The bug has bitten!

[atlanticdave]

Well after buying the Cooper last year I seem to have got a little carried away with the mini's once again, infact I seem to be going back to exactly how I used to be 12 years ago. Back in January I bought another mini, a 1976 1000, I always wanted a mini the year I was born. It has only covered 32500 miles, has had some work done over the years but tbh not to that great a finish so.... I decided to rip it apart and re-build. However by the middle of January I lost my job, so this got the mind working and as of last week I finally opened the doors to my own business Icon Restorations, I dont mean this as a plug btw. Anyways I have cracked on with the 76 mini and some pics are below, and this afternoon I am off to pick another mini a 1962, pics will follow. I might eventually even get round to doing my own car eventually, but am tempted to hold onto the 62 before I have even started lol.







Someone had decided that metal cut out from the side of a fridge, then riveted on and covered in silicone would be a good repair, they even rivited the sills onto the floor, dangerous and shocking.

[JC T ONE]

Nice work & nice car

Jens Christian

[Pandora]

Dave, do you do campers?

[atlanticdave]

Thanks, and Pandora if its rusty and old I will do anything tbh. Ok now for the update picked up the 62 mini and a stack of spares.......





Had a good look round with my rust and hole finding finger, and a small hammer, no hidden nasty bits its all there to see what is needed, does needs a fair bit but having look at some of the members projects it's pretty good starting point. Need to get on and finish Nancy, just waiting on my order coming in from M-machine.

[atlanticdave]

Well been busy last few weeks, the 76 is now ready for paint which will commence begining of next week, a few pics of just some of what I have been doing.







I know she isn't a mk1 but hey I hope I can be let off.

[InimiaD]

Neat work and even neater looking seams.
Please say that the panels are Heritage originals.

[atlanticdave]

Thanks and yes all heriatage, I dont use "the other stuff " infact even for certain repair panels I make my own, as the quality of stuff genrally available is rubbish. Heritage or M-Machine stuff is good, tbh however to get the gaps good still takes alot of time, and tweaking even with heritage panels. Bit annoyed my spot welder died to, so will have to invest in a new one.

D

[guru_1071]

they are nice gaps, its sometimes hard to get such a tight gap between the scuttle and wing - particually when both are new.

[atlanticdave]

Cheers, took a bit of racking the old brain to remember what I used to do, its the first time in well 12 or so years since I did a full scuttle forward. Its the one bit I always look at on a mini when its been restored or had a front end, desperate to do my own as its not the best. I dont fill the gap with anything either, it always ends up cracking and the paint splits, what I do though is put about 4/5 spot welds on the top inside edge of the wing and attatch it to the scuttle, its bit tricky but worth it.

[atlanticdave]

Quick update, been a busy boy but the end is in sight.




Doing the wet sanding and buffing today, then its put it all back together time.

[JC T ONE]

Woaw - that is coming on STRONG well done.

not much beer time, in your garage either I guess

[atlanticdave]

Cheers, and lol well am tea total these days so plenty of time to spend on the cars.

[JC T ONE]

Cheers, and lol well am tea total these days so plenty of time to spend on the cars.

I use coffee in my garage.

[atlanticdave]

Tea lots of sugar, or Irn-Bru seeing as am Scottish lol

[atlanticdave]

alomost done....

Done!

[JC T ONE]

Looking great
love the details = original BL mirror & body no and a "racy" rocker cover

[guru_1071]

very nice

id happily roll in that

[atlanticdave]

Cheers guys, took a while longer than I had wished, but trying to fit other stuff in to pay the bills slowed the process down a bit. lol the erocker cover is just a trade mark with me, I became obsessed with the crinkle finish so had to be done. I opted for the wider slat grille as I dont think the stock one does much for the front end on a mk3. There has also been a few practical upgrades like uprated engine tie bar bushes, one less thing to wear out in 6 months. She drives brilliant to everything feels great, refined compared to my mk1 beastie. However she will be up for sale shortly, I am after an estate now but will be keeping that.

D

[atlanticdave]

Well she is off to her new home, bit gutted tbh, drove great I have to say,but now living in Wales I hope they enojoy her. I have found a clubman estate though, so just trying to get rid of my citroen and get that, then the cooper is coming off the road for a winter refurb, at last.