17 replies to this topic

[analogue_radio]

If done properly & thoroughly what's the lift expectancy on a freshly restored mini shell, as in, how long could it last before rust started to creep through?

Circumstances being the shell was kept in a dry garage, didn't see wet roads, the winter months or road salt..

5 years, 10 years, a lifetime?

[mini-luke]

I can't see why it can't last indefinetly

[Alex_B]

Look at original 60s minis that have been left in a barn for years they are generally better than mpis so it's down to how much effort is put in, I would have thought a shell that's been totally restored replacing anything that's rusty with new metal and then protected properly and looked after should last another 40-50 years

[JackF]

Surely it is completely down to the quality of the restoration...

[Carlos W]

Surely it is completely down to the quality of the restoration...

I agree, and the quality of after care!

Regular waxoyl, cleaning, stone chipping, keeping it aired and it should last a lifetime

[mercenary62]

yes i agree should last at least 40 to 50 yrs if pampered and keep on top of chips etc

[creakyjaws5533]

Mate of mini fix his it lasted 6 year before rust started peeping through not sure how it was looked after not brilliantly I don't think

[smev]

Mine was done 2000ish, body and underside is still clear, only a few spots on edges where paint has chipped and I think there's a little blister on a door but that's about it. I think it was stored dry for a few years before I got it but even with use I reckon it can go another decade at least.

[Old Bob]

Surely it's all down to storage conditions. Low humidity and there will never be any rust.

Bob

[jaydee]

Actually depends if theres any rust hidden on the inside

[Tamworthbay]

Chemical dip - repair - redip - hot galvanise - paint

Maybe not a lifetime but should last a very long time living how you suggest (dry so toured, no wet runs etc).

You don't see many rusty cars anymore, technology has really moved on in the last twenty years.

[Bungle]

i bought my 1990 rover cooper new 23 years ago

i rust proofed as much as i could when new (waxoly) but haven't done much to it since

it is garaged but it's been used what ever the weather and was my daily for about 12 years

fast forward to now, i have welded in a small patch in the rear valance about 3 years ago

it had 2 sills 4 years ago and the wing top is just starting to bubble

i don't think that's bad for a 23 year old car and i have seen rustier 10 year old fiestas

[rally515]

Got my subframes galved.....so.....

Edited by rally515, 24 April 2013 - 02:38 PM.

[Bungle]

was that hot dipped ?

[james962]

O/T how heavy Rally515?