10 replies to this topic

[peter-b]

Well I've got the heading out of the way. It's probably been done a million times before but I'm only slightly retro'ing my Rover mini. I'm after the "there goes a Cooper S" reaction, not making an actual clone. What I  started with was 2 Japanese spec rovers, imported here from Japan by a local company. I have stripped both down to bare shells to use the best pieces for the project. I have fitted a new old style rear panel, Aussie cooper S flares and removed the bonnet lip to use the early grille kit. I did have a zillion picture of it up to now but a really nice person sent me a computor bug that locked up all my picture files. The story therefore starts in the middle with a couple of pictures of the body in the spray booth after it's paint job. I opted for a non mini red which actually comes out on our locally made Holden cars, it's called 'red hot', this I thought apropriate for a red hot mini. I did actually find a picture of it on my phone, it shows it on my 'semi rotisorie'  

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•  Photo00302.jpg   24.18K   46 downloads
•  Photo00322.jpg   29.51K   26 downloads
•  mini reference 023.JPG   84.89K   41 downloads

[peter-b]

I have since found another picture pre body straightening

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•  Photo0041.jpg   99.73K   43 downloads

[peter-b]

Got a bit more done on rear subframe.

 

 

 

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•  mini 010.JPG   78.31K   11 downloads

[peter-b]

I made myself the little tool to put them pesky wheel cylinder clips on. I did have problems with wheel bearings, I know they should spin freely with nut tight but after 2 attempts at removing, rechecking and refitting they just would fit without bearing binding with nut tight so I opted for the 'run it loose and recheck' idea.

 

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•  mini 014.JPG   42.53K   19 downloads
•  mini 016.JPG   52.69K   5 downloads
•  mini 019.JPG   56.56K   6 downloads

[peter-b]

I got new cables from Minispares but the spring retainers don't have the lip to hold them into brakets, I'll have to McGiver something up tomorrow. I just cleaned up engine and fitted a few new bits, hoses, different thermostat cover, ally rocker cover etc. It's only done 70,000klms so it's still good for a bit longer.........I hope.

 

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•  mini 018.JPG   44.17K   5 downloads
•  mini 011.JPG   73.15K   24 downloads
•  mini 012.JPG   73.27K   9 downloads

[domdee]

like the wheel arches on the red shell! subtle but very striking

[peter-b]

The flares aren't complete in the body pictures. I'm not sure of UK mini's but Australian Cooper S cars had little pieces welded to body and the plastic bit is held on by the side mouldings.

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•  mk2 cooper S.jpg   72.7K   11 downloads
•  flares.jpg   23.37K   7 downloads

Edited by peter-b, 07 August 2013 - 07:34 AM.

[peter-b]

Got a bit more done. Just trying to sort out wiring, I was trying to move the ECU to the inside but might have to can that idea, put it in the 'too hard basket'.

 

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•  mini 10112013 021.JPG   81.6K   9 downloads
•  mini 10112013 022.JPG   96.83K   6 downloads
•  mini 10112013 024.JPG   103.42K   8 downloads

[peter-b]

Decided to do away with the inline glass fuses and fitted these blade fuse boxes. Also fitted blade fuse holders to the lights fuses, and because they're stuck up behind dash board, I used plug in auto reset circuit breakers.

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•  mini 10112013 025.JPG   84.08K   3 downloads
•  mini 10112013 026.JPG   35.13K   3 downloads

[peter-b]

Got the Aussie mini boot lid and early tail lights.

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•  mini 10112013 023.JPG   61.09K   11 downloads

[jpw1275]

Very nice indeed and those arches look wicked......;0)

Cheers james