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ERA mini Turbo restoration

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  #1  
Old 10-02-2017, 01:12 PM
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ERA mini Turbo restoration

Hi..I have just purchased this ERA mini Turbo R1036 its ben sat in a garage for 13 years.




First time out of the garage since 2004

a quick dusting

and a rinse



the only interior problem is the drivers seat


but I managed to source these from the UK from a chap that did the leather conversion

the original mileage

the plan is is to get it home from the previous owner and remove the engine and sent it to the UK for a full rebuild and strip the shell back to bare and a full repair and respray
 
  #2  
Old 11-17-2017, 01:57 PM
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I have finally paid for the ERA and collected it from the Previous owners home

had to use a Hiab as conventional ways were no good as spoiler was too low



20 minute trip to new home

landed safe

park up till I dump estate to make space

then the full stripdown and rest will begine including engine and turbo
 
  #3  
Old 11-24-2017, 06:27 PM
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Impressive!
 
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Old 04-01-2018, 04:55 PM
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Hi..Peeps I have finally managed to find some time to make a start on the strip down of my ERA and what a pig getting the two front wheel arch and spoiler combo and its not great work by the people that made it looks like 2 different workers on the production line the front panel wheel arches are cut different








 
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Old 04-01-2018, 04:59 PM
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You should do the engine yourself, they are a perfect beginner's motor to rebuild.
 
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Old 04-02-2018, 11:11 AM
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Originally Posted by DneprDave
You should do the engine yourself, they are a perfect beginner's motor to rebuild.
I do usally build my own engines but I want this professionally done as this is going to be the best mini I have ever owned
 
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Old 04-02-2018, 11:15 AM
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Managed to get the rear spoiler and arches off whilst dodging the rain drops I would say that these ERAs were hasterly put together they must of used a BRG mini with std arches as they have left the old rivets in over the rear arches and as for soposed 8 body kit support brackets mine only has 4 and very rusty rear valance
















 
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Old 04-13-2018, 12:09 PM
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Whilst the sun was out late afternoon I managed to get the ERA interior out and bagged to stop it getting damp or dirty





















and as for garages with post lifts the damage they cause....need tosort this before its painted....lol

 
  #9  
Old 04-16-2018, 08:39 AM
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Wow, this is a Project with a capital P. Still, I'm glad to see you restoring such a rare car, and it will go like the clappers once you're done with it. Please keep documenting your progress here......do you plan to take it down to bare metal or just patch the holes and give it a respray?
 
  #10  
Old 04-16-2018, 02:26 PM
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I removed the dashboard and console the dash is held with 3 screws




the console has 4 self tappers hitten under the tunnel carpet



removed door cards and rear bins and cards




then I gave these parts a good scrub clean


I removed the speedo and thaco and backplate as there has surface rust

sanded then and primed and apply a satin black









 
  #11  
Old 04-17-2018, 03:04 PM
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gauges and backplate refitted to dash
 
  #12  
Old 04-29-2018, 12:59 PM
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I managed to remove the engine and remove all the parts in the engine bay



gave it a quick power wash before I send it to the UK for a full rebuild

removed heat shield
 
  #13  
Old 09-06-2018, 01:04 PM
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a bit more done to the ERA rear valance removed




also removed the front panel

just the front scuttle to remove its the worst rust affected panel also the trickiest to do without removing the wings (fenders)
 
  #14  
Old 10-11-2018, 12:28 PM
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more done on the resto


the worst job so far removing the glue fron sound deadening

front scuttle removed the glass to assess the damage



 
  #15  
Old 04-05-2019, 01:16 PM
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sorry for the delay in progress as the weather here in the UK has been wet over the last few months and I'm restoring it under a tarp NO Shed or Garage so bare with me lol
Sent My engine to the UK for a rebuild as it was sat still for 14 years .
arrived at builders 4.4.18

inspection


turbo test fit


clean, rebore and paint

new rods and pistons

start of rebuild




bespoke manifold
 
  #16  
Old 04-07-2019, 03:21 PM
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Wow, that's going to be fantastic when done, can't wait to se more!
 
  #17  
Old 04-14-2019, 10:32 AM
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did a bit more on this sunny day cut out rust from scuttle and test fit repair







still a little fettllng to do.


and test fit genuine front panel drivers side ok





front ok




passenger side needs re jigging to fit





 
  #18  
Old 05-10-2019, 12:41 PM
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a bit more done on the motor rebuild in the UK

in the final stages he tells me
 
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  #19  
Old 05-10-2019, 05:45 PM
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That is really cool, thanks for posting.
 
  #20  
Old 12-03-2019, 01:54 PM
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Back on my feet after hip replacement so I decided to do a full heritage scuttle replacement leaving the wings in place

I hope this works


also the motor has had all pipework completed and noe ready for a bench dyno set up and run-in
 
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  #21  
Old 05-19-2020, 12:36 PM
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Hi..Peeps ERA update progress so far see link
https://app.photobucket.com/u/mk1leg...4-31114be608c8
 
  #22  
Old 06-11-2023, 06:59 AM
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good day peeps so I have finally finished My ERA turbo on 3/6/2023

if you want to view progress pics please look here
 

Last edited by mk1leg; 06-11-2023 at 07:04 AM.
  #23  
Old 06-11-2023, 10:07 AM
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Nice work. Looks like you've given it a proper refresh inside and out. Happy motoring.
 
  #24  
Old 01-31-2024, 04:20 AM
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Looks like you'll make a real monster out of him.
 
  #25  
Old 02-17-2024, 09:40 AM
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Originally Posted by Matthew_Graham
Looks like you'll make a real monster out of him.
Her
 
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