4 replies to this topic

[screech]

Hey guys. I thought it was about time I started a build thread.
I’ve been on TMF and playing with my Mini for around 14years, but not to this extent.


I've done a hell of a lot of work on it over the years, but it’s not needed any structural work... yet!

So recently I purchased this...



It’s a 1995 sprite 1275spi.
Apart from needing sills and the usual mini panels, everything looked straight and untouched.

It sat on the front drive for a few weeks, and every time I walked past it I looked at the sills, trying to make a plan, and it was decided that the best way to go about it would be with the subframe out.

So into the garage it went, and here we go!...


This is what I was faced with




Got the subframe out (the boot floor under the tank is another story!) and made up a dummy subframe. Initially so I could still jack it up onto a good angle for grinding/welding, but possibly for lining up any new mounts.


Off cane the outter sill, and I was pleasantly surprised. The front definitely seemed worse, with holes around the flitch panel and the first few inches of the inner sill.

I didn’t see the need to replace the whole inner sill for this. But I placed an M Machine order of:
Both inner sills to first groove
Both front half floors - unfortunately these will be magnum.
Both flitch repair panels

I will be ordering genuine outter sills.

So yesterday I decided to clean up all the areas ready for when the bits come.

Starting at the back, I ground back the surface rusty bits, and removed the rear slinging bracket, to be faced with this...





Damn it!
The heel board didn’t look too bad so I didn’t expect this



So done a bit more cutting to see what was going on...





It’s clear that all this needs replacing, so off came the frame, and on went a new disc in the grinder...




Im a bit peed off with myself to be honest, for placing my order before seeing this. So I now need a few more bits.

Not sure what the m machine close out panels are like, as I notice they are in 2 bits. I may just get genuine one, but it a fair bit more.
Their heel repairs I think are rated to be good and they’ve got the nuts and bracket attached, so I think I’ll go with them.
Not sure how quick they dispatch orders, but they might be able to add them on if I call them first thing tomorrow.

[screech]

Got most of the horrible closing plate cut out, but need to get a smaller tool to fit into the tighter gaps.



I’ve moved the stiffener out of the way for now, I think I’ll cut a replace a small section of it.

Also got the end of the heel board cut out of the way, will order both sides from m machine tomorrow and when they come I’ll know how much more I need to cut off

[minimissions]

Some nice work there of the typical mini areas of rot.. She will soon be solid again.

[screech]

While I wait for panels and bits to arrive, I’ve had a bit of a poke around up front.

The flitch needs a repair and The inner sill needs a fair bit cutting out.






The a post and hinge panel are going to need a bit of attention, but for now I want to get the floors and sills sorted so I can get it Road worthy.






I’ve made a plan for how much I’m going to replace.
Going to cut out to just after the cross member, and then just 6 inches at the back. The rest is solid, and I don’t really want to disturb the companion bin if I don’t need to, as I’ve already cut some of the rear quarter out to gain access.

The plan is to get the floors and sills done and get it Road worthy, and from there it’s going to be a rolling project.

[screech]

Panels are finally here!

It too impressed with the m machine ones as the flanges seem to be all over the place, and there’s random ripples in them, but I’m sure I’ll getvaround that





I can start glueing things back together now ?