mk1-forum.net

Hi all! Been meaning to do this for a while.

Back in April 2023 I purchased this Mk1 project, having completed an 1981 car I’d always wanted an earlier mini and this was it.

The day I purchased the car
Probably let my heart rule my head! But I’ve been building this car in my head for over 10 years so it’s no surprise

I stripped down the shell pretty quickly. It was probably the dirtiest car I’ve ever worked on. Covered with engine oil and under seal (more on that later)

Work then started on the shell.
As you can see the under seal and copious amounts of paint and filler were hiding a lot!

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Whilst that was going on I set about building the engine, initially the plan was just for a standard ish 850 with a 12G295 head.

That went out the window when I see the Shorrock supercharger for sale on the forum.
I won’t go too much into the spec but the basics are

12G295 head ported and polished, bigger valves
MED HT cam
MED centre main strap
1.3 rockers

The shell started going back together, usual story new complete floor, boot floor, inner wings, toe board…

I whilst that was happening I also rebuilt the gearbox

Early 22A104 rebuilt with all the usable components, new bearings, central oil pick up pipe and cross pin diff.

Once the shell was strong enough it was sent to be sand blasted, I’m not sure what would’ve come back if I’d have done this first

The engine was then bolted up to the dyno and run in. Then a couple of power runs and some tuning made just under 70hp and 70ftlbs of torque

Along the way I’ve collected a few parts and accumulated some accessories

And also a few more…
I could carry on forever but that’s where I am currently, engines done except for clutch and flywheel assembly. The rear end of the shell is now complete and I’m hoping it’ll be fully welded in the next few months. If you’ve made in this far thanks!

Wow! Thanks for bringing us up to date…

What a fantastic project you have here! Keep on going with the good work!

Just WOW!!!

snoopy64 wrote: ↑Sun Aug 25, 2024 6:36 pm Wow! Thanks for bringing us up to date…

Thank you. Hope to keep it updated

Fanfaniracing wrote: ↑Sun Aug 25, 2024 9:32 pm What a fantastic project you have here! Keep on going with the good work!

Just WOW!!!

Thank you!

Will it be a supercharged road 850cc mini when it's finished?

Peter Laidler wrote: ↑Mon Aug 26, 2024 11:17 am Will it be a supercharged road 850cc mini when it's finished?

Yeah, it’ll just be a road car once finished

Done a few bit over the last couple of days
Stripped the switch panel and painted it/ re assembled
Boss kit arrived from nippy cars, painted the boss in wrinkle black
Also painted the grille

Also visited the shell
Rear valance has been spot welded in place, needs to be drilled for the 5 bolt bumpers
Both rear quarters have been fully welded on
Drip rails replaced on both sides

The holes for the SPQR major change kit have been cut, nerve wracking making holes in a brand new floor.
Pretty happy with how the shells looking, a year after the bodywork was started
Found another little trinket that may end up on the grille

What a brilliant project. Looks like it's going to be a great spec and build. Some great accessories going on there as well, that SPQR shifter looks ace.

InnoCooperExport wrote: ↑Thu Sep 05, 2024 10:30 am What a brilliant project. Looks like it's going to be a great spec and build. Some great accessories going on there as well, that SPQR shifter looks ace.

Thank you. The aim isn’t something that’s box fresh I’d still like it to look like it’s an old car, The SPQR and a lot of the other parts are thanks to the forum and it’s members