24 replies to this topic

[Boycie]

Hi guys,

this was a car that has lived 5 miles from me since August 1971...
I remember seeing it about I think, although I can't be sure!

Anyway, the lady who owned it sadly passed away a few weeks back and the poor little Mini needed a new home.

It failed it's last MoT (5 years ago) and sat in the garage ever since.



It's totally original.

[RacingGreen]

looks like a really nice project mate, what have you got planned for it? What did it fail the mot on?

Love the clothes pegs on the choke though :tongue:

Mike

[Boycie]

As you can see... time has not been kind to it!!!

There is some proper corrosion to the NS front floorpan/inner sill, 'A' post -



This is the worst rust on the car.

It's seen plenty of welding in it's 35 years on our rubbish roads, in particular, some nasty over-sills, a big-ass patch in the boot and under the rear seat!!







Yup, it's bad. Certainly at the crossroads of it's life!! No way will it ever be a financially viable project... but I couldn't let it die.

[Boycie]

Not sure on my plans for it at the mo, Mike - all I knew is, I couldn't let it be scrapped... think there's too much for me here to be honest, I've been driving Mini's for 10 years, but never done this much welding!!



Got it running for the first time in 5 years yesterday. Runs near perfectly. Oh, and can you spot the part I had to buy to get it going?!?!? :grin:

Had good oil pressure at idle too -



I drove it too!!!!

Was a real experience... not pleasant either (no brakes)

Check out the papers I found in it! -

[Boycie]

In some places, it's actually 'ok' for a '71.

I think they must have been particularly bad in the early 70's because there's so few left, especially when you think of how many they were churning out.







The important areas like the roof seams/gutters and around the glass are all ok, which is a bonus!!

Lots of filler in the front wings, especially where they join the scuttle.

[Boycie]

Plughole of doom -



Lovely original plates - black and silver ones were 'old hat' by the time this car was built, even though people always fit them to pre '74's!!



So what do you think?!?!?

Mad project considering it's not a Cooper/GT?
Or worth doing because of it's scarcity and the fact it's tax exempt!

[minimanclive]

That's quite a find. What are your plans for it?

[RacingGreen]

Not sure on my plans for it at the mo, Mike - all I knew is, I couldn't let it be scrapped...

[Boycie]

That's quite a find. What are your plans for it?

I really don't know at the moment Clive!!

Well, I do.... I'd absolutley love to take it back to as it was when it rolled out of Longbridge's trouble gates in August 1971.

You know, correct sills, nice body etc etc!!
Then maybe a set of reverse rims and some proper brakes up front.

I think it would be a shame to bodge it up to be honest. The rot scares me though.

Typically, I was SO not looking for another project (new house, new job etc etc) but I suppose there's never a good time!!

[Cookie Monster]

Bit of a job on there, not be pessamistic but when you start stripping out for the repairs you are bound to find some more rot. Still at least the engine started LOL.

Hopw you find the time to get back to some semblense (sp) of order.

[Boycie]

Hi Cookie_Monster!!

Yeah, it's a massive project, a good few years away from a ticket... :sad:

Still, such is life.
Good to meet you!

[nick wilson]

thats some project u got, but it would be nice once its finished. :cool:

goodluck!!!


nick. :grin:

[liam_italian]

oh very cool, can i be cheeky and ask how much u paid for it?

[Purple Tom]

what a gorgeous little car

Don't be scared of the rust, it looks like it could be a lot worse.

The interior is nice, its not often you find a good early 70's motor like that.

I'd say its an investment really, depending on how you conduct the restoration.

Either way, when its done it'll be a joy, whatever your plans are for it! :grin:

[Boycie]

thanks guys, I just couldn't let it get taken away by Mr. scrap man, and chucked mercilessly into the crusher.

Liam - of course, £100.....

'84 - what appeals to me is it's vintage! My first car was a 1970 Mini 1000, which was identical to this but was in Aqua Blue (pea-green colour!) The same wheel trims, that fall off all the bl**dy time, the square badges on the 'A' panels and the remote gearchange.

Rust wise, I know it's 'do-able' but only just IMO. And I just know that those holes are gonna be 3 times the size when Mr. Grinder has a go....
I'm very worried about having nothing but fresh aire to weld onto....

ps - does anyone know the exact color? (yeah I know, WHITE!!!)
is there a colour code stamped anywhere?