17 replies to this topic

[Rusty1182]

Hi All

just looking for peoples thoughts on restoring vs modified mini's

do restored ones bring a higher resale valur vs a slighty modified one.

in terms of modified im thinking light engine tuning, aftermarket alloys, non standsrd paint.

the reason i ask is because i have just bought my new project after not having a mini for 6 years.

its a 1979 austin 1000
and has been stored for 2 years in a garage so needs a little work and having the coversils removed next month.

the engine has been changed to a 1275 metro. and aftermarket alloys.

im not sure if i should continue down the aftermarket modified route. or try and restore to factory but keep the 1275.

all thoughts much appreciated

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[Homersimpson]

Personally with that age of mini I wouldn't mind a few mods such as alloys, better brakes and a bigger engine but I would stick to a standard colour.  If you don't like the Java Green then there are other nice late 1970's colours (not brown

[Rusty1182]

im happy with the java green. i was looking at getting a re-spray but with a black roof and keeping black bumpers.

as the factory interior thats stripy brown. i was just going to do black on black for everything.

original thoughts where bespoke distressed brown leather. but that might cost too much

Edited by Rusty1182, 08 August 2017 - 10:32 PM.

[Norfolk Boy]

Maybe have the roof wrapped black so removable on selling on if new owner prefers all green. Ps gotta love 70's colours! Re interior keep the original seats and fit what you prefer, plenty of secondhand seats about.

[minidaves]

Standard always fetches more cash than badly modified, interiors are the first thing that can devalue a car.

[greenmini1275]

Especially with late 70s/early 80s Minis, too many have been modified beyond recognition. Original cars will always fetch more money. Brakes, suspension and Engine, you can get away with updating/modifying, but if you change the interior, keep the old interior in storage and swap back when it comes to sale. This could be said about any mod, keep original parts and change back for sale.

[Rusty1182]

Does anyone know where I could find a replacement original interior

It's got the brown stripy seats but very badly worn

Does anyone make new covers for them

[Midas Mk1]

End of the day, whats more important, in terms of value?

 

Money at the end of it, or the enjoyment of making your car, exactly how you want, and having the fun and joy of driving something you like?

 

 

Cant' take it with you, so enjoy it , how you want to. 

[Northernpower]

It depends on how long you intend to keep it for and what motivates you. If you're a show and shine guy then original. If you want to enjoy it on the road then spend your money on the things you like. If you've seen them on other Mini's put a couple of posts on here asking for photo's of other members Mini's showing the mods you are thinking of putting on yours. If you're not sure on colour there are members who will Photoshop it for you.

[nicklouse]

do restored ones bring a higher resale valur vs a slighty modified one.

 

you have bought the wrong car if you are thinking resale value already.

 

Fix it use it enjoy it.

[Cooperman]

The key to modifying classic cars is to keep the modifications to 'period mods'. That gives a lot of scope whilst keeping the iconic status and hence the value.

 

Period mods for the classic Mini include alloy Minilite or Dunlop D1 wheels, a 1275 engine, better induction & exhaust systems, better seats, different body colours, extra instruments (e,g rev counter), a set of spot/driving lights, twin tanks (if the original only had a 5.5 gallon tank), disc brakes (7.5" if you have 10" wheels) and other parts available at the time the car was built.

 

Those improvements will not de-value the car and may increase its desirability in the market place should you sell it. 

[Rusty1182]

The key to modifying classic cars is to keep the modifications to 'period mods'. That gives a lot of scope whilst keeping the iconic status and hence the value.

 

Period mods for the classic Mini include alloy Minilite or Dunlop D1 wheels, a 1275 engine, better induction & exhaust systems, better seats, different body colours, extra instruments (e,g rev counter), a set of spot/driving lights, twin tanks (if the original only had a 5.5 gallon tank), disc brakes (7.5" if you have 10" wheels) and other parts available at the time the car was built.

 

Those improvements will not de-value the car and may increase its desirability in the market place should you sell it. 

 

Now that's a good answer.   

I have yet to drive my mini as I purchased without a MOT and its now in the garage getting a little hole welded and servicing the sticky rear drums.
Once it's road legal I'm having my local mini restoration garage remove the oversills and fit the correct ones.

the rest of the bodywork is very solid for a 79 mini.

is there a good place that i can find information on period modifications as i was thinking of fitting 10" weller wheels but not sure if they are of that period.

[megamini_jb]

I love Java Green. Don't think I've seen one in person though

Do whatever you want to do to it, enjoy :)

Edited by megamini_jb, 09 August 2017 - 10:11 AM.

[nicklouse]

 

Once it's road legal I'm having my local mini restoration garage remove the oversills and fit the correct ones.

 

I see a problem here.

 

this car is going to cost you a lot of money.

[Rusty1182]

possibly but no point spending money on a engine or interior if there is welding to be done