758 replies to this topic

[floormanager]

<script type='text/javascript' src='https://www.theminif...wfqfvFjVTIYVA=='></script>

 

The Mini had a good run out to Beaulieu where I purchased a new steering wheel and front mats, I then went on to the Isle of Wight for a week, while there I popped in to see Ben to arrange for some work to be done later on in the year, the car has however developed a creak from the front suspension (front knuckle joints ?) and an exhaust blow as a result of going over a very high speed hump.

https://imgur.com/a/aKw7Va3

Didn't see you.  I did the same Beaulieu and IOW

[JXC Mini GT]

Thought I would change the carb float and needle valve to a Minispares ethanol resistant stay up float, I also gave the underside a good clean and noticed that there are a few areas where the paint needs some attention, the car is booked in with Ben in September so I have just treated the areas with hammerite kurust until then.

 

https://imgur.com/a/WDsb68O

 

https://imgur.com/a/paint-loss-J7fcw1g

Edited by JXC Mini GT, 25 July 2025 - 06:21 PM.

[GT Jimmy]

I hope you've got a loyalty card with Ben haha

Good work on the carb

[JXC Mini GT]

I have been getting the Mini ready for its trip to the isle of Wight Mini run and after that a trip to Ben's for some minor paint repairs, I have tried a different wax (Turtle Wax Ceramic + Graphene paste) on the roof and am very pleased with the results

 

https://imgur.com/a/5mgLDUN

 

[JXC Mini GT]

After attending the West Country Mini day on the Isle of Wight, I took the Mini to Ben for some paint repairs to the bonnet, seam trims, sills and a couple of marks around the windscreen, Ben as always did a great job on the paintwork, he also injected some wax into the sills, repaired the brake light switch and adjusted the O/S lower ball joint which it failed its MOT on.

 

Here's a couple of photos:

 

 

 

 

 

[eric67]

It was good to see you again and I thought your car looked immaculate at the West Country Mini day even before its latest trip to Mill Road garage so must be concours condition now!

[JXC Mini GT]

It was good to see you again and I thought your car looked immaculate at the West Country Mini day even before its latest trip to Mill Road garage so must be concours condition now!

The main reason for taking it to Ben was for the bonnet repair, when previous work had been carried out we couldn't find a new bonnet that was a good fit or undamaged, so Ben repaired the old one and after carrying out the recent work said that it may need replacing. 

 

It was good to see you and your stunning Mini you have done a great job in restoring it, the show was well attended and it was good to see all the Minis driving around the island.

[JXC Mini GT]

Replaced both screen fillets as the old ones were looking dull and tired, even though i had the right tool I still ended up with numb fingers afterwards, my next aim is to replace the current wheels and tyres as Ben had to install loads of balance weights on them which is a concern.

 

https://ibb.co/Mk3HcsFD

https://ibb.co/gMYwDP8n

[sonscar]

Try moving the tyres on the rim,though balancing is getting expensive.Steve..

[Rubbershorts]

https://youtu.be/Ctg...BCLKqjVc38Agg9O

As per Steve's suggestion.

[floormanager]

Replaced both screen fillets as the old ones were looking dull and tired, even though i had the right tool I still ended up with numb fingers afterwards, my next aim is to replace the current wheels and tyres as Ben had to install loads of balance weights on them which is a concern.

 

https://ibb.co/Mk3HcsFD

https://ibb.co/gMYwDP8n

Just trying to fit the window seal finisher strips to mine, that go over the join in the window seal filler.  How the hell did you get yours in?

[JXC Mini GT]

 

Replaced both screen fillets as the old ones were looking dull and tired, even though i had the right tool I still ended up with numb fingers afterwards, my next aim is to replace the current wheels and tyres as Ben had to install loads of balance weights on them which is a concern.

 

https://ibb.co/Mk3HcsFD

https://ibb.co/gMYwDP8n

Just trying to fit the window seal finisher strips to mine, that go over the join in the window seal filler.  How the hell did you get yours in?

 

I purchased the covers from Minispares but they didn't match the profile of the fillet and needed a bit of bending after which they fitted nicely, good luck.

[JXC Mini GT]

So after having the wheel damaged when having tyres fitted a few months ago, the repair looked ok initially but has now had cracks appear in the laquer, I went to a local wheel refurb company and asked about the cost of refurbing 1 wheel, they quoted me £96 a wheel, so I tried purchasing a new Ultralite wheel @ £75 but they would not sell just 1, I have therefore had to strip the laquer off the wheel and repolish and laquer the wheel, not a brilliant job but it will do for now.

 

https://ibb.co/1Yhht7Xz

Edited by JXC Mini GT, 15 November 2025 - 05:56 PM.

[JXC Mini GT]

On washing the Mini I noticed what appeared to be a bubble in the paintwork on the passenger door about 30mm up from the lower edge, after removing the door card I could not see or access the area from the inside, so a 100mm hole was drilled in the door, this revealed a small area along the seam and door drain that looked discoloured, the rest of the doors internals looked good and were covered in wax. I have coated the inside of the door with hammerite  kurust (which turns black when dry), and will then prime the area before painting and covering with wax. It looks like another trip to see Ben to sort out the external paint is on the cards.

 

 

 

 

Edited by JXC Mini GT, 28 January 2026 - 04:58 PM.

[JXC Mini GT]

The Mini has been with Ben for a few days to sort out a paint issue on the rear quarter, on investigation it was an area that had not been bare metal resprayed and had several layers of paint which it seems had some reaction after a number of years, Ben has taken the area back to bare metal, he also looked into the rust bubble that had appeared on the passenger door, the door was replaced in 2019 after some accident damage, on stripping the paint off a hole was discovered, Ben cut the rust out and welded in a new piece of metal, the door and rear panel have been resprayed and new GT stripes have been applied, and the inside of the door has been coated in wax. Ben has done a Great job as always