My new project - 1965 Morris Cooper S - HOY 500D

[Andrew1967]

Thanks for all the comments - always appreciated. I'm sure HOY will make an appearance at some point.

There'll be another project coming along soon.

Going to drag my old Mk2 Cooper out this weekend, which could be next in line if other plans don't come to fruition.

[Old English White]

That's a good plan Andrew. I reckon a Mk2 998 Cooper renovated to a "decent" standard would be a grand little runabout

[Andrew1967]

That's a good plan Andrew. I reckon a Mk2 998 Cooper renovated to a "decent" standard would be a grand little runabout

Here it is as of this afternoon Richard. A bit different to its happier days on the various Wye Valley Runs

Suspension still up although little low on drivers side. Wheels turn so shouldn't be difficult to tow out on Monday.

[richardACS]

Andrew - just to add to all the other 'well dones' a lovely project and beautifully executed...

[Peter Laidler]

A little Mk2 Cooper..... A truly well worthy candidate for restoration. The tough little 998, my favourite of 'em all. I'll be following this with the same enthusiasm as HOY

[Andrew1967]

Thanks Richard and Peter, much appreciated

Not sure that TVB will be getting the same treatment .. may even sell it once recomissioned

[richardACS]

A little Mk2 Cooper..... A truly well worthy candidate for restoration. The tough little 998, my favourite of 'em all. I'll be following this with the same enthusiasm as HOY

Peter the Cooper S in all its forms cannot be denied, but my first Cooper was a Mk 2 998 - white roof and El Paso Beige and was so smooth by comparison to my later 1275, I can see what you are saying....

[rpb203]

Thanks Richard and Peter, much appreciated

Not sure that TVB will be getting the same treatment .. may even sell it once recomissioned

Remember TVB from the Wye Valley runs back in the ‘90’s , a fantastic car!

[Peter Laidler]

A man after my own heart Richard. Same here. My views about the little 998's are well known and I say so again and again. Tough as old boots, smooth as silk, no vices and would sing along all day...... I could go on. Jabez has got a Mk2 998 for sale (see for sale). 3 years ago I'd have snapped his hand off

[Andrew1967]

Thanks Richard and Peter, much appreciated

Not sure that TVB will be getting the same treatment .. may even sell it once recomissioned

Remember TVB from the Wye Valley runs back in the ‘90’s , a fantastic car!

Yes, it did most of those, stickers in the side window to prove ..

Two worst moments .. getting dreaded Cooper brake fade down a long steep hill with a Give Way crossroads looming .. the smell of the brake linings overheating wasn't pleasant. Second was a broken rear brake pipe. Luckily at a stop there was a helpful guy who lived next to the stop who made a new pipe for me and bled the brakes. Got some pics of that somewhere.

Other than that, the car went well ... I did yearn for S power though going up some of those hills

[rpb203]

Great memories, did a couple in my yellow ‘bitsa’, one with a very heavily pregnant wife in the passenger seat and the car was banging after 66FFR through Epynt, which was ‘sort of easy’ as long as you kept them in sight as you knew the single lane road was clear, before being told quite firmly to slow down!

Great times - sorry gone a bit off track from the absolutely stunning rebuild of HOY.

Don’t forget my signed copy of the book of the rebuild when it’s finally published.
Cheers
Gary

[Andrew1967]

They were really enjoyable events Gary, with roads perfect for Minis. Would love to do another similar event.

'....being told to slow down' ... Where have I heard that before

Well, I think the book may take longer than HOY did to rebuild ... I'll have to have a think about that one and how to go about it.

[Peter Laidler]

I've done a few Andy....... The first is a bit of a mystery tour. Or, rather, getting a publisher is but thereafter, it's simple. It's called 'writing-to-read' or writing for others to read - or something like that. Believe me Andy, if you can do what you did, writing a book will be water off a ducks back. Cleaner and easier too!

[AndyPen]

Just revisited this to give myself some faith, sometime things seem to take forever and sometimes they simply work out.

An amazing thread Andy, and just wanted to also say thanks for the help you've given me along the way

[Andrew1967]

Hi Andy,

Thanks for the kind comment, they do make a difference.

I’m always happy to help anyone if I can, as I think it’s all part of being a group true enthusiasts preserving the marque and not just on the £££ bandwagon that some are.

[Grant 111]

Hi Andrew

Just read the article in the mini Cooper register. What an amazing transformation you've done.
Look forward to seeing you work your magic on the next one.

[Andrew1967]

Thanks Grant,

I’m hoping the next project isn’t going to be as bad. I think I’ve gone as extreme as I want to

[TaviivaT]

Amazing work! Cheers!

[Rorty]

Now that my profile has been reinstated (not sure why it was removed?!!).. anyway just wanted to say what a fantastic looking Cooper S and hats off to you for your hard work & dedication - a truly superb job all round.

[Andrew1967]

Thanks for the comments and hope it inspires you