36 replies to this topic

[iMurray]

i'd say standar spec too :) because its so old... it'll be valued higher then too :) but then again, like everyone already said, its your car.

[rally515]

+3 on the above.

[ClubbyAsh]

Hi and welcome to TMF, good to see more youngsters joining! What a lovely car you have, i'm personally all for originality but it's your car and noone on here can tell you what you can or can't do, although you will be able to recieve a lot of help from these guys on here! Enjoy your build and i look forward to keeping up with it!

[miniyellowmini]

Nice project you have there I'm another one for keeping it standard spec.

[petechap]

keep it standard it will be worth soo much more, but i really am into the idea of bringing the black down to the bottoms of the windows, similar to the idea of the one steve mcqueen had

[Dec Young]

Thanks artful dodger! Why is it rare please get back to me!

[Dec Young]

Thanks everyone :) quick question, how many minis were made before 1961? I'm incredibly surprised at the large amount of interest in my little old thing, I'll do my upmost to keep everyone informed on my progress!

[Artful Dodger]

Because its a fairly early mk1 deluxe!! Looks to be in quite good condition as well:P

Best of luck, take your time! Don't rush to get it done for your 17th etc personally I'd get a rubbish old Clio or something as a first car but and I started mine at 15, still at it 3 years later!!!

A good amount, but there is very little left. They were first made in mid 1959, and hardly any of them survive. This is about as good as it gets for most mini owners, and you have jumped right in at the top of the pile of mini awesomeness! Only thing that could be better was if it was a mk1 cooper S!!

Edited by Artful Dodger, 21 February 2013 - 11:23 PM.

[Dec Young]

Hmm il definitely consider, and will I be able to keep my original registration plate? I would love too!

[Artful Dodger]

If you have any chassis numbers, engine numbers, V5 (ownership) documents then yes.

Only snag could be if it was ever registered as scrap, or it has no numbers, documentation etc like My mk2...

Chassis numbers are found on the slam panel, ( where the bonnet catch is) or near the radiator. Engine numbers are on a lip top right of the block. Can be seen of looking down at the engine

Edited by Artful Dodger, 21 February 2013 - 11:27 PM.

[iMurray]

minis were slow to start off... less than 20,000 in there first year, and they do enjoy rusting, so consider your '61 pretty damn early... not the earliest... but he's 52 years old! thats old school! so keep the little man standard. and take your time... dont rush if you have the oppurtunity than yes, buy a car like said clio to drive around in, because the little mini will be wrth a ton more when its finished to a good standard :)

[mab01uk]

Also with such an early Mini you should take a look around the Mk1 Performance website and forum:
http://mk1-performan...k/mk1_index.htm

Also for details of the really early 1959 models take a look here:
http://1959miniregister.com/

Good luck.

[Dec Young]

Hey guys, update is not much has happened, my minilite wheels were scuffed and painted with an aerosol so they didn't look so good :/ so I've had them blasted, primed and re painted in a lovely silver

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[Dec Young]

Quick update, my wheels are finished and look perfect! Anyone one know where I can find some Minilite centre caps for 10x5 wheels?

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[Artful Dodger]

Looks good!

I bet there are a good few people who will not want you to put them on, but so do it, that's going to look rad! Subtle mods will be so nice!

Are you going for an original colour scheme?

And for the centre caps, I'm sure if you contact mini-lite they will send you some. But I run my wheels without centre caps, they look better! Just remember to grease up the castle nut on the front and the cap at the back! Stop I going rusty

Also, you staying with drums on the front? If you are thinking about it put the 7.5 inch disc brakes on it. Much better and far superior to drums.