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1977 Leyland Mini - Plate OCD

RRT 22R Part of things Posts: 135	1977 Leyland Mini - Plate OCD RRT 22R @rrt22r
	May 25, 2011 20:50:03 GMT Select Post Deselect Post Link to Post Back to Top
	I thought I would share with you the delights of my 1977 Mini 850 which I have had for about 5 years. The previous owner ran a garage and was a 'friend-of-a-friend' - He wanted shot of the car as he only had posses ion of it as part payment for an unpaid bill. After lots of haggling, and the inclusion of a years ticket, I decided to rescue the poor thing. It had absolutely no history and the original 850 had been replaced by a 998cc Metro A+ lump. The thing I liked most about it was the colour - British Racing Puke. Also known as Antique Gold. This is how I found it... I needed to smarten the old girl up a bit, so a service and a good clean and polish... Best not to look to closely or start poking too hard... Followed by the addition of a set of freshly powder coated Cooper S reverse rims with new Falken 'Ditch Finders'.... I have had these wheels for over twenty years and I bought them for £20. Best Mini wheels evah! And a nice period steering wheel. I also could not resist the temptation of a Cooper Freeflow manifold and twin box RC40. I also replaced the frilly bonnet with one from my stock of parts/stuff ready for the skip. It happened to be black, much to the amusement of everyone who thought it looked like Mr Bean's car. I tried to explain that his car was in fact Sandglow and nothing like Antique Gold and it was like a 70's rally car, but they wouldn't have any of it... I buzzed around like this for a year and I loved every minute of it ;D. I left the 850 badge on the boot, so it gave a few people a fright when I unleashed the awesome power of the 998... ;D It was kinda 'shabby-chic meets rat look' and I would happily of kept it like this, but MOT expiry and some serious rot meant it has sat in my garage since... More soon.
	Last Edit: Sept 8, 2011 17:17:35 GMT by RRT 22R 1950 Ferguson TE A20 1971 VW Beetle 1300 1972 VW Beetle 1302S 1977 Leyland Mini 850 1983 Austin Metro 1.0 HLE 1984 Honda Acty TN 550 1989 Rover Mini 30 1990 Rover Mini City E 1990 Mazda MX5

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BenzBoy Probably posted too much Posts: 17,940 Club RR Member Number: 7	1977 Leyland Mini - Plate OCD BenzBoy @benzboy Club Retro Rides Member 7
	May 25, 2011 21:42:08 GMT Select Post Deselect Post Link to Post Back to Top
	Nice Mini! Those wheels are great.
	1975 Mercedes-Benz 200 1989 Nissan Patrol OM606 conversion 2015 Volkswagen Caddy Maxi

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AtomicRooster Posted a lot Posts: 2,107	1977 Leyland Mini - Plate OCD AtomicRooster @downandout
	May 26, 2011 15:32:23 GMT Select Post Deselect Post Link to Post Back to Top
	Love 70's minis. Cooper steels are never a bad choice either. I've currently got two I'm restoring, but they're both 80s. After they're both done i want a late 60s/early 70s one to have a go at.
	1986 Mini Chelsea

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RRT 22R Part of things Posts: 135	1977 Leyland Mini - Plate OCD RRT 22R @rrt22r
	May 27, 2011 19:36:09 GMT Select Post Deselect Post Link to Post Back to Top
	Thanks for your comments guys. Advice, observations, comments, irony, warnings, sarcasm and general Mickey taking are always welcome. Okay, we now need to fast forward to about two weeks ago when I found myself in the highly unusual position of having a spare bit of time. So, I thought I would have a look at my faithful friend... Hmmm.... The rust has not got any better... So I though I would start at the back and strip a few bits off. So off came the bumpers, lights, boot lid and fuel tank. Not sure this is going to buff out with a bit of Turtle Wax... I thought that while I was at it, and in true spirit of "I am denying the truth and trying to do some stuff that involves shiny and unimportant things", I decided to trial fit the 6x10 Cosmics that I picked up a while ago. I think I will need arches to cover these, so this probably will not happen. I then decided it would be a good time to drop the rear subframe off and have a little looksee underneath. Body supported and RC40 off. I dropped the frame off, which was in surprising good condition, and then promptly ruined it by shearing off both rear mounting studs. So I took a subby I had in stock and began to strip two down, taking the best bits from each to make a good 'un. Not sure these are meant to be here... Project British Racing Puke is born. So, the plan is to sort this lot out and work toward the front of the car. Progress and updates may be a little random, but this is due to many other things placing demands on the most vital of resources - Time. So I will update as and when I make some progress or have something to share. Enjoy!
	1950 Ferguson TE A20 1971 VW Beetle 1300 1972 VW Beetle 1302S 1977 Leyland Mini 850 1983 Austin Metro 1.0 HLE 1984 Honda Acty TN 550 1989 Rover Mini 30 1990 Rover Mini City E 1990 Mazda MX5

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disasterbus South East Posts: 2,523	1977 Leyland Mini - Plate OCD disasterbus @disasterbus
	May 27, 2011 19:44:43 GMT Select Post Deselect Post Link to Post Back to Top
	fabulous - looks like it's aquired a stable mate - is that a second racing puke colour mini in one of the pics?
	Currently driving a '68 Karmann Ghia as my daily. Don't ask about previous cars - there have been way too many and I stopped counting at 160!

