104 replies to this topic

[Andy autogass]

Hi all, just thought some of you might find this interesting. This project started back in January with the purchase of a domino premier plus shell.  DSC01306.JPG   2.55MB   58 downloads

I've not done anything to the shell but i've been busy with all parts for the subframes, all parts have been blasted and i've had the subframes galvanised  DSC01609.JPG   2.61MB   64 downloads

All parts have painted.
 DSC01651.JPG   2.69MB   31 downloads

And this is how far i've got with the help of my mate Si
 DSC01925.JPG   2.16MB   91 downloads

Edited by Andy autogass, 13 April 2008 - 12:14 PM.

[Turbo Tom]

Looking good mate, what have you got planned for it?

[Andy autogass]

Hi, this is what I would like it to look like, heres a photo shopped picture my mate done for me.
 shorty_cabrio_cream2.jpg   84.81K   182 downloads

Going to use a 998 motor, as its only going to be a fun car.

Cheers Andy.

[minibazzer]

Just thought that I would add to my mates post here....

I am building a 1972 Mini but will be using a Heritage Shell which is due for delivery in October. Meanwhile we are building subframes for both of them. Things have been going nicely recently until this weekend when we started building the first front subframe (Andy's) using all the new bits that we have bought from Mini Spares and Moss. It quickly became apparent that the paint had not "stuck" very well to the galvanise and therefore starting coming off very easily. Further investigation this week found that no matter how well prepared the galvanise surface is, paint will not stick.

So I decided to take a trip around the Inter-Web, searching for topics on painting galvanise. The only results that came back all talked about Powder Coating. It seems that mild steel will last in excess of 50 years if it is galvanised and then powder coated. 50 YEARS!! So the next thing was to find someone who would be able to take on such a challenge, as it is not as simple as just powder coating normal mild steel. HAG Powder Coating in Bristol have stepped up to the challenge and have accepted the job. So they're off to them next week!

[Andy autogass]

6 months = one rolling Domino.........

oh yes, it's been six months since my mate bazzer and i started the challenging task of rebuilding two Mini's; which hasnt been without it's highs and lows - the swearing, the scuffed knuckles and the damaged ego. we had started with great plans, including fully detailed build plans but as per anything Mini-related nothing worked out to plan.

needless to say, after six months we have two galvanised, powder-coated subframes, completely built up with all the suspension and brake components and fitted into the Domino shell. my mate has taken some pictures to share with all you folks, so here goes......











let us know what you think!!

[Tomf]

Looks very nice, where did you find the domino shell? id love a domino shell, but id modify it a bit...

Good luck with the rest of the project.

[Andy autogass]

we found the shell as an unfinished/barely started project on ebay. it was a day trip down to the new forest to get the shell, but well worth it....

there are modifications planned - including standard mini rear lights - however this will all become apparent to everyone as the project evolves....

[Tomf]

Yea that would be one of the main modifications i would make to the shell

Yea i imagine it would be well worth the trip, ill be keeping my eyes out for either one of these or a minus

[Down&Out]

ahh you should use it everyday, it being fibreglass you wouldnt have to worry about replacing panels ever again

[Joloke08]

It quickly became apparent that the paint had not "stuck" very well to the galvanise and therefore starting coming off very easily. Further investigation this week found that no matter how well prepared the galvanise surface is, paint will not stick.

Just wondering though i dont doubt it i wonder how car munufacturers who galvanise whole shells get their paint to stick?

Im not sure who does n who doesnt galvanise their cars thesedays but i know porsche were one of the first,i have a sneaking susspicion that audis and vw,s are galvanised too?

ive got a vdub its been chipped but never rusted?

How much does it cost to get a couple of mini subframes galvinised?and what about powdercoating costs?

Ive toyed with the theory of getting a whole mini shell galvinsed = no rust ever?

But if it cant be sprayed afterwards theres no point.

Cant what to see the domino finised looks like its gonna be a sweetie

Huggz
Jodie

Edited by Joloke08, 22 June 2008 - 10:32 AM.

[mk1leg]

Hi..Andy your Photoshoped Domino mini has a Guernsey reg no are you based in Guernsey then if so hello fellow Islander.................. ....looks like a nice project

[Andy autogass]

Hi no im not from Guernsey im from Bristol found a picture on the internet and my mate Si changed the colour and a few other things, just to get an idea of what mine would look like. Mine should be in paint in the next 6 weeks.

[minibazzer]

I have posted this in the Technical and Problems section, but thought I would add it to this post too...

We are having another dialemma... Andy and I are trying to fit the steering column and have found that no holes are provided for the mounting of the bracket to the lower dash rail. Obviously we could just try and "eye it up" but it would be good to get an idea from someone with a normal mini as to what the dimensions are...

The dimension that we would specifically like is a measurement taken from the centre of the switch panel (above the heater) to the centre of the steering column. As far as we can figure out, these should be the same between the Domino and standard Mini...

Can anyone help us??

Cheers, Simon

[JetBLICK]

I'm sure someone will measure it for you, but have you thought about maybe moving the column? Seeing as you dont have the bracket there, and a minis 'wheel isnt actually in the middle of where you sit, it would be a good opportunity to fit it so that the wheel is in the middle of your seating position?

[minibazzer]

that's not such a bad idea, although we do have the opportunity of putting the seats where we want as there are no holes provided for mounting the seats in the car. the other thing is that we dont actually have the seats that are going to go in the domino yet - another decision to be made!!!