DPU 898B Downton Tweed Grey

[Austin Costin]

That looks lovely Tim.

[coopertim]

Thanks Paul....with a bit of luck it might even work too tomorrow!

Tim

[surfblue63]

Tim

You car looks even better in the tin, good luck getting it running.

Stuart

[rich@minispares.com]

this was a cracking car, a great purchase

even I could forgive it been an austin!

[coopertim]

Thanks for all the comments about DPU so far. For me this car replaces EDV 32C finally! Cars like this are getting fewer now and i love the way it sits! Its never going to be a concours queen and hopefully its last ride on a trailer will be tomorrow for the MOT!

Fingers crossed!

Tim

[goff]

Had a good look around this motor at Blyton , Tim is a lucky guy , very nice unmolested Austin mini , it does not need a resto just enjoy it as it is , yes nice meeting and talk with you Tim.

Goff

[coopertim]

Cheers Goff, great to meet you on Saturday. Great to see you've got your petrol head back on and your car was fantastic! My lad loved it and drew it when he got home!

Tim

[coopertim]

Afternoon off today so fitted longer studs to the rear hubs and changed the wheels over to 4.5 'S' rims from VFF. Really makes a difference! Took DPU in for its MOT today, hopefully thats the last ride on the trailer......till Beaulieu!

Tim

[bwi457]

A very handsome looking car, then again I am biased towards Tweed Grey Minis!!!

[coopertim]

Took DPU into the garage yesterday for her return to the road prep. Falkens are being changed for Michelin MX tyres circa 1995 vintage! Went in today to check how things are going and was really happy to be told that the car only needs a Brake and Clutch master cylinder, wheel cylinders all round and two track rod ends! Not bad after a 15 year rest!

What made me even happier was the view from under the car.....the mechanic told me that he thought DPU had been given a new Heritage shell! He loved the car so much he had spent the afternoon wiping the underside with WD40 to protect it for me!

Tim

[coopertim]

Had a really nice surprise today from Graham - the Son in Law of Norman who owned DPU before me. Norman took over the ownership from his Father in Law George who in turn owned DPU from 1966! Graham has been looking through family photos and sent me a few of DPU through the years and a couple of Normans Old English White / Black Super! Wonder where that is now?

Tim

[coopertim]

And so today for the first time in 15 years, DPU moved under her own power thanks to a Clutch Master Cylinder and hose speedily delivered by Mini Spares!

She got to the MOT ramp and then decided that the carb float needed to stick, the fuel pump needed to drop fuel everywhere and the N/S headlamp bulb died!

MOT tomorrow it is then!

Tim

[InimiaD]

Temperamental little so and so.
Minor glitches Tim. I'd have a huff on if I'd been dormant for 15 years.
Good luck tomorrow.

[coopertim]

And so today after 15 years of resting in a cosy garage, DPU gained an MOT - 4 new wheel cylinders, a clutch master cylinder, slave cylinder hose and a fuel pump revamp oh and a loose wire that was stopping the main beam working. Not a bad recommision list i don't reckon.

I had totally forgotten how loud it is to drive a wand change mini 850 at 55mph!!

That was before she decided to p**s petrol all over the place half way home because the float stuck!

Everyone who sees DPU loves the car and it will be an ongoing process of adding stuff and getting the car the best it can be without going silly and not being able to use it.

Tim

[InimiaD]

Great news. Look forward to the updates as you progress.

[coopertim]

Another morning spent on DPU yesterday. A few more years of grime cleaned off and a 'trial' grille fitted. This will be replaced by an Austin Cooper version as i much prefer the Cooper grille to the wavy one. Not original I know but this car will be with me for a long time and I have a certain look that I'm hoping to achieve.

Tim

[slowboy]

glad you enjoying it tim, love what you doing with it, looks the dogs matey

[slowboy]

glad you enjoying it tim, love what you doing with it, looks the dogs matey

[coopertim]

Cheers Jon! DPU is a cracker! She's such an honest little car and the S rims look just right. Having issues at the minute with no charge being put back into the battery but I reckon it's the voltage regulator as there's quite a bit of oxidation on it. I love the patina on the car and Tweed Grey is a cracking colour.

Tim

[coopertim]

Picked this Microcell Contour 6 seat up at Beaulieu! Its in fantastic condition and looks great. I think it is out of a Bond Equipe but Gareth thinks he could supply the subframe for it. Cant wait to get it in the car.

Tim