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RRT 22R Part of things Posts: 135	1977 Leyland Mini - Plate OCD RRT 22R @rrt22r
	May 27, 2011 20:09:59 GMT Select Post Deselect Post Link to Post Back to Top
	Yes, it is a second 1975 Mk3 Mini in a slightly less puke colour of Harvest Gold. Coincidently, I sold this much better and more solid Mini today to fund the work on British Racing Puke and give me somewhere dry to keep my Metro over winter.
	1950 Ferguson TE A20 1971 VW Beetle 1300 1972 VW Beetle 1302S 1977 Leyland Mini 850 1983 Austin Metro 1.0 HLE 1984 Honda Acty TN 550 1989 Rover Mini 30 1990 Rover Mini City E 1990 Mazda MX5

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ben711200 Posted a lot Posts: 3,412	1977 Leyland Mini - Plate OCD ben711200 @ben711200
	May 27, 2011 21:26:18 GMT Select Post Deselect Post Link to Post Back to Top
	I like your car, I like its wheels, I like that it's a truly minging colour, I like the fact that you invite sarcasm and criticism. I like the cut of your jib. More 'orrible coloured car updates please ;D
	Oct 12, 2012 9:40:03 GMT Robinxr4i said: ...proper medallion man chest wig motoring.

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coleman262 Part of things Posts: 31	1977 Leyland Mini - Plate OCD coleman262 @coleman262
	May 28, 2011 9:44:11 GMT Select Post Deselect Post Link to Post Back to Top
	may aswell chuck some hi-lo's in that subframe whilst its out! and probably a good idea to do all the subframe brake lines too! just because its easier, but looking good nice to see another mini being saved!


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speedbird009 Kinda New Posts: 1	1977 Leyland Mini - Plate OCD speedbird009 @speedbird009
	May 28, 2011 10:16:25 GMT Select Post Deselect Post Link to Post Back to Top
	Love the reverse rims and that vinyl interior should be nice and comfy on a hot summers day.


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RRT 22R Part of things Posts: 135	1977 Leyland Mini - Plate OCD RRT 22R @rrt22r
	Jun 1, 2011 18:51:48 GMT Select Post Deselect Post Link to Post Back to Top
	Thanks for your interest, and a small 'orrible coloured small car update for y'all. I had a few spare minutes today, so I plucked up the courage and whipped the carpets out to have a look at the floor. So after the removal of a small pile of slightly mouldy brown trim, this is the drivers side floor pan - Looks like it has been stored at the bottom of a lake for a long period of time... A view of the passenger rear companion box, complete with extra ventilation. Inside the drivers side companion box... ...and a view of the heelboard from inside the car. Nice. So, the plan is to attack it with the grinder/wire wheel combo and then make a nice fat order to a panel supplier. Oh, and Hi-Lo's are definitely on the menu. ;D
	1950 Ferguson TE A20 1971 VW Beetle 1300 1972 VW Beetle 1302S 1977 Leyland Mini 850 1983 Austin Metro 1.0 HLE 1984 Honda Acty TN 550 1989 Rover Mini 30 1990 Rover Mini City E 1990 Mazda MX5

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richk Part of things Posts: 43	1977 Leyland Mini - Plate OCD richk @richk
	Jun 2, 2011 12:18:50 GMT Select Post Deselect Post Link to Post Back to Top
	I love antique gold! I'm just coming to end of a 4 year restoration of a '77 clubman in the same colour that I rescued from a 6 rest in someones garden. I'm becoming quite used to the "Why have you painted it this colour?" comments. I think I've only ever seen about another two the same colour in the metal so it had to be kept. It certainly looks like you've have got you're work cut out. Looking at it makes me want to start another project already! Looking forward to further updates. Rich
	1340cc 1989 mini 1098cc 1977 mini clubman in antique gold 1991 Eunos Roadster 1997 VW Polo 16v

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RRT 22R Part of things Posts: 135	1977 Leyland Mini - Plate OCD RRT 22R @rrt22r
	Jun 3, 2011 11:46:50 GMT Select Post Deselect Post Link to Post Back to Top
	Hi Rich. Thanks for your reply - Have you got any pictures of the completed car, resplendent in British Racing Puke?
	1950 Ferguson TE A20 1971 VW Beetle 1300 1972 VW Beetle 1302S 1977 Leyland Mini 850 1983 Austin Metro 1.0 HLE 1984 Honda Acty TN 550 1989 Rover Mini 30 1990 Rover Mini City E 1990 Mazda MX5

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bob3 Part of things Posts: 79	1977 Leyland Mini - Plate OCD bob3 @bob3
	Jun 3, 2011 14:57:33 GMT Select Post Deselect Post Link to Post Back to Top
	I actually like that colour, had a 1976 red clubman estate which after 2 years of service got dismantled for parts and I found out it was originally this colour when I took the dash out. The poor thing hadnt missed a beat in 2 years and I killed it. Keep at it mate!!


