16 replies to this topic

[redhot-mini]

hi guys just wonted to run it past you all
iv got my mini on the road and planing on re shelling it to a beta shell. the shell has nothing on it and i wonted to no if there is any tips on what parts to move first and if there is any problems 2 look out for when re connecting and fitting it all and if any one has done it how long did it take you ?

[Bungle]

what's a beta shell ?

i'm guessing it's a fibreglass replacement so what you are doing is building a kit car

[panelbeaterpeter]

If you have to ask this question, doing a shell swap is almost definitely beyond your skill level. Reshelling is basically a full rebuild. Parts will break, need replacing, it's a very involved and often costly process and if you're not very skilled and confident with mechanics and auto electrics, get someone else to do it.

[onefastmoke]

I think he might mean a "better" shell, in which case unless its a new heritage shell you will not be able to keep the identity of the car

[panelbeaterpeter]

I think Bumgle was being sarcastic.

[Cooperman]

I think he might mean a "better" shell, in which case unless its a new heritage shell you will not be able to keep the identity of the car

Well, you won't be able to if you talk about it on here, that's for sure.
However, if you don't talk about it and transfer everything to make it 'as original' ...........say no more.......................!

[onefastmoke]

I think he might mean a "better" shell, in which case unless its a new heritage shell you will not be able to keep the identity of the car

Well, you won't be able to if you talk about it on here, that's for sure.
However, if you don't talk about it and transfer everything to make it 'as original' ...........say no more.......................!

lol, worded excellently

[redhot-mini]

no i have a v5 with the shell and i am very capable of changing it all over but i did not no if there was any tips on refitting like doing wiring loom first then brake an fuel lines subframes and engine ect something like that, cant be that hard now i fink about it but i will be posting soon if i get stuck...

[Bungle]

I think Bumgle was being sarcastic.

no just dumb, i thought it was a replacement fibreglass shell

if your using a second hand shell just use the new shells identity or is it a stolen shell with no id ?

[Cooperman]

I normally do:

Steering rack
Wiring loom
Brake pipes
Fuel lines
Battery cable
Assembled sub-frames, front & rear c/w suspension and dampers and hubs/brakes
Steering arms to rack
Lighting system
Wiper motor and rack
Petrol tank
Instruments & dash
Doors
Engine and gearbox, inc clutch.
Brake servo
Bumpers & trim
Headlining
Glass
Interior trim
Wheels & tyres

Of course, you complete the little bits as you go along and Waxoyl the detail parts during assembly.
This is just a general overview. One day someone is going to write this up in great detail (don't look at me!).

[onefastmoke]

just make sure you lable everything as you remove it and put all screws, bolts etc into bags and either lable or tape the bag to the component as the first things you take off will be the last things you fit so it can be easy to forget where things are from. also take plenty of pictures during your strip down as theres nothing better than a visual aid

[midridge2]

the normal way in a bodyshop for doing a reshell is the last parts off go on the new shell first.

[dame]

I think Bumgle was being sarcastic.

dont mean to rude but i dont agree entirely here, yes, old nut or bolts can shear etc but not always and replacing them isnt especialy costly, i rolled my race car a few years ago, and reshelled the lot, on my own having never done anything like it before including wiring loom complete which i was dreading,
good advice from mini mad, label LAbel LABEL!! ice cream tubs and marge tubs are a god send but write clearly whats what where it goes and take pics and little videos to help with the rebuild.

[mab01uk]

Mini Re-shell:
http://www.miniregis...shellPart1.html

[blackbelt1990]

whatever comes off first... usually goes on last...