Well I guess this is becoming a well known project and I do see links from here to my blog so thought since there is some interest over here I would post it up and keep a little updated project thread going.

The build for me has been filled with issues and over the years people have let me down and I have had very little time to spend on the car. I also have a 1973 beetle project on the go and also a classic mini requiring a rebuild so time is split up

Any way back in 2009 I had a 2004 mini JCW in DS and it was a lovely car done the way I wanted, however I had an itch to do a roof chopped mini, I did the renders and I liked what I saw. I had to do it but I was not going to cut up a good car so I searched and eventually found a sad little burnt S



The months went by and I worked slowly on the project making sure I did it all correctly. Eventually I got to the chop and it went well



cage went in

Engine got built




Bumper got made

4
sub frame all back together


car as it stands now



I will keep you guys updated here if you are interested... Also for a full history there is my blog www.rkde.blogspot.com

I hope that you like the build and I can confirm I will never do another even though I do have all the moulds and know how to do it. Realistically I have only put in about 80 - 90 days work so not too bad just over a long time

 

Cool - good luck with the build! I am interested in seeing how this turns out...

 

 

Wow, definitely keep updating. Would like to see the finished result. Subscribed.

 

Finally, you're here. The progress & completion of this build has been much awaited & closely followed by the rest of the MINI world. Been a follower since the very 1st post over @ the underground. The detail, patience & knowledge are just jaw-droppin' incredible!
In spite of being deep into this, rkde still found some time to play Santa to my Christmas wish- an aftermarket steering wheel HOW-TO. Can't thank this genius, kind soul enough! I've long been a disciple.
Happy 2013! Keep posting!

 

Cheers for the comments, does help as does this Christmas holiday!

A little update of what I am currently doing

Been busy today working on the last few things, mainly the roof which I am glad to say with the grp section of the roof bonded on I have been able to get the layer of holding carbon cap on, still lots of work over the next few days to get it looking lovely and infused. The carbon section wraps the grp roof around the metal section to clamp all the composite layers together

work in progress

 

That just looks perfect! What windshield/windows will you put on? Glass or polycarb?

 

The front will be the original cut down and the sides are all lexan specially treated but the windows are the easy part as for me its just a case of picking the phone up and calling plastics for performance who have already spoke too and can cut down the current model they make so this should be simple. I hope that my other half will do the screen with me... we will see, she is very good with glass

 

Managed to get a couple of coats of resin on the roof and it seams to have gone very well and has absorbed fully into the mat. Got another 5 coats to go then I will polish the high parts back and finish with 2 coats of 2K clear and I will then polish it back to a lovely high gloss finish.

 

Wow! What you easily sort out are way too complex a challenge for me & surely, the majority. Salute ya!

 

Getting closer, this is driving me insane! Only 3 more coats and it will be ready to polish back and make shine. Hoping I can get the car in the booth Monday so I have somewhere warm to work so I can bake the layers on quickly and in a few hours get it done.

As you can see it is looking smooth and the reflection is looking about right.

 

 

 

Lookin neat.i shoulda chopped mine while I had the roof cut off.cant wait for the finished look

 

Incredible job.

 

 

It's time to say that the body work is now done, the roof is now finished in a satin dark silver mat which I am really pleased with. Looking forward to putting it back together...

 

Man that is tooooooo schweeeet... you sir are incredible! keep up the good work!

 

That sir, is bitchin'.

 

bad to the bone

 

Fantastic job thus far. Can't wait to see more!!!

 

That's looking really good!!

 

Not sure what actually happened with the day but with all the faffing around, feeling cold, and fitting a seat - spending time sitting in the seat. Got the door and bonnet on now and its looking like a car but this is all

 

Custom bumper, when, Rich? Impatient here. Haha.

 

Oh gosh what a day! Had to make some more changes to the custom wiring loom but the loom is in now as well as most of the breaking system, heating system and lots of other bits. Looks like it is now coming together and I am looking to trial the wiring loom next week to see what happens when I put the old ecu in as it may be dead but I do have another ready if this is the case but I will need to do some coding.
Also started to wire the digital dash in too but there are so many wires!



Also started to make the new door seals and putting lots more on the car