36 replies to this topic

[SamFoster]

Hi all.

 

This may be a long shot, but would anyone be able to come with me to look at a mini I have bid on, on eBay? I live in Kent, and the mini is in Snodland (about 20 minutes from me). I'd of course be happy to pick you up from where ever you live and drive us there, I just have no idea what I should be looking for as I know there can be many bodges and cover ups people try to get away with.

 

This is the link of the mini in question..

 

http://www.ebay.co.u...sd=252292048323

 

 

I'm currently the highest bidder but of course I do not know what they have set the reserve to. 

 

I appreciate any help.

 

Many thanks

 

Sam

[Pingu]

Hi Sam. When you thinking of going? You in FB? If so join SELKent mini club as I'm sure there a lot that can give you pointers.

Victoria

[dyshipfakta]

Despite all the detail that add is garbage and about half way down they admit Fixed holes with proper reinforced mesh. Basically admitting bodging holes with fibreglass. Add to that the owner seems to have no clue about the car really. Personally wouldn't touch it unless v cheap.

[Cooperman]

The photos are not detailed enough to be sure, but it looks as though the front panel is very corroded adjacent to the bumper flange and the bottom of the driver's door also looks a bit 'iffy'.

You do need a thorough rust inspection from someone who knows exactly where to look, especially the sills and inside the rear glove boxes. The lower screen panel needs close inspection for any rust/filler as this is especially expensive to repair.

In fact, just look everywhere for rust bubbles as they indicate lots of new panels and much welding. It seems likely that there will be some panel replacement required and if you can do the welding yourself it does not present much of a problem. However, if you can't then you need to allow a lot of money to get this done if there is much rust present.

Be careful and come back on here with any further questions. Classic Minis are old, go rusty and are very expensive if you can't DIY, or at least most of it.

We are all here to help.

[Carlos W]

When do you want to go?

[alex-95]

carlos w may be able to help.        EDIT as above

 

Looks a bit rusty as cooper man says, front panel, bonnet looks a bit bent on the side, probably cracked and rusty on the front. around the scuttle looks a bit rusty. Has the wings to front panel join been filtered over or is it the light?

Edited by alex-95, 19 February 2016 - 01:01 PM.

[Carlos W]

They're VERY poor photos.

 

That's the problem with compact cameras, it's metering for the bright surroundings and not the dark car.

[SamFoster]

.

Edited by SamFoster, 19 February 2016 - 01:07 PM.

[Cooperman]

Personally I would pay up to £1000 for that car. That would allow for major structural work including all the inevitable new panels, welding and a re-spray.

It is not an ultra-rare model, or a more desirable one like a Cooper so even when restored it will not have a high value and the much altered interior might devalue it a bit as well. All that is assuming you can do the welding and any mechanical work yourself together with basic preparation for the re-spray. The re-spray itself should cost in the region of £1000.

Yes, I missed mentioning it, but the rh side of the bonnet is kinked which often indicates a crack or split in the flange at the edge. This should be repairable with a bit of welding.

[SamFoster]

Hi Sam. When you thinking of going? You in FB? If so join SELKent mini club as I'm sure there a lot that can give you pointers.

Victoria

 

Just joined it thanks Victoria, when I finally get my mini it will be nice to go to some local events.

 

When do you want to go?

. I was thinking maybe this weekend if the seller is okay with it, as I work till 5 mon-fri so by then its dark and makes it much harder to see.

 

Just looking for a clean base example which I can add to over time. Welding is not something I have ever tried so would have to be out sourced. I can do bits and pieces like general servicing, and will read up on how to do other things. 

 

Thanks for all the replies everyone, I really do appreciate it!

[Carlos W]

 

Hi Sam. When you thinking of going? You in FB? If so join SELKent mini club as I'm sure there a lot that can give you pointers.

Victoria

 

Just joined it thanks Victoria, when I finally get my mini it will be nice to go to some local events.

 

When do you want to go?

. I was thinking maybe this weekend if the seller is okay with it, as I work till 5 mon-fri so by then its dark and makes it much harder to see.

 

Just looking for a clean base example which I can add to over time. Welding is not something I have ever tried so would have to be out sourced. I can do bits and pieces like general servicing, and will read up on how to do other things. 

 

Thanks for all the replies everyone, I really do appreciate it!

 

I'll speak to the boss when she gets home from work to see what we have planned Sunday morning.

 

Where do you live?

[SamFoster]

Personally I would pay up to £1000 for that car. That would allow for major structural work including all the inevitable new panels, welding and a re-spray.

It is not an ultra-rare model, or a more desirable one like a Cooper so even when restored it will not have a high value and the much altered interior might devalue it a bit as well. All that is assuming you can do the welding and any mechanical work yourself together with basic preparation for the re-spray. The re-spray itself should cost in the region of £1000.

Yes, I missed mentioning it, but the rh side of the bonnet is kinked which often indicates a crack or split in the flange at the edge. This should be repairable with a bit of welding.

 

Thanks for that Cooperman, That's all I was thinking of paying to be honest. I thought the bonnet looked a bit crooked. Generally i'm looking for a mini that will need a re spray and a few other bits, but mechanically and structurally sound so that I could just drive it around for a while and once the weather gets a bit better and my VFR 400 is restored (should be by April) the mini could then go in for its small restoration. 

[Cooperman]

If you can't do the welding which WILL need to be done, allow around £1500 for welding, plus, say, £400 for new panels and £1000 for painting. Then add something for mechanical work as there is always something needed for MoT., etc.

[Carlos W]

If you can't do the welding LEARN

 

Sorted that for you Peter

[SamFoster]

 

 

Hi Sam. When you thinking of going? You in FB? If so join SELKent mini club as I'm sure there a lot that can give you pointers.

Victoria

 

Just joined it thanks Victoria, when I finally get my mini it will be nice to go to some local events.

 

When do you want to go?

. I was thinking maybe this weekend if the seller is okay with it, as I work till 5 mon-fri so by then its dark and makes it much harder to see.

 

Just looking for a clean base example which I can add to over time. Welding is not something I have ever tried so would have to be out sourced. I can do bits and pieces like general servicing, and will read up on how to do other things. 

 

Thanks for all the replies everyone, I really do appreciate it!

 

I'll speak to the boss when she gets home from work to see what we have planned Sunday morning.

 

Where do you live?

 

 

Okay, i'm in Tonbridge. Would you like my number as Once i leave work at 5pm today I won't be on here?