65 SDL rebuild... HGT

[cheesebadger]

Hi all,

After putting off starting this topic for too long, here it goes...

I bought my mk1 in January 2008, from the well known Bill Bell (it wasn't his cup of tea!)
It needed a small amount of work to get it on the road, new rear frame, some new brake bits etc.

As you can see from the pics below, there were a number of later parts fitted. But with the help of this great forum, I found enough evidence to convince me that the shell was the original hydro 65 island blue, as stated on the heritage certificate.

I ran it on the road as my weekend car until 2015 (my daily commute was pedal powered!) Here are some pics from when the car was last on the road...

early.JPG

early (5).JPG

early (4).JPG

early (3).JPG

early (2).JPG

[cheesebadger]

Unfortunately in 2015 I broke my leg badly, playing rugby, and couldn't drive the car for a year.
I knew it needed bodywork that I had been putting off, so once bag on my feet I decided to take it off the road and do all the jobs I had wanted to do in the past...

strip.jpg

After plenty of research I gave it to a company nearby who specialised in classic cars to do the welding and painting.
Unfortunately they did an awful job of the welding, so I decided to rescue the shell back. This really took my enthusiasm for the project away, and it sat for a couple of years

I eventually took it to a mini specialist in Milton Keynes to fix the poor welding job, which unfortunately meant a few larger/extra panels were needed.
Both rear quarters had to be replaced as they had rippled by the previous welding job.
They had also made a mess around the rear lights and boot opening, so I stumped up for a new rear panel from m-machine.
The boot floor, inner and outer sills were also replaced again.
And finally one of the front wings was replaced.

Here he is sat in primer! (This was early 2019 by this point!)

primer.jpg

[cheesebadger]

After the welding the car was sent for paint, back to original island blue monotone.
I got the shell back late last year, and it is still sat in the garage, patiently waiting for me to start putting him back together...

Painted.jpg

Painted (2).jpg

[cheesebadger]

The plan is to restore back to original where possible, but without losing too much sleep, probably with a few period modifications.
When I purchased the car it had an 1100cc fitted, so I will probably keep this as well.

Hopefully by starting this thread I can apply a little pressure to myself to get this finished for summer 2021!

I might regret this, but please feel free to point out anything that you think isn't quite right, and I am sure I will ask plenty of stupid questions along the way!

[Andrew1967]

That looks a cracking base to start the rebuild now. Looks so much better in Island Blue too.

I'm sure the forum can help you getting those bits you need to get it right

[mk1]

That looks ,like a cracking shell!

What a great basis to restore it back to it's 60's style.

[whistler]

I am restoring a 66 SDL (made decemebr 65) and am retaining the magic wand/pudding stirrer gearchange. The one thing that sticks out with your car is the remote change (especially if it's from an ADO16) and I would suggest you revert to a magic wand box which will make it look more original and in keeping with it's year, especially as it's a hydro car.
Just my personal opinion.

[cheesebadger]

I am restoring a 66 SDL (made decemebr 65) and am retaining the magic wand/pudding stirrer gearchange. The one thing that sticks out with your car is the remote change (especially if it's from an ADO16) and I would suggest you revert to a magic wand box which will make it look more original and in keeping with it's year, especially as it's a hydro car.
Just my personal opinion.

This is an ongoing debate in my head... (although trying to focus on getting the shell rolling before worrying about engine and gearbox)

When I purchased the car it had the 1098 slight overbore with remote box fitted, and it looks like this was done a long time ago (early 80s I think).
I have since sourced a period correct 850 engine, no magic wand yet.
But I still need to decide, it would have been feasible to retro fit the remote "in period" so it isn't that out of place, and I think it is part of the cars history.

Still deciding though... any advice/experience appreciated!

[Andrew1967]

Difficult to advise really Rich.

Some people hate the magic wand gear change and to be honest it isn't as good as a remote, but I do actually like it in my 60 850.

It really depends on what you want with the car. As a driving car, I'd stick with the 1098 and maybe the remote, although the magic wand would look correct on a non Cooper Mk1. If you want to return it to how it should be, then obviously then 850 with magic wand, but there will be a difference in performance.

Yes, it is part of the cars history but how important is that over originality ? As many would say, its your car and do as you wish.

Whatever way you go, you're in the right place for help and advice

[whistler]

I am restoring a 66 SDL (made decemebr 65) and am retaining the magic wand/pudding stirrer gearchange. The one thing that sticks out with your car is the remote change (especially if it's from an ADO16) and I would suggest you revert to a magic wand box which will make it look more original and in keeping with it's year, especially as it's a hydro car.
Just my personal opinion.

This is an ongoing debate in my head... (although trying to focus on getting the shell rolling before worrying about engine and gearbox)

When I purchased the car it had the 1098 slight overbore with remote box fitted, and it looks like this was done a long time ago (early 80s I think).
I have since sourced a period correct 850 engine, no magic wand yet.
But I still need to decide, it would have been feasible to retro fit the remote "in period" so it isn't that out of place, and I think it is part of the cars history.

Still deciding though... any advice/experience appreciated!

If you're gearbox/diff has a mini/cooper type remote then you can keep the gearbox/diff and convert it to magic wand with 3/4 change parts. This is what I have done for mine. The mini van from about 69 to 72 had a remote diff but magic wand. Somefords list the parts needed which are basically a different selector rod for the diff, a metal plate for the bottom of the case and a locating arm/pin. Also need a magic wand with the locating groove moved about 90 degrees. Sourced my bits from Tim at Minimail.

[timmy201]

My 850 had been swapped to a 998 and remote and I’ve recently swapped to a 1098 with magic wand. I’ve found it to be really nice to shift - although that could be that all the bushes and wearing parts have been replaced. There used to be a couple of cm slop in the gear shifter, now there is hardly any. I’d think most people’s experience with a magic wand is a worn out one. The remote I removed was nearly completely flogged out at every wear point, so they can also shift really poorly depending on the condition

I got a 4 synchro box with no diff cover for mine, and I was lucky that a magic wand diff cover I sourced fitted up perfectly and works 100%. My car is a 1964, when the 1098 was available and I can live with the the non-period addition of the extra synchro on first gear

[cheesebadger]

Thanks for all the advice guys, considered me intrigued. I didn't know that a magic wand on a 4 sycnhro was a possibility.
I'll try and run out to the garage later to see what box I actually have...

Edit: I couldn't resist dropping out to the shed - the perks of working from home at the moment.
It looks like I have a 22G1128 already, what else do I need to look for to understand whether I could fit a magic wand?

IMG_20200611_084110.jpg

IMG_20200611_084129.jpg

[timmy201]

That will work with either the early 850 style direct change diff cover, or the later 4 synchro type which replaces some of the linkage parts with the "smokers pipe" and bottom plate

I used the 850 one on mine, but you have to be lucky to find a diff cover that matches.
https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7855/469 ... 023e_b.jpg

There are some more details here:
viewtopic.php?f=3&t=11555

[bill773mini]

Hi Rich

HGT is looking fantastic. Watching it's rebirth with great interest.

Bill

[bill773mini]

small HGT.jpg

HGT in 2007 when I owned it. It drove so well and suited the Hydro too.

[cheesebadger]

Hi Rich

HGT is looking fantastic. Watching it's rebirth with great interest.

Bill

Hi Bill. Great to hear from you, hope your family and job are going ok in these crazy times!
I will keep posting progress, although it may be slow.

Cheers, Rich

[cheesebadger]

Minimal progress this weekend, if you can even call it that!
Tried some zinc plating at home...

You can just about make out the MOWOG letters.

IMG_20200712_164221.jpg

[cheesebadger]

Sorry for the slow progress.
Less than 12 hours after my last post in July my son was born! So garage time has been very difficult to come by...

Yesterday I collected the first parts ready to go back on the shell.
I decided to try out a local plating company for the hydro pipes, they just fitted in their 8ft tank
It feels a shame to cover them up with some paint, but I think the extra protection will be worth it.