Hello All,

Just purchased my first mini a couple of weeks ago. It's a shell, check out the photo in my gallery. Apparently, it's a 1962 Morris 850. Although, I can't tell by any of the normal identification tags whether that's true.

I suppose I am going to be on here often as I try to build my new old mini!

Anyways, just wanted to say hello to all.

 

Welcome Cowboy! Let the Force be with you on that restoration. It will be one of a kind. Give me a wave when I am passing you Sweet Alabama early October.

 

good luck buddy

 

Wow, it's a shell all right ... is that going to be a dual engine setup? <grin> Let us know how the build progresses. You've got a good amount of work ahead of you for sure.

Jeff

 

Welcome! And best of luck with the resto! Wish I had the time/talent/tools/space to attempt something like that ((wistful sigh))...

 

Yep; gotta squint with one eye to see that as a restored Mini, but good on you for taking it on! I bet it will be a beaut by the time you're done. Keep us posted!

 

It looks like a good place to start. Are you doing a restore, or just wanting to get it moving down the road?

 

Cowboy-

Now that's a true classic!

Keep in touch and show us progress photos.

 

Greetings from another Alabama classic Mini owner! I'm on the coast.

 

Greetings everyone, thanks for the warm welcome.

Yup, it's completely in pieces...90% of them anyways. It seems the guy who owned it before me wanted to do a ground up restoration. As is often the case, it turns out this guy was more into the "hunt" then actually getting dirty. And, I am just stupid enough to think if I take it one step at a time I will be able to tackle this project. Let's just hope life doesn't get in the way....

Right now, I am thinking of options, learning what's available, and trying to catalog the various parts that aren't labeled. I am starting with the front and rear suspension, braking, steering, and engine combo (i've got two 850's, an 1100, and a 1300GT). Of course, there is a guy around here who has a mini with a vtec engine which is also appealing...

Any thoughts? Cautions? Advice?

 

I think with the bigger engine you would have more fun. Now if you are restoring it and putting that much effort into it then maybe you should put the engine that belongs in it? I will say cars with the original engine or size seems to be getting a little bit more rare. I like the idea of keeping the engine a mini engine but a V Tec would be fun . Every mini is different because each owner personalizes it. I know I didn't answer any of your questions, just my thoughts.

 

Yeah, I figure I am going to keep the original engine and sell the others. I am pretty positive I am going to go the honda route, but I will hang on to all the original pieces in case I sell it one day.

 

Though I've never owned a VTec Mini, I have drove a couple and even though many disagree with doing this, it's one of the most exciting drives I've ever had.
There are many resources for VTec conversions including both front and rear engine setups.

http://www.vtecminis.com/content.php
http://www.zcars.org.uk/mini/conversion.htm
http://superfastminis.com/
http://roguese7ens.com/se7ens/index.php