15 replies to this topic

[MiniThirty89]

I have a 1993 Mini Cooper which is quite rusty, and I was wondering if anyone thinks it can be repaired?

 

Here is a picture of the car before:

 

The car doesn't seem to look that bad in the picture, however underneath was a different story. 

Due to electrical problems and burnt wires, the car is now off the road and I have had a chance to look at it properly. 

 

The car now:

 

So far the rust has been found on the floors, sills, door steps, A panels, boot floor, the boot, front wings, front panel, bonnet, scuttle, flitch, the doors, the bulkhead and probably many more places. 

 

The floor which someone has plated up, along with oversills fitted 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

There is also a hole in the N/S rear wheel arch:

 

and below that some more rust inside the rear bin:

 

The bulkhead is also a little bit rusty:

 

 

The scuttle was made of filler and mesh, so that needs replacing:

 

 

 

 

The drivers side fresh air vent was also a bit rusty:

 

 

Whilst the passengers vent looked a little better

 

Also the O/S rear quarter looks like it'll need a bit of work:

 

So, what are your thoughts? 

 

 

 

[JacckKirk]

Its saveable but would need a complete restoration project

[henri1972]

it can be done just be a bit of work look through some of the rebuilds on here to give you some idea

[Tomm]

Most certainly salvageable.

 

It depends how much time and money you want to invest, and what skills you have and if you are willing to learn and refine the skills you don't have but yes, you sure would be able to save that.

 

Have a look through the Projects section, some people have saved things that most would dismiss almost instantly.

 

It sure is possible to get that shell back to its former glory, probably even better!

[Colinmac1330]

Thats a minter! Seen an awful lot worse than that

[Tamworthbay]

It needs a lot of work but is a good starting place.

[HarrysMini]

That can easily be saved! My 93 Cooper shell was in pretty much the same condition as that. It has since been fully repaired and welded and is now in the spraybooth.

[minivanman1961]

PM Sent 

[Marco1972]

As others have said

Well worth saving I've seen much worse !!

[Hendred]

Just take your time planning where to go first, then concentrate on that area then move on and so on, I am doing exactly the same at the moment.  Quite downhearting to start with but enjoy it!

[1275GTS]

Definitely salvageable. My 93 spi was worse and I did all the welding etc myself. If you can do your own welding it won't be to expensive. I used pattern panels including a pattern scuttle and saved a fortune.

[skoughi]

Wish was as in as good a condition as yours! If you have your own garage and tools to do welding then no problems, just accept that it'll take a while!

[sonikk4]

There is a lot of work but very doable. You will have to seriously weight up your capabilities as to what you can do yourself certainly from a welding point of view.

[DiscoDarren]

It looks in slightly better shape than my 93 sprite. I would give it a go. But if you don't think you've got the skills, time or dedication to see it through to finish, then it might make more sense to sell it to someone that has. You could always put the money to an already restored one then.

I think now is the best time to get out if you don't think you can do it. Either way the mini gets saved and it's got to be better than rotting away as a half finished project. (Speaking from experience) 😃

Good luck for which ever path you choose

[se_juggles]

thats in good condition compares to most i've seen on here lol (mine included)