Austin cooper mk1 998

[Charlynsane]

Hello Guys!

I found my dream car an austin cooper mk1, after 7 years searching

The car is matching numbers, including the body number etc..

A very hard quest this time..

I finally found it!







It was when the seller send me the pictures, the car spent all her life on the south of france and had been "restored" lol

A few weeks later, I rent a truck to get it and to take it back home, 800 miles from where she was



The original 998 currently replaced by a 1071 by the previous owner



Afer 12 hours driving accross the country, she has a new home with her sisters!





The bonned straps had been removed before I get it,

The restoration begins!

A lot of things to Fix,

But I'm totally in love with her! the first time with a 1071, I keep it for the moment but it could be sold to restore the original 998

[rich@minispares.com]

But I'm totally in love with her! the first time with a 1071, I keep it for the moment but it could be sold to restore the original 998

I would at least drive it with the 1071 in it, you might change your mind about selling it!

[steve1071]

Great find, but keep the 1071!

[UHR850]

LUCKY YOU !!!!

Kees.

[Charlynsane]

Thanks guys!

I'm doing a lot of work by myself so it's a little bit slow!

but the car drives great know

Next step, replace the the two master cylinders, and change the 2 shock absorber mount,

does someone can confirm me the thread, somes are damaged, I will fit some hélicoil,

And surprise.. the shock absorber mounts are welded, but the metal unter seems to be rustfree!


Another mod, I ordered a LHD Vortz dashboard!

a lot of work to do, but the car isn't in bad condition, just a lot of errors done in the past..

[Andrew1967]

But I'm totally in love with her! the first time with a 1071, I keep it for the moment but it could be sold to restore the original 998

I would at least drive it with the 1071 in it, you might change your mind about selling it!

I'd agree with Rich,

OK, my 'S' is a 1275, but it's the reason my 998 Cooper hasn't been used for several years now - its sooooo much more fun to drive.

Keep the original 998 motor to one side.

Lovely looking car though - well done on your purchase

[Charlynsane]

Yes, a really nice engine, mine had been uprated !

My father already has a cooper mk2, so I know very well the 998 cooper

But I think my favourite engine, is my old 850 on my baby mk1

I just opened the original engine, which seems to be rebored, but accordng with you I will keep in on the side for the moment.

[Charlynsane]

hello guys!

some news

I removed the "welded" shock absorber bracket! lucky! the metal is good

I also received the most expensive boot lid seal

It looks very good!

I'm waiting somes spares, but it's going in the right way!

[Spitz]

Images don't show for me....what's the trick?

[Charlynsane]

Hello Guys!!

The car will start again in a few days,

I changed the two rear arms, powder coated the brackets, change all the brake hoses,

and remove the servo!

I changed the 2 master cylinders, and thanks to gordon I fitted, a new air hose



I also put the fuse box back (the previous owner welded all the wires together, and put a 50a.. lol

I also changed the four dampers, and changed the two fro,t absorber bracket (previous were welded on the car, I don't know why, because the metal was good..

Next step, the interior, I found an original speedo cowl,(previous owner fitted a wood dash, and let nothing under)

I already changed the lower dash vynile, of course I will restore properly the heater

I will put some more pictures this afternoon

[Charlynsane]

I replaced the 2 front damper bracket, and replace the 2 rear arms, and I put 4 gaz shocks! the drivetrain is better,

I also replaced all the brake lines, and the 2 master cylinders to original species,

She now has her original steering wheel and a very nice dashboard!! my dream car!!

Next step, I will paint the heater with wrinkle paint, and remove this awful sticker

Does anyone knows who supplies heater fascia transfer?

Thank you

Charles

[111Robin]

I was recommended to use Letraset Helvetica Med Cond 3mm White RDC0130 to create the text on the heater panel, worked well and looks very close to original (if a little squint!)(Mk2)

[Charlynsane]

Hello Guys,

I restored the heatre today, I sandblasted evry part and painted it,

I also received the lettering transfer.. a special order!

If anyone interested I may lauch a serie, to help the mk1 community!

[Charlynsane]

Bumpers and number plates fitted!!!

[SMOKE GREY]

Bumpers and number plates fitted!!!

Looking nice now

[Charlynsane]

Thank you very much! next step the carpet!!

It's a long way to the top!!

[abri]

That looks magnificent! Congrats!

[rich@minispares.com]

has the font on French number plates changed?

it looks as if you have been struck with the curse of 'Charles wright 2' like we have

can you get repro old 1960's looking ones?

[Charlynsane]

Hello Rich,

As for me it was like that in france during the sixties,

Nowdays, we have to fit horrible plastic number plates

But we still fnd old repro like that

[NicholasUpton]

I know I am on the wrong side of the pond, I made silk screens to reprint the faces, and side panels using lettering paint for durability.