I will reunite with my '79 Mini 1000 in 3 weeks when I drive down to Georgia and pick my Mini up from my father's garage where it has been resting up for 2 years.

I have owned the car for about 4 years and body wise for a Mini it is in decent shape. It is a RHD with 30,000 original miles and I have all the records which indicate it was not driven much over the last 10-12 years. The original MOT records indicate what rust repair has been performed and they are the general problem spots. For the most part the body is solid, however I am looking to take it down to the shell and have someone fix any issues and get it repainted.

I also plan to have the engine cleaned up and checked out. Unfortunately during its visit to Georgia and while out for a monthly run around the neighborhood the oil pressure went to zero and it left an oil streak down my father's driveway and down the street. The oil shows normal level, but my father has no idea where the leak came from. It had been fine prior to that point in time.

If there is anyone in the Detroit area (I am in Lake Orion - near Auburn Hills) that can recommend a body/paint shop or someone that does this kind of work I would be appreciative. Likewise, I would like to find a shop that works on British cars to have the engine evaluated, cleaned, and painted.

I am not looking to create a "show car", but I want to keep the car for along time and want it to look good. At this time, I am thinking of keeping the car stock.

Thanks for any help!!

 

i offer all those services but i'm in florida, but you should be able to take it to any repretable body shop and have the work done

 

Ever thought about relocating? Its too humid down there in FL - you would like Michigan - in the summer

My mother-in-law is in Ormond Beach and we are driving there for Christmas. Not sure if my wife would be to excited about have in Mini engine in tow!

 

Keith Irtenkauf is a user (not drugs but NAM) around here and is from Detroit. He's quite involved in the area so I'd bet he'd be a good person to ask. His user name is his actual name so perhaps search for him and send a private message through our host.

Best wishes...