102 replies to this topic

[Down&Out]

sounds good. that bootlid looks messy

[dan_w]

A little bit of an update from last weekend (its been a busy week at work so only just updated)

I have made a start on the body work now. It’s not going to badly seeing it is the first time I have attempted any form of real body work except the brutal work I use to do on my 4x4.

Any way I have made good progress on filling the redundant wiper holes, and other unused holes on the body work I have also managed to fill some of the gaps and holes I want to hide on the upper dash rail as I plan to have these on show.





Hopefully later today I will have time to give everything a real good sand down and a skim of filler and primer to finish off.

I have also finished removing the badge from the bonnet early in the week, which I am really pleased with. I have made a start cutting and test fitting my new bonnet pins yesterday but didn’t get a chance to get any pics. (will update early next week with pics) They are looking good but I have a real hard time deciding what way to position the top pins I finally decided to have then vertically and running parallel with the edges of the bonnet.





I have started the mammoth task of fixing the boot. But what a job this is going to be I have shaped the fibreglass to the recess and filled a number of holes and indents but if you look at the picture below you can see how uneven the surface is.



I have since manages to fill the holes a bit better and apply a thin coat of filler to the really indented areas. Today I plan to have a good sand back with a guide coat to see how its looking. I think this boot is either going to look amazing once finished or look like a bag of s**t . I’m sure after many hours of sanding and shaping I will get a better result, but I just don’t know if it is worth all the time and effort.

I would love to have something different and original but I would prefer to have something that is good quality and that may mean just buying a replacement boot. Well only time will tell.

[dan_w]

Finally on Saturday I think I had my first full day working on the Mini (tell a lie I think it was only around 4 hours) But I managed to get a fair amount done any way. Continued with the filling and sanding and more filling and sanding and guess what more filling and sanding.

The boot is coming along nicely but still needs a lot of work. I’m starting to get the shape right but the more I look at it the more lumps and bumps I find. I am starting to feel a lot more positive about this not though. Especially as I don’t remember seeing a single mini at the Gaydon show with this sort of boot






I managed to apply a second coat of filler to the problem areas around the scuttle panel, on the dash rails and where the wing mirrors once where. Again this is coming along nicely but loads more work to go. It is amazing how smooth everything looks until you put down a layer of primer and all the lumps and bumps jump out and smack you round the face. Any way im starting to get the hand of it all now.









The previous owner seemed a little angle grinder happy as I seem to find loads of little scuffs all over the body. Just more little jobs to add to the list.

The most time consuming part of my day was fitting the bonnet pins, lots of cutting and checking, adjusting and refitting but I got there in the end. They are a little tight to when putting the bonnet on but I am sure a can modify this once everything is finally fitted tightly. I just need to tidy up the new corner plates and give them a lick of primer.







At the Gaydon Mini show I also managed to upset the other half and buy a load of parts for the mini. Got myself a new grill, centre Speedo, overtaking mirrors (to replace originals), new lip for the bonnet, Headlights and most importantly Mini Sport suspension setup. Its gona be a long time until this is fitted but buying it at the show must have saved me a boom of delivery (that’s what I told her anyway)












Let the sanding continue…

[jordie 08]

were u not trying to sell this on ebay,lookin good tho

[dan_w]

Hi Jordie 08. Nope not me. I brought it from ebay a few months ago and it was on there a couple of times before i brought it, hopefully that is when you saw it.

[dan_w]

Just a quick update on the last 2 weeks work.

I have spent most of the time working on the body work. filling where needed and trying to get a good finish when sanding. I cant really be bothered with uploading pics as we have all seen a car being sanded.

I did however manage to paint the pertol tank and front brake calipers.





I also spend a few hours of free time at work working out the wiring on the 2 dials i have. I think i have everything worked out from the old 3 dial dash to the new centre dash. Just need to start conecting everything up and checking once i get a bit more time.

I need to find a few more things i can take to work and do when it is quiet.

[Mini-Mad-Craig]

Anything else done buddy, looks like anice project, makes me miss my piccle

[dan_w]

Im afraid not Craig.

Got a bit more filling done on Monday but things seem to have slowed down alot recently, just dont seem to be able to find the time. I need some time off work I think

Will be going to The Sothern Mini Show on Saturday so fingers crossed wil be able to pick up a few bits i need.

[Mini-Mad-Craig]

Cool! I'll Be there aswell Matey! hopefully see you there!?. You going in a mini or another daily driver.?

Edited by Mini-Mad-Craig, 31 July 2008 - 11:59 AM.

[dan_w]

I had a bit of a chance to work out some more of the wiring etc on my centre dial last night at work. But nothing more to update.

Craig unfortunatly this is my only Mini so will just be taking the Saab. Will you have your mini there? If so what does it look like, I will keep an eye out.

[Mini-Mad-Craig]

Nah i had an 86 piccadilly, but sold it because the boot had terminal unfixable rust, and a mousey ate through my wiring loom. But hoping to get a mayfair or somthing soon. Yours is coming on nicely! will hopefully see you at SMD!

[octagonalpaul]

a good project there, looks like its coming along well

I noticed the adjusta rides say extra low, are they different from the other adjusta rides? I looked on the minisport site and couldn't find any extra low ones!
just wondering if they're all like that on the box or its a different type

[Mini-Mad-Craig]

Might just be like an advertising thing to say there cut above the rest or somthing mate?

[dan_w]

Just like craig said i think it could be just an advertising thing. They are just the standard ones MiniSport sell.

Cant just wait to get them fitted but im a long way from there.

[Mini-Mad-Craig]

I love the eyelids, really suit your mini as it is, Looks like its alive lol.