Hi, I am new sign up to NAM, but its been a nice source of great info. I figure It may be better to join the community. This is the 3rd try at a mini, might need some moral support

My original plan was to use the old shell as a donor for what I have, but when I started getting to it, everything is actually very solid. Sure the floor is gone, but No real rust around the windows and seams. Surface only. Also, every panel seems to be original. the engine and wheels seem to be original as well. I dated the car using the manufacturer glass codes and unique details(brass hinges,lage footwells, single floor pressing,small back window, rivet wheels)

Now I am torn. Motor heritage is researching the build based on the info I provided, so no certificate yet.

Eventhough early, this is a US import, and they don't seem to be as sought after. So, a full resto might not be worth it

I am leaning on a light restoration: sandblast/ patch up and enjoy and later might be a good resto candidate.

I was also contemplating selling off the glass/wheels/engine/gearbox to someone that needs period replacements. As I have a good drivetrain from amy last project gone bad

All suggestions would be very much appreciated. Also, if anyone has questions for me, I might be able to help.

BTW:Pulling this over the mountains into georgia may have killed the ranger(last pic), as the transmission went kaput today

 

Nice pics. Welcome. Cant wait for the build thread.

 

you have your work cut out .....but do not take it away from original......

 

 

I hear the Riveted Wheels might not be a good Idea. I think what I do will depend on what Motor Heritage Says. Plus I want a driver, and it would be a shame to mess up the original glass. I think my next step either way is the media blasters!

 

Only your first pic shows for me......

 

Im having issues with photobucket being slow. will attempt posting again

 

Original 1960 floor pan:

 

 

 

Nice ! I think that tire had better days

 

yes, that was 30 miles into my journey home. When this happened I had over 300 miles to go. I was basically dragging this thing up the appalacian mountains. Lucky I brought all 4 tires from my last mini and had 2 left.

 

Good thing it was not on some very nice Minilites .

 

Wow............................that's a project!


Hope you keep this thread updated with your progress.


Pics all show up now too, BTW- thanks!

 

Good kuck

 

I wanted to update the progress.

I was able to recover the chassis number (vin) from British motor heritage

I also got a stamped plate done up.

The car number os in the early 20 thousands, does this mean this is one of the first 20,000 minis or since it is an export first 20,000 exports. I was under the impression they just went sequential with them all.

I am starting to feel like this should be in the hands of a good restorer. I have all original glass( except windscreen) and original motor/trans/wheels. I think all panels are original as well. I believe I was the first to take it out of Alabama in its whole life.

So, some pics of the cert and clean up. I'm still surprised at how solid it is.


starter floor buttor?







sorry for the lack of progress

 

that the hi/beam/dip switch the starter if fitted is in the center tunnel

 

do you have $10,000 in disposable income?

If not .... sell this scrap

$10,000 is a CONSERVATIVE estimate as to what you are looking at.

I bought a Mini in WAY better condition in 2004 and have nearly $10,000 invested in it ....

don't believe me????

https://classicmotorsports.com/proje...mini-cooper-s/

 

Yep. Mine didn't have any rust and yet I've spent about $5K in mechanical repairs......so far!


I think $10K is doable only if you do all your own work, including paint.

 

Well, if you do decide to restore it, it'll be very interesting to watch your progress!

 

It's such an early car it would be great to see it brought back to it's original spec and look....that pic of the rear window latch is a good example.

 

paint ... welding .... new panels ....

add up the parts.

Or start signing up for classes in welding, body repair (panel replacement), and eventually painting.

I took all these classes and now have thousands invested in welding equipment (Miller; it don't pay to go cheap here) and air compressors so I can paint in my garage (dumb idea ... don't do it)

You could buy a NEW shell for $10,000 and that might cost LESS than what you'd spend to fix that piece of swiss cheese.

BEFORE we get to suspension or engine or wires!!!!!

 

Yes, but will the new shell be a Mk1? For some reason I thought you could only get the newer style shells......


It would take a lot of panels to get this thing back in shape, for sure. And Like the Capn, sys, it's gonna pretty much need everything.

If you'd like some inspiration and good source for less expensive parts go here....




http://www.restorationmini.com/forum/


I think Dan has some panels left that he'll sell very reasonably. You'll also see a restoration being done on another MkI that's almost done and really turned out well.


http://restorationmini.com/forum/index.php?topic=625.0

 

for SURE doing a 100% restro on a documented MK1, especially a Cooper

MIGHT be worth the money

that's exactly what the guys at Classic Motorsports did ... see the articles I linked .... and recognise that they can write the entire cost off to 'business expense' of the magazine

the rest of us can't do that!

dude .... I'm just trying to 'manage expectations'

the Classic Motorsport car was in WAY better condition than yours . . . .

****************

 

I agree that there are minis out there that aren't worth the effort and $10k for a new shell is a losing proposition in itself. Modern shells have a bad reputation as far as quality too.

Being an Austin seven, having many of the original pieces, documentation and being one of the first 20 thousand(ish) made of 5 million is what makes me want to get this one back on the road. Sure, it needs a ton and the floor needs to be completely replaced, but I believe there is something there. The car does look a lot worse in the pics.

So, my plans are to patch it up. I'm really striving for a solid driver, not a show car. Also, going to do my best to bring it back to original spec. I got my inspiration from the Green Austin Mini Wheeler Dealers did a while back:

http://www.dailymotion.com/video/x112o4b_mini-mk1_auto
I really do appreciate the honest input, even though a tad negative. I'll have to refer to her as Mrs. Scrappy now....