1961 Beach Car prototype restoration

[InimiaD]

Made by Spark models. Should cost at least 50 of our British pounds.

[ronie]

I have two on order. Pity they got the seats the wrong colour. I twice tried to contect them, but I never got a repply.

Here's one I made earlier....

[ronie]

The engine went in.

I thought it would take all evening, but with the helpful tips and hints from mini forums, the correct tools for the job and the help of a few friends (one is a Mini mechanic), it took less than half an hour.

Lined up the car on the lift with the hoist



Protected surrounding painted areas




lowered the engine carefully



Hey presto..

[SMOKE GREY]

Very nice Really like this car. Your doing a cracking job.

[ronie]

This is my first hands-on restoration, so I am taking my time, reading manuals, consulting friends and forums and hoping for the best.

Thank you for the kind words.

[InimiaD]

For a first time Mini resto you are doing a superb job. Can't fault the result at all.

[JC T ONE]

Looking supa

[970s]

Super Mini!
Super garage!
Great work!

[ronie]

Today I installed the last pieces of carpet on the sides of the rear wing and finally fitted the rear couch, for good.

[minitravellerman]

This restoration is simply unreal - I am officially jealous!!

[ronie]

I fitted the rear handles today, with self-tapping stainless screws.







The interior is almost completely finished!!!!

Just a few details left.

Next up is the fitment of carb/exhaust manifold and the exhaust itself.

I am having a new exhaust fabricated (with starter button kink) and to be joined with the rear crimped box I have.

Then some electrics, distributor, timing, plug leads, vaccum cables, fitting a battery, fluids and hopefully she will be a runner soon.

Can't wait.

[JC T ONE]

hopefully she will be a runner soon.

Can't wait.

Bet you cant looking good

[Frogeye61]

Such a unique project. You are lucky to have found it. I think the car is also lucky to have found such a competent individual for it's restoration. If only the car could talk, it would be interesting to hear the history of where it has been for the past 50 years.

[ronie]

http://www.wix.com/austinbeachcar/proto ... e|mainPage

[nickacb]

I always found this page a really cool place to watch images of these wonder cars like yours. Don't know if it's know forgotten but surely the would love to have some pics of your nice mini


http://www.coolbeachcars.com/

[ronie]

It was last revised in 2007. I have tried to contact them but to no avail.

[Pandora]

Great photos, I reckon I could live in your garage!!

If I was single, I would be living there. My pregnant wife does't like it as a home. Can't understand why?

Is the seven an A series engined one? if so, you couldn't possibly tell me how far the sump hangs below the bottom of the chassis?

Cheers,
Al

[ronie]

It has a Cosworth tuned 109 E Ford lump.

[ronie]

I've been out of the garage due to a fracture on my left foot. I've been walking around in crutches for the last 10 days. Hopefully the plaster will be removed on Thursday.

I spent a few hours in the garage today.Its very frustrating working on a car standing on one leg.

i got myself a PD pump bracket an fitted the AUF pump on it. It fits, just. Do you think it will work, or does the pump have to be at an angle?



I also trial fitted the rear crimped box exhaust section, with its chrome extension. Looks smart, me thinks.



I managed to find on ebay ,at a very reasonable price, the finishing trim on the dash panels.
Is it just me or is it next to impossible for the cardboard panels to meet at the top, under the ashtray?





The boot board is now finished and in place.



....and I painted the first of three coats of whitewall paint. I test fitted the hubcaps to see what the car will look like. The difference in appearance and style is dramatic.

[steve1071]

Great work, and a very special car. I hope you've fitted that sun visor I sent you!