Meet the real Dearg 1275 high backed recliner challenge

[Dearg1275]

As said across the way in my other thread, my Mk2 needs some attention. Let me introduce you to the real Dearg 1275. Dearg, for those rare non Gaelic speakers, means Red and the 1275 is obvious. It (He?) came in to my possession in a very strange fashion while recovering from major surgery some fifteen years ago. Boredom was reviving my interest in my early passion for Minis and browsing the Internet I came across a CD parts list. Being well pleased with it I emailed the seller expressing my satisfaction and was stunned to get a reply offering me a Mk 2 Cooper S.

This is how it arrived home.

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A fair bit of bodywork to sort out a front end shunt and replace the plastic front with metal and it evolved into a “replica” of ORX 77F.

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It has been sitting idle for too many years now after exploding the mainshaft double roller bearing on the way to take part in the Borders Rally. Not an experience to recommend as I was stuck at the mercy of RAC recovery, near to the top of Drumochter pass in deeply sub zero temperatures for almost ten hours. I was just very glad I always carry a good sleeping bag during the winter.

The gearbox repaired with seemingly little damaged, however I have never felt happy with it as the double roller just felt too easy a fit in the case and had probably spun. Which is why it has sat slowly deterioration for so long. Time to change that.

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So some body work to sort and the engine to come out and rebuild and something to be done about the gearbox.

D

[Beatie]

Just looks absolutely smashing David , proper proper .
Also nice to see where the various bits of coal that I’ve sent you which you turned into diamonds

[Dearg1275]

I does look a bit like a “rare works barn find” I suppose. Still it needs sorting.

D

[kevs 1961 mk1]

that's a really nice looking mini cooper s mate how long have you had that

[Dearg1275]

Bought it in December 2005. It’s done about 35,000 miles since I restored it and it has been used in all weathers and all seasons, which is why it has paid the price and needs work. It should look a little fresher when done.

D

[Dearg1275]

I had to get stuck in so tackled the bit that had been bugging me most.

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D

[Costafortune]

Blimey, it must be quite rare for one of those mainshaft bearings to give up...? The A+ ones with the plastic cage was very poor though. Changed loads when the plastic broke up and the pinion tried to 'climb' the crownwheel.

[Dearg1275]

Blimey, it must be quite rare for one of those mainshaft bearings to give up...? The A+ ones with the plastic cage was very poor though. Changed loads when the plastic broke up and the pinion tried to 'climb' the crownwheel.

This was a brass caged one. If it hadn’t been for the shards of brass just about holding the rest of the balls in the box would have been minced.

D

[roger mcnab]

hi d thats a worthy looking project the old bearing probably did spin when on its last legs so a new gearbox case is the probable answer what a pain well good luck and you have made a good start
cheers roger mcnab

[Dearg1275]

The engine is out

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And on its stand and looking grotty. Hope the innards are better.

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The engine bay is looking pretty tired too,

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D

[Dearg1275]

The engine bay is now stripped and the subframe out awaiting blasting.

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The panels either side of the grill opening take much of the weight of the lamp bar and have corroded heavily so they got the chop. Weld up and make good tomorrow.

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D

[Dearg1275]

Finished off the repair and welded up. Just to do the same again on the other side.

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D

[Dearg1275]

As a break from panel repairs the offending gearbox was dropped off the block. Shame really the gears and synchro hubs are still good. Perhaps I’ll look for a replacement 3synchro case.

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Attention turn to the engine itself. I had stripped and cleaned the it after the gearbox went bang and replaced the oil pump and shells so I hoped all would be fine. Hardly any miles had been put on the car since then. With all the bits out,

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Time to look at the bores, hmmm not so happy.

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There were also a few minor inclusions in the surface of the bearing shells but the crank seems to have escaped any significant damage. The new oil pump was scored to bits though. Clearly something evaded me on the last clean up.

The main question is what to do about the scored bores, anything or nothing and just see how it fairs. You can just feel the scores with a finger nail. Thoughts anyone?

D

[Alex]

I've got an empty 3-synch case in the shed.
Can't remember if it's new or not off the top of my head, or the casting number.
If you're interested, PM me and I can dig it out.

[gogsymac]

David

I have a couple of empty 22A1522 cases in my garage if that is any use for you. I think MK2 S's had ones with that number.

[roger mcnab]

hi d
that mightbe okay with a lighthone to knock down the edges and then could be right only prob is that oil might get by but some times luck can shine our way
good luck roger mcnab

[kevs 1961 mk1]

id have it rebored mate after all the fantastic resto work your doin ,I wouldn't risk having to strip it all out again

[Dearg1275]

id have it rebored mate after all the fantastic resto work your doin ,I wouldn't risk having to strip it all out again

Taking an engine out and pulling it to pieces costs me no money and takes little time. Traveling up and down the country to get things rebored would waste far more time. Besides, when are we going to be able to go anywhere? I think for the moment I’ll suck it and see, as it was running well after I’d rebuilt the box.

D

[Andrew1967]

Have you run a glaze buster around the bores yet David ?

Looking again, maybe you have.

If time is not a problem then maybe do as you say and see what it’s like.

[Dearg1275]

Have you run a glaze buster around the bores yet David ?

Looking again, maybe you have.

If time is not a problem then maybe do as you say and see what it’s like.

Andrew, no not yet. I’ve been wondering whether to buy a hone or the balls on a stick. Simon on here reckons the balls would be favourite. It’s not that long since the block was sleeved and bored for1293 which will be why you are seeing the cross hatching. That’s the plan and a new set of rings, shells and oil pump.

On the gearbox side of things “ gogsymac “ has a case that might just be OK. With luck I can just transfer everything (I replaced all the bearings) but I will try the two big bearings in first to be sure they are nice and snug.

D