127 replies to this topic

[LukeH]

Some of you may have already seen a couple of pictures of my new Mini in the General Mini Chat section but I thought I would create a proper project post to keep you all up to date on what I'm doing to it.

The Car:

1979 Austin/Morris Mini 1000 picked up eBay with 12 months MOT & 6 Months Tax. It's already had a few things done to it such as, one piece fibreglass flip-front, 10" Minator alloys, few bits of chrome here and there and some metro seats (I think). Farily standard apart from that!

Well I have about 2 sides of A4 of ideas for the project including engine swap, re-spray and a general theme that I want to try and stick to.....retro!

The Starting point:

By the way, I will be trying to keep a fairly detailed build diary on my website Retromini.co.uk if you want to check that out.

Luke.

Edited by LukeH, 30 August 2020 - 07:10 PM.

[Bean]

looks like a great starting point! and retro is aaaallways good!

look forward to seeing more!

[Bungle]

good luck

[LukeH]

First mods I did today, nothing major but makes an improvment to appearance all the same.

Changed number plate position from:



I made some brackets to lower the plate below the bumper when fitted



Finished look

[LukeH]

looks like a great starting point! and retro is aaaallways good!

look forward to seeing more!

Agreed, retro can never fail (I hope)

good luck

thanks, I think I'll need it and plenty of cash too!

[mini_toaster]

good luck with it mate

[LukeH]

good luck with it mate

Cheers.

I've just noticed in your profile that you are from Wigston, Leicester that's where I grew up!

Luke.

[miniman92]

Nice mini mate, keep us posted. Retro is definately the way to go

[LukeH]

Right a little update for you all......but I must say first that it's been freezing cold this weekend working on the car and that's even inside my garage (think I need to get a gas heater for the garage)

Anyway, I removed the rear seat on Saturday and tidied the electrics up. They were in a right mess, splices everywhere and random wires just hanging. I used a "tone genertor" to trace the wires, which is an excellent tool, quite expensive but I borrowed it from work

I started restoring my 10" Mamba wheels today....

Before;



After;



I'm quite pleased with the condition of the wheels and can't wait to get them on the car, but I think I'll wait until I've done some of the body mods before fitting them.

Edited by LukeH, 09 December 2007 - 06:19 PM.

[Southy]

Nice looking car fella and those wheels look mint keep up the good work

[LukeH]

I bought a couple of gadgets for the project from good old eBay.



I don't imagine there will be that many 27 years old Mini's with flip-out keys! I won't be fitting this for a while though as I have a much greater idea for the ignition that involves....



It might not be to eveyone's liking but I've got an idea that involves fitting an ignition switch in the centre switch panel (like the MK1's used to have) and then locating the push button starter where the ignition is at the mo.

As for the flip-out key kit, it is to replace the rubbish cnetral locking kit that is already fitted. It works but the key fobs are cheap and only one of the two work, so if I loose it, I'll have a problem!

Other things to do include;

Sort the electrics out - replace speaker cable that is being used as igniton live for electronic ignition!!!

Sort rough engine out to tie me over until I rip it out and fit a 1275.

Luke.

[LukeH]

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Edited by LukeH, 30 August 2020 - 07:11 PM.

[clubby]

hye lukeh ~!

nice mini

mm is it your mini is Mk1 based on front grill... very classic... keep going mate ~!

[LukeH]

I've been spending more money on eBay and have just picked these up;







The Plan is to convert the flip-front to the "american style" so that it flips like this;



It will take a bit of trial and error to fit but I figure that they will hopefully be a good cost effective allternative to importing the american kit.

Watch this space.....

Oh and I'm off on a welding course in a few weeks, so that I can hopefully turn my hand to most jobs.

Luke.

[LukeH]

Update for those who are interested.

I'm picking a 1275 GT engine up this sunday but that's not all.......I'm picking a 1275 Rio engine up during next week!

The plan is to rip-out the current 998 (that's got worn piston rings) install one of the 1275's and then strip down and tweak the other 1275. I already have twin carbs to go on one of them but I'm not entirely sure what I'll do, perhaps 1293 supercharged, any ideas??

I'll post some pics of the engines when I get them.

oh, and I will getting some carbon fibre Group 2 arches made to order in the next month or so.

Luke.