18 replies to this topic

[carbon.theory]

(as it sat the day I bought it)

 

Hello TMF,

I bought my van back in 2009 and it was a very clean, fairly rust free mini van (it had been a new zealand mini). I drove it as it was for close to a year before I started having issues with the engine and eventually I had to take it off the road for a refresh of the mechanicals. Along the way there have been quite a few changes to the aesthetics of the mini, I'll try to catch you up. As for the mechanical refresh... I stripped it down to a bare shell and began refurbishing parts, then came the next mini project, and then another mini, and eventually the van ended up getting put on the shelf (literally) for a couple years. Finally I had time to dedicate to the van, we pulled it off the shelf and I did a full mechanical refurbish. Every nut and bolt was renewed and the engine was rebuilt (1293 w/ swiftune sw5 cam, 1.5 rockers, swiftune adjustable simplex, AE hi comp pistons). At this time I opted for the 7.5 disc brake conversion, gaz adjustable shocks, new steering rack, new hif44, super cool 2 core rad. Its now back on the road and I've been slowly adding carbon fiber parts from Carbon Weezel. 

 

Carbon parts list:

Front bumper

rear bumperettes

bonnet 

fuel filler neck

steering column surround

sun visor

headlight rings

speedo pod

radiator bracket

APR mirrors

 

 

I lucked out and found a set of 10" weller racing wheels at a garage sale. I had them powder coated black and wrapped them in sticky yokos. 

 

 

 

There is more carbon goodness to come. 

 

 

 

[minimissions]

Awesome looking little van you have there and a very unique look to :) love the little carbon bits....

[nezbit]

what were those mirrors like to fit? and where did they come from?

 

looks amazing already LOVE IT! 

[carbon.theory]

what were those mirrors like to fit? and where did they come from?

 

looks amazing already LOVE IT! 

 

I purchased them from APR. I'm not sure if they are readily available in the UK. https://www.goapr.com

 

They were a bit tricky as the window slider rail is directly behind the hardware, made it tough to get the nut on the bolt. Really wasn't too bad though and they actually work as mirrors, unlike the wing mirrors I had previously. 

[carbon.theory]

Awesome looking little van you have there and a very unique look to :) love the little carbon bits....

 

Thanks for the kind words, Ben at Carbon Weezel does amazing work! Can't get enough of his carbon.

[carbon.theory]

Played around a bit with the my brothers vinyl cutter. I wanted to do something a little different with the headlights, I've always liked the black x's on the race cars, so this was my play on that.

 

 

 

Tried to photograph the carbon sun visor, its a bit tough to get a good angle without all reflections, and there is too much snow piled up in front of the garage to get it out in the sun...

 

[minimissions]

Wicked do love it when people just do their own thing on their cars, new ideas keeps things looking fresh :)

[GT Jimmy]

Nice van, made the same year as me but in better condition

[carbon.theory]

Wicked do love it when people just do their own thing on their cars, new ideas keeps things looking fresh :)

 
I like that the car can be a sort of creative outlet for me! It always keeps me thinking about what's next!
 

Nice van, made the same year as me but in better condition

The little van has aged well!

[minimissions]

This is what all cars should be like :) keep the pics coming!

[Vinay-RS]

Awesome van, with some neat carbon mods. Looks very cool. 

[domdee]

thats 1 sexy van

[carbon.theory]

Thanks everyone for the kind words. 

 

I've been working on a project making small carbon bits for my mini.  All cnc machined from flat carbon sheet.

[carbon.theory]

the custom switch panel I designed for my mini, I have relocated the choke pull to another carbon plate that mounts under the dash. I have been trying to keep the interior very clean and minimalistic, Ben at Carbon Weezel made the carbon single speedo pod and he is currently making a small 52mm gauge pod that will mount under the dash out of sight. Hopefully it all comes together nicely for a simple and clean look.

[minimissions]

Like that switch panel... Nice and low key.. It will be a carbon monster this van soon