2 replies to this topic

[GlynC]

Hi all
First proper post!
Finally after a months of looking at rot boxes I have managed to find a good project mini. I was trying to get the best body but eventually had to compromise. Even the ones I saw that had been restored were not good!!
Anyway "She" we have to think of a name, is a 1990 Mayfair 998cc
She is actually in good nick having been owned by two older lady drivers and I have every MOT and Invoice for servicing and a fully stamped booked!! over her 47,000 miles.
Mechanically she is like new and very nice and tight to drive.
But she does need some bodywork, usual rusty bits. Driver side seems to be the worse. Bubbling by the headlight side. Top and scuttle is A1 perfect. The A panels have been "half" replaced at some stage. It seems just the lower section of the A panel has been replaced on each side? They are now bubbling further up around the folded seam, near the door edge . So I would like to replace both of them and the o/s front wing.
Then the next bit is the drivers door. This had had some work on the lower section but it looks like filler to me. Not sure whats easier here replace the door with a decent 2nd hand one or try to re-skin it? It also has bubbles just below the window about an inch or so from the edge? I think that will be holed when cleaned off. Passenger door is A1 !!
So, whats the best book to but which goes through some of these things to give me a some ideas lads. I have my own Mig and gear in the garage and am not afraid of welding the grinder having just restored a 1975 Triumph Stag !!
She is a very solid car otherwise the floors are like new the boot looks like it came out of the showroom as does the boot lid. It's had new outter full sills which seems very good still, and the rear valance is a brand new panel. Inner wings look fine (so far) as does the front panel work, just the odd scabby bit of surface rust. The roofs fine painted white but needs re doing so I'll probably paint the whole car once I have the panels sorted.
Looking forward to sharing my exploits with you all over the coming months.
Cheers Glyn

[gretzky38]

Hi Glyn

Welcome!

I bought the two Haynes books - the Mini Restoration Manual and the Mini Renovation Manual. The restoration one covers a lot of the work in-depth however seems to lean more towards the Mk1/external hinges models. That said, it has a lot of excellent information and advice that you will find useful.

The Renovation Manual focuses on Minis built as Rover Minis and will therefore apply to the car you have. It not only covers bodywork (albeit to a lesser degree than the other one) but also mechanical renovations too. Personally, I see no harm in having both as you will get invaluable advice and tips from them.

Paul

[GlynC]

Cheers Paul
I have a Normal Haynes Mini repair and have ordered the restoration one from Amazon so I'll have a good read of that.
Just been going over the car today and please to say nothing more so far, Although I know this will change as bits come off !!
So it looks like a front o/s wing two A panels and then what to do with the driver door. I do favour getting my hands on another. But the frame does look ok so far. I suppose I could always take the skin off and then decide when I know what the edges are like.
I'll be back woth more questions and photos of progress. Any help oitfalls and pointers much appreciated
Cheers
Glyn