A mixed emotion time.

[CooperTune]

I have had a couple of rough weeks. I'm back now and well continue to assemble Old Blue. It's always the little stuff that eats up time. Rebuilding the wiper assembly, removing the old hard grease and freeing up the tight wheel boxes. The heater next, while I do them I still don't enjoy it. My best help is on a month long cross country road trip. Steve (CTR)

[AndyPen]

I know what you mean but we appreciate it when everything works as it should

[CooperTune]

Yes, I have spent my life since 1968 working to make the little cars even more special. By 1977 I was running SCCA Solo 2 in the A street prepared class. At the time the class was mostly Corvettes and 911s on slicks. The South East run offs were at Charlotte Motor Speedway. The back straight was the longest chicane I have ever seen and the infield road course the other area. Neither one would consider a mini course. My 67 Cooper S, Weber and slicks was first in class. The next year I was moved to Modified. Steve (CTR)

[mowog]

Bulkhead view

[CooperTune]

I was so pleased not having to deal with mk1 hinges while installing the late brake boosted master, I didn't give a thought to the stress bar. My lucks getting better, just had to remove the tab for mounting a LHD wiper motor. Steve (CTR)

[roger mcnab]

hi what sort of linkage is be hind the brake servo and could i see a pic
cheers roger mcnab

[CooperTune]

It is a late mini RHD pedal and boosted master assembly. Go back one page and some pics there. LHD has a torque tube across the fire wall to activate the bell crank. It hits mk1 bonnet hinge. Blue has belts and braces, no hinge. It's all bolt in stuff. Steve (CTR)

[CooperTune]

I can't help but wonder if we have reached a point of value not matching cost. Early on I mentioned I have a wide body Rover Mainstream and a 99 Sport Pac to sell as well as Old Blue. The 99 has Inno vent window doors. Left door has been repaired twice with new skin. Only solution was a new door. New door, shipping, customs and fees $1,000. Labor to remove old door, strip mark and drill for parts transfer $250. Test fit new door prep and paint $600. Italian sourced Inno parts $300. Will be lucky to get it hung and assembled for another $250. Who pays for this? Steve (CTR)

[mowog]

Boot lid

[CooperTune]

It has taken me awhile to find a rear Morris Cooper script in one pc. I found a repo but it does not line up with the holes. I was also surprised that even with the rear facing spot lamp the whole assembly is only 20 lbs. The heat wave has eased up so progress should improve. A run of personal bad luck has forced me to focus on family matters. Steve (CTR)

[mowog]

Front sub with motor

[CooperTune]

Almost ready to reattach freshened up suspension and sub frame to shell. Trying to wrap in time for a show first week of October. The canted breather is required fitting late boosted master. As much as I'm looking forward to driving it I realize it is also one that has to be sold. I'm still trying to contact former owners. I have found two of the four. One is a shop owner who at one time had his own TV show. It seems he is far to important to take or return my calls. The lady that answers the phone is very nice. Seems his sales manger isn't interested in my calls either. Pics should get better now. Steve (CTR)

[mowog]

Front subframe attached.

[AndyPen]

Celebs can be really hit or miss with things like this, and unless their managers see a few dollars in it they rarely take notice unfortunately.

[CooperTune]

It's funny, I have been into cars since I was born. Bought my first in 1965 followed by a side curtain Sprite then my first mini 1968. With a work permit I began working at an engine and transmission exchange at 16 years old. Checking with people I know and respect in the industry, none had a good word for the fellow and as you say each said "if there is nothing in it for him he will not reply".

As we assemble Blue I realize how well thought out it is. I believe it will have much improved brakes. Eleven days to a large semi local show featuring the mini. Steve (CTR)

[mowog]

Front end

[mowog]

Front end

[CooperTune]

It feels really good to have something complete and ready. There was a large east coast British car show last weekend. We were trying to have four cars ready but as things often turn out only one was truly ready. I had arranged rides the 200 miles each way for all of them. I began door assembly yesterday, and I find them as big a pain as roll up doors. Mostly doors, glass, boot lid and exhaust left. Boot lid is complete just needs hung. It seems any improvement I make requires several changes otherwise.
I have tried to contact the four state side owners over the last 24 years. I believe this car has been a nightmare for everyone who has owned it. It required several months of text and phone calls before original importer admitted nothing worked and it was a disappointment which he sold on right away. Owner number two has refused to take or return my calls or emails. I have found four phone numbers for owner number three, no luck so far. The current owner and I are wrapping up a complete mechanical and cosmetic restoration. Once done it will be for sale. I truly hope the next owner will be satisfied. Steve (CTR)

[mowog]

3/4 view

[CooperTune]

I have fairly large hands, and getting all the door hardware small tubes and angled ones washers and nuts in place without dropping. It does feel good when the door hangs nice, even gap all around, waist lines line up and edges are flush. With all new rubber, glass and interior installed I'll be very close. I have made some progress contacting the owners over the past 25 years. Once I can complete a little history I'll share it. Steve (CTR)