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stealthstylz Club Retro Rides Member Posts: 14,950 Club RR Member Number: 174	1977 Leyland Mini - Plate OCD stealthstylz @stealthstylz Club Retro Rides Member 174
	Jun 3, 2011 16:03:38 GMT Select Post Deselect Post Link to Post Back to Top
	That colour is ace. Don't think you need the caution in your thread title though, it's a Mini, everybody knows it's gonna be rusty lol. Good luck with the welding Matt


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Fungus Part of things Posts: 960	1977 Leyland Mini - Plate OCD Fungus @hondaman
	Jun 3, 2011 22:29:43 GMT Select Post Deselect Post Link to Post Back to Top
	Love your car - I'm only 16 and ive got a '73 850 in exactly the same condition, i had started to give up hope but seeing this is getting my enthusiasm back Keep it coming, lots of pics too! ;D


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RRT 22R Part of things Posts: 135	1977 Leyland Mini - Plate OCD RRT 22R @rrt22r
	Jun 10, 2011 18:25:48 GMT Select Post Deselect Post Link to Post Back to Top
	Jun 3, 2011 16:03:38 GMT stealthstylz said: That colour is ace. Don't think you need the caution in your thread title though, it's a Mini, everybody knows it's gonna be rusty lol. Good luck with the welding Matt I have finally worked out how to insert quotes! (A small victory in my personal battle against computers) Thanks for your comment Matt - Just wanted to warn those of a nervous disposition... ;D Posted by 850mini on Jun 3, 2011, 11:29pm Love your car - I'm only 16 and ive got a '73 850 in exactly the same condition, I had started to give up hope but seeing this is getting my enthusiasm back Keep it coming, lots of pics too! I bought my first Mini at 16 and it was a complete rusty heap. I rented a lock-up on a piece of waste land and rebuilt it with the help of my Dad, crashed it into said lock-up and rebuilt it again before I had even passed my test! Spent a small fortune on it and it taught me so much about driving and Minis. Good luck with yours and I hope your mojo returns soon. Okay, not much of an update really, but I popped in to DSN and purchased this pile of bits - The first installment of many I fear. I bought the full width Heritage boot hinge panel - It was horrendously expensive, but was far better quality and shape than the three-piece-pattern alternative. And here it is, resting in position - Job nearly done then! ;D While I was in the garage, I had a little tap around the NS rear arch... Full of filler, an inch thick in places. Quelle surprise. Just waiting to get the gas sorted out, then I can get cracking with the grind-weld-grind-weld-grind. I have been cleaning up the rear subby while I am waiting. Pics soon.
	1950 Ferguson TE A20 1971 VW Beetle 1300 1972 VW Beetle 1302S 1977 Leyland Mini 850 1983 Austin Metro 1.0 HLE 1984 Honda Acty TN 550 1989 Rover Mini 30 1990 Rover Mini City E 1990 Mazda MX5

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rusty998 Part of things Posts: 778	1977 Leyland Mini - Plate OCD rusty998 @rusty998
	Jun 11, 2011 6:25:14 GMT Select Post Deselect Post Link to Post Back to Top
	oh my ! that little car is in need of much TLC, i had a 998 auto R reg in sandglow, i could not keep it at the time but really wish i had, got a mini 30 at the mo but i am keeping my eyes open for a 70's mini again, i hope this goes well for you and good luck
	MK2 Cortina Estate

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RRT 22R Part of things Posts: 135	1977 Leyland Mini - Plate OCD RRT 22R @rrt22r
	Jul 2, 2011 20:25:32 GMT Select Post Deselect Post Link to Post Back to Top
	Small update time! The progress on Project British Racing Puke has been slow over the past few weeks as predicted, but I have finally cracked out mans best friend - The angle grinder. The first area to receive the ministrations of said angle grinder was the battery box, shown here in all it's rotten glory. I am not sure how everyone else feels, but I always feel strange when I am making the first cuts on an unsuspecting automobile. Anyway, much patient grinding later as I could not easily find the spot welds to drill them out, we have this:- I also manged to grind some skin off my thumb and finger - You know how it goes - Wearing all the PPE including gloves like a good boy - Lots of grinding - Remove PPE to drink tea - Put most PPE back on again - More grinding - OUCH - Guess who forgot to put gloves on again? Only a surface wound, but a little reminder that familiarity breeds contempt. Anyway, more cutting at the rear:- Trimming of the boot panel and very rough trial fit. One very rotten boot floor, rear valance and closing panels. It all needs cleaning up and the remains of the wheel arch support and tank brackets need removing, but it's a start. Also cleaned up one wheel arch with a blowlamp and scraper - Not looking forward to doing the underside of the boot floor or the main floor... More hot scraping - Removed most of the thick underseal off the rear subframe and lightly bolted the mountings on with the new poly bushes. Eventually, this will be painted and re-assembled, but I might have to use it to ensure that everything is lined-up before final welding. Might break out the the magic metal joining stick soon!
	1950 Ferguson TE A20 1971 VW Beetle 1300 1972 VW Beetle 1302S 1977 Leyland