33 replies to this topic

[miniweights]

Hi everyone, I thought it was about time I should start a project thread on Arkie, my 1971 Mini 1000.

I've had him since 2009, and replaced the following panels: Front panel, bonnet, front wings and full inner wings, scuttle and closing panels, both doors, front floor panels, outer sills, boot, rear valance and closing panels. Also replaced some rust with some fresh steel on the doorsteps, boot floor, roof, both shocker mounts, and probably somewhere else I've forgot about.

This is when the paint was finished, and ready to take him off the spit frame


Off the spit frame with petrol tank and pump fitted







Lines fitted inside






High level brake light, boot straps, and glass fitted at the back



It feels great actually fitting parts at last

[rally515]

Looking good mr weights ;)

oh got to ask..............how much does it weigh ?

[Minimadgaz1964]

I like the look of this, keep us posted

[miniweights]

Looking good mr weights ;)

oh got to ask..............how much does it weigh ?

Lol, it's currently 269.937 kg

[craig 1010cc]

Nice to see a mk3 still in a mk3 shell :)

What lump is going in it?

[miniweights]

<sup>Hi Craig, well spotted, it is the original shell. I also have the original receipt from when it was sold new back in 1971.

I'm going to put the original 998cc engine back in until I have rebuilt a 1275 Metro block I have. I've got an MG Metro head to go on it, lightened flywheel, also duplex timing gear set, and a Swiftune SW05-07 cam kit. I wanted a fairly mild cam because I plan to do some Autosolo's before I do any rallies. Anything wilder wouldn't really suit Autosolo's, and I also want it to be traffic friendly. I firmly believe in reliability before power, especially when it comes to rallying. Though I have only rallied Mk1 Escorts, so front wheel drive will be a whole new ball game to me. I haven't driven a mini in over twenty years</sup>

Edited by miniweights, 04 April 2013 - 11:48 AM.

[miniweights]

Front grille is finished now



Lost some weight by swapping the steel back with alloy. Also wanted the slats black, so covered them with vinyl just in case I change my mind, but could only find some with a carbon fibre effect, not sure I like it though.

[miniweights]

Been doing some creative work as I haven't been able to find a dash suitable for my needs. Basically I want all switches in reach when strapped in with a harness on, also within reach of the passenger too. So I thought I would try making one. The plan is to make a prototype in what ever I have hanging around, and then make a mould of it and reproduce it in fibreglass, or maybe carbonfibre. Well, that's the theory

I want to have four gauges in the middle at the top, so got some inspiration from the old Mk2 Cortina GT dash, so got to it and starting getting that style.









Fitted gearbox to get an accurate idea of where the gear lever would be



Linkage will be internal



Shape finished



Covered with filler



Sanded and now almost ready for paint

[jackx998]

Great looking project buddy, nice to know there`s more mini`s down this neck of the woods.

[steven]

great project, dash looks sweet

[miniweights]

Cheers chaps

jackx998, hoping to have it on the road within the next couple of months.

Steven, had a change of mind to the front part of the dash, so will post some pics later.


Tony

[miniweights]

Change of mind with the design of centre section. Decided to make it different and detachable so chopped it off.



Back to filling and sanding

[miniweights]

Refilled and rubbed down

[F1L8EY]

VIVA LA KERNOW!!!

where abouts are you ??

loving the custom dash... what other plans do you have for this one ??

[miniweights]

Lol, I'm in Redruth buddy, where are you? The plan is to prepare the car to enable me to enter autosolos, road, and stage rallying, so need to find the back seat, door cards, and roof lining etc