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its funny, i said someone would buy that van for the interior and the parts - it was a cheap buy!

Only laziness stopped me bidding. I had the same thoughts as I have a smooth roof van awaiting restoration and I will kick myself when i can't find a tan seat and other oddities at shows. Nice one Chris.(although I am sure people who saw it pull up on a recovery truck wondered what on earth you were thinking of.... ) Good luck. Mark

Cheers. I don't know why Newton don't make the interior in the correct Tan colour, there are quite a few people that want it.

The interior is pretty good, needs a few repairs and a big clean. There is paint on the rear of the drivers seat and the base of it needs a tidy up. Generally the seat is really good though:

Didnt it have the protective cardboard for the rearlight too ? (in the correct colour)

One side did, so that's a pattern to copy.

ChrisB wrote:One side did, so that's a pattern to copy.

Cool what about the reg plate that was visible in some of the pics (inside the van)
was it related to the car ?

I'm unsure about that. The front floor is post 64 as it doesn't have a push button start etc, but still has the central tunnel for the floor start to mount like the Mk2's did.

The plate is 66, but I only have a VIN plate. No number on the a shaped brace between the wing and bulkhead.

New steering wheel:

Looks a bit better now it's been put back into shape slightly.

**PICS DELETED**

Not bad , that could be saved, dont look too rusty either, or ?


And there is that plate again

It could certainly be saved, but it would take both time and money - the side panels and roof are listed on Somerford Mini's site, so that would sort out the rear damage. The guttering could possibly be chopped and have second hand bits welded in off another shell.

Inner and outer sills are usual Mini repairs so no worry there. 2 front wings are no big deal to do. It just needs a decent panel beater, a welder, enthusiasm and deep pockets!


It isn't something I am willing to do, and I have been speaking to a chap on TMF about selling the rolling shell. If he doesn't want it then it will go on ebay.

Van needs rubbing down, welding etc still and as my Dad is doing the welding, I am rubbing it down over the next few weeks whilst I wait for him to be free.





I cleaned up the centre speedo pod





Attempting to clean up the seat so I can take it to be fixed up... really grubby.

Sandblasted bits:



Painted bits:



Got to love warm weather.

nice job keep up the good work,long haul but well worth it nearly finished my mk1 project after 2 years of dedication close to divorce

Good progress stick in...

And captain.... Divorce works out cheaper than a full resto these days.....

More sandblasting and painting this week, a selection of bits:



Other bits are on the washing line drying - whoever thought you should hang clothes on them was crazy, they're for drying car parts!

I can tell a story about this. Years ago I was restoring a 1915 Buick Roadster and along came Saturday morning. I did some chores and mowed the lawns (good lad) and then got on with my restoration. It was a warm, still summer morning and perfect for painting outside. I hung the complete top bows on the the rotary clothes line in the back yard, mixed the paint and sprayed on two coats of beautiful jet black enamel. Just as I finished, the fricken clothes line pole broke level with the concrete path and the whole lot landed amongst the grass clippings on the lawn. I was gutted but set about washing all the paint and clippings off so I could start again. They never did come up as nice as the first time.

So, if your'e using the clothes line, make sure it is a good one !!

Al

Must have been extremely frustrating. My little story about painting the bits is: When you don't have room in the garage, don't think you can do it outside - the wind will always come from nowhere just as you spray!

ChrisB wrote:More sandblasting and painting this week, a selection of bits:

Is this some kind of "Cooper S" van ??

Nice work

Good spot With my various duplicate spares I have been getting both done, pick the better one. Anything left at the end will go on eBay or for sale at shows with the aim of getting back some of the money I have spent doing the resto.