114 replies to this topic

[guywithvan]

let me introduce you to my mate frank


currently he is a pretty standard 1987 mini mayfair 998 auto with slow near dead engine

this is most recent pic i have,i have done a few bits to him since april 08 when i got him, mainly general maintanence just to keep him on the road.

since then i have had many ideas as what to do with him constantly changing each month on reading the newest issue of a mini mag,or dribbling over peoples projects on here .

but now i think my mind is finally made up!,the mot is due end of november which hopefully he will pass which is when most of the work will start to happen.


Im going to keep this pretty basic as to what im actually going to do with FRK but general bit's like bodywork and interior styling wheels ect i will post details of,engine bay will remain TOP SECRET till the end!.

edit for a few more pics of FRK

Edited by Jordie, 21 November 2009 - 10:10 AM.
title edited as requested

[guywithvan]

BODY

-gunmetal grey/gloss black roof

-2 piece removable f/g front from abs *awaiting delivery*
-f/g bonnet "s" type with no lip *awaiting delivery*
-f/g bootlid
-c/f roof exposed weave
-miglia arches *ordered*
-mk1 grill
-smoothed rear
-6 point cage


minimal panel replacement-maximum metal removal

-repair dent in rear valence/boot hinge panel
-cut back rear seat base to within 50mm of rear subframe mounting panel
-cut out rear storage bins/ash tray
-tubb rear arches
-staighten out dented front footwells
-plate fresh air vent holes
-remove front end including inner wings back to cross member/damper mounts
-replace a panels + added bracing for removable front
-baulkhead modifications
-treatment of suface rust where needed
-fit c/f roof skin(exposed weave)
-fit 6 point cage
-fit miglia arches for (wheels tba)

Edited by guywithvan, 09 December 2008 - 11:57 PM.

[Tomf]

Sounds nice out of interest where are you planning on getting some fiberglass door skins?

[Ethel]

Good luck with your transformation. Why not leave the MoT 'til he's ready to scorch tarmac again? (I also trust some RHD wiper arms will be on the shopping list)

[guywithvan]

Sounds nice out of interest where are you planning on getting some fiberglass door skins?

im sure i have seen them somewhere and added to "my favorites" i will check and let you know

[guywithvan]

Good luck with your transformation. Why not leave the MoT 'til he's ready to scorch tarmac again? (I also trust some RHD wiper arms will be on the shopping list)

im going to try and keep FRK on the road whilst work is carried out as he is my only means of transport,i get a lift to work most days,but i will still need to use him occasionally. yes the wipers do "yellow human water" me off but they work and will do for now! oh and the odd overiders have since been removed it did have one at the front and one at the rear on opposite corners,what went through the previous owners mind i dont know!lol

[Tomf]

Sounds nice out of interest where are you planning on getting some fiberglass door skins?

im sure i have seen them somewhere and added to "my favorites" i will check and let you know

Cheers

[Jimmy Hat]

(I also trust some RHD wiper arms will be on the shopping list)

And another overrider...

Oops didnt read last post..

Edited by Jimmy Hat, 03 October 2008 - 09:50 PM.

[guywithvan]

it's nearly mot time ,i really want to get the engine out and change it over to manual "998 tempoary" as the auto lump is starting to drive me crazy but doing this makes me car less!!,so im going to buy myself a cheap little run around in the form of a fiesta ghia giving me more time to work on FRK and not rush things.

this month's to do list

-get spare 998 out of storage
-go through shed of mini parts and source bits i need!

the 998 is partly stripped but in good condition i have a re-con unleaded head waiting to go on so all i need for it is a quick service and maybe a lick of paint to make it look good.

plans are

-remove exsiting engine/subby
-clean/paint engine bay

-re build spare subby using parts off existing
-service 998 and paint

-re-fit new engine and subby
-book mot

all seems simple enough but im sure i'll face pleanty of problems along the way

[Mini-Mad-Craig]

Have i seen this car up by asda? yes, yes i have

nice Project

[guywithvan]

Have i seen this car up by asda? yes, yes i have

nice Project

have you been following me around? "creepy craig" ,i presume you live near the garage with garfield on?

[miniallsort]

looks good mate

[guywithvan]

quick update:

FRK has run out of mot!,but i have myself a fiesta as a daily driver now(a sub £500 motor now with full mot/6mnths tax )so the mini is on the drive awaiting it's engine change.

to make things a little easier i made a quick purchase on "abs motorsport's" site as it's vat free day plus tmf discount i made a great saving on some bits!!

-2 piece f/g front
-"s" type single skin bonnet with no lip for the above
-brace bars

it's going to make me a bit more work but will have it's advantages in the future

-less weight
-easier access
-no rust
-easier engine change

i dont have a engine hoist/pit,and i dont really fancy lifting the shell so i thought f**k it i'll cut it all off!,work begins next weekend .


also i will be going to pick up a rear cage with fixed diagonal next week if all goes well,lets get this project moving eh!

[guywithvan]

right i have ordered a few bit,regardless of the fact im about to get laid off work on friday so im going to have a week free before xmas which i think i'll spend working on frk....about time!


i need to get a few bits together and im hoping that i dont find too much rust once i cut the front end off,i'll think for the worst and prepare myself.should really get my hands on a mig as i normally use the one at my mums(130 miles away )just something cheap and chearfull prob gasless as im outside.

i think whilst the front is off it might be worth me giving it a lick of paint in the engine bay/baulkhead might just do it in chassis black or stonechip as im not after a show car just a drivers one .im going to swap all my running gear over to my spare manual subby then get it bolted back in replacing any worn items where needed(thinking of mot time here).

luckily i have lots of spare(new parts) which im stealing from my 81 van so should be able to get it all sorted without spending too much.

DAY 1 will start on monday so get ready for some action