5 replies to this topic

[Spencer1969]

Hi All.

Hope you’ve had a good week and enjoying Friday night. I have a project that I’m just about to start and happy to hear your opinions on it.

I’ve always loved Mini’s and I’m going to start a project soon on a mini that I’ve had in storage for about 20 years. Now I’m not very mechanically minded, so although I’m happy to tackle the smaller elements, the larger items - bodywork / engine etc - I’ll need an expert to undertake these

My plan is to strip the car and then send the bodywork off to be repaired. Firstly who would you guys recommend and secondly how far do I need to strip it? I assume once I’ve decided who to send it to, they’ll let me know how far to strip it, for example leave as a running shell, or competently strip and strap it to a panel for transportation.

Once bodywork is done, I’ll then send the engine off for treatment. Again who would you recommend and how far do I strip it down? Probably, again, this will depend of who I send it too.

Any other top tips out there?

Excited to be starting this after such a long wait.

[absx2]

Hi there, I`m guessing there is sentimental value to this car or maybe it`s a rare model ?

 

It would be beneficial to show pictures or at least tell us what age and model it is to help you with opinions.

 

You not being mechanically minded is a bit of a worry but if you managed to complete your goal you certainly would be at the end of it.

 

I really hate to put a damper on things but I would always recommend anyone to just buy the best condition mini they can and just enjoy it as restorations that are passed on to third parties are very very expensive and quite often second rate causing a lot of heartache.

 

On the other hand if you have the time, space and fancy some evening classes it can be fun and rewarding, I took 8 years to do a clubman Estate and it was in excellent condition to start with. I just did a bit now and then when I felt like it and I had no deadlines in place.

I eventually sold it in better than brand new condition for about the same price as it cost me and I worked in a body shop and build my own engines !

[eric67]

I can recommend Mill Road garage on the Isle of Wight. Ben is a wizard with bodywork and also has contacts for engine building if required so could no doubt do as much of your project as needed.

Edited by eric67, Today, 09:40 AM.

[Spencer1969]

Hi there, I`m guessing there is sentimental value to this car or maybe it`s a rare model ?

It would be beneficial to show pictures or at least tell us what age and model it is to help you with opinions.

You not being mechanically minded is a bit of a worry but if you managed to complete your goal you certainly would be at the end of it.

I really hate to put a damper on things but I would always recommend anyone to just buy the best condition mini they can and just enjoy it as restorations that are passed on to third parties are very very expensive and quite often second rate causing a lot of heartache.

On the other hand if you have the time, space and fancy some evening classes it can be fun and rewarding, I took 8 years to do a clubman Estate and it was in excellent condition to start with. I just did a bit now and then when I felt like it and I had no deadlines in place.
I eventually sold it in better than brand new condition for about the same price as it cost me and I worked in a body shop and build my own engines !

Thank you for your response and the words of encouragement .

I’m doing it for me, not to ever sell it, so I’m sure it’ll take time, but I’m fine with that.

Edited by Spencer1969, Today, 02:06 PM.

[Spencer1969]

I can recommend Mill Road garage on the Isle of Wight. Ben is a wizard with bodywork and also has contacts for engine building if required so could no doubt do as much of your project as needed.

Thank you for your response.

[cal844]

Things get very expensive very quickly for engine and respray work, especially if you go into panel fitting and rotten floors etc.

Have a word with a paint shop and engine builder about showing you the ropes on how it's done, as thier apprentice so to speak.

I'm in the trade as a preper, I get my vehicles done how the painter wants them, he double checks my work, even after me doing my job for 25 years

Edited by cal844, Today, 10:00 PM.