and we can go cruising

[Guess-Works.com]

Just about everything for the classic mini is available new with one exception... The power unit..

As for the SVA, get the book ( 30 notesish from VOSA )

As for cost, you would rebuild an existing mini into a new shell for < 5k... buying new through will cost in excess of 10K I would imagine

Edited by GuessWorks, 26 January 2006 - 02:56 PM.

[Foxy Mini]

Hi Foxy Mini

Glad to hear you are getting a proper mini

Ahh shush, there aint nothing wrong with my Vinni :tongue: :tongue:

My other half has also got his eye on a clubby turbo estate on ebay too

Thanks to everyone for all your replies and help/suggestions so far. I'll show Brett tonight and see what he says. It's all dependant on his car selling for a good price first, then we'll go from there.

Gonna be one hell of a project if we do it though! :grin:

[Jammy]

Ahh shush, there aint nothing wrong with my Vinni :tongue: :tongue:

Is that the German way of pronouncing BINI? :tongue:

[miniboo]

is that Mighty mini'S yellow clubby estate turbo by any chance?