A mixed emotion time.

[CooperTune]

The all steel front end, boot lid, doors and fiberglass bonnet are done and reassembly will begin when all new rubber arrives. The flares were black but my painter decided they should be blue. I'm not sure I want to replace the bonnet number. I suppose I can have a sign shop make up something from pictures and measurements. I realize the market is in decline. I hope there is still a couple of people who want high end minis. Steve (CTR)

It's funny that there is no chat on general chat.

[mowog]

Door pic added.

[CooperTune]

I'm sure there are people here who realize what a job it is to strip Mk1 doors to remove. The interior trim gray with Gold brocade is in excellent condition. The S /Cooper door trim is very nice as well. Currently removing the front sub frame and power unit to access firewall, heel board and front floor sheet metal. As soon as we complete this car it will be for sale. Steve (CTR)

[InnoCooperExport]

Fabulous colour Steve. Should be a very special car in the end

[mowog]

Pic added for Steve

[CooperTune]

I have seen rust in all kind of places on these cars. This one has rust where the front floor pans meet the heel board and again where heel meets fire wall below cross member and lower edges of inner wings. Very thin skim coats of bondo have hidden the damage for 20 years. Out with the bondo and in with new sheet metal. Will rust repair and a fresh paint job restore value to this car?
In my research of the car I have been told it was once owned by a TV personality I have never heard of, guess I need to goggle him. Steve (CTR)

[mowog]

New panel

[cymrusteve]

I have seen rust in all kind of places on these cars. This one has rust where the front floor pans meet the heel board and again where heel meets fire wall below cross member and lower edges of inner wings. Very thin skim coats of bondo have hidden the damage for 20 years. Out with the bondo and in with new sheet metal. Will rust repair and a fresh paint job restore value to this car?
In my research of the car I have been told it was once owned by a TV personality I have never heard of, guess I need to goggle him. Steve (CTR)

Enjoying this thread. Who was the TV personality?

[mowog]

In primer

[CooperTune]

I don't give out cell numbers without first checking with the owner of the phone. I'd like to be able to contact all four POs of this car state side. It seems the person in question had a show about collecting classic cars. If I can speak with him I'll ask if he minds if I drop his name. My new rust guy had the car about 24 hours. If everyone worked like that I might be able to complete a few more. Suggested it may return from paint by the weekend. Not looking forward to reglazing the rear 1/4 windows, or loading doors. Steve (CTR)

[mowog]

Power unit

[CooperTune]

There is a reason I spend so much time detailing my efforts. This unit from Blue has spent the last five years stored under a SC island beach cottage. Used mostly on the island regardless of weather or conditions with no true protected storage. The salt air damaged the heel board and the finish of the car. I removed the complete sub and power unit, sprayed with Simple Green, rinsed with water hose, blew dry with air hose and wiped with WD40 shop rag. I will spin it to check oil pressure on starter and run a leak test. All new rubber arrives today on DHL and body returns from paint this weekend. Steve (CTR)

PS Perhaps I should have started this on the projects section. I was looking for some feed back ( you know chat ) like would redoing the dash with new matching gauges be worth the cost?

[mowog]

Masked for paint

[CooperTune]

Thanks for posting the photos for me. It seems someone is following this thread. The plan was to clean up and sell this car. In the process of trying to restore some gloss to the finish my paint guy discovered serious rust. I bought my first mini at 18 years old. I was driving a side curtain Sprite and the mini was to be my dedicated autocross racer. After 56 years of making minis better I need to pull back. Good enough or well enough has never entered into my approach. I still love the work and results, struggling with work load and cost. Steve (CTR)

[Chapmag]

I just wish I had a fraction of your skill. I am the son of a mechanic and god rest his soul he was a great Dad and mechanic but teaching wasn't his forte.
The result is I am dunce wrt to engineering and mechanics but my son (a Firefighter) has had to learn as he went and is now very capable, albeit on VW Campervans and beetles!!! I will continue to follow this thread with great interest!! Keep up the good work!! G.

[mowog]

In blue

[mowog]

More blue

[mowog]

Blue boot

[CooperTune]

Hooking up the trailer pick up Blue. As far as having skills you don't need them just buy one of my cars. I'm not done till I'm satisfied. The more I work on Blue the better I like it. It is quickly becoming a car that should be in my forever collection. I'm only interested in needs nothing cars. There is only one way to get there work and money. Seems there is some interest in this thread, I'll continue to add pics till done. Steve (CTR)

[gsamps]

Nice one Steve. I wouldn’t take the lack of comment as a show of nil interest. Personally, I’m just enjoying the ride, so thanks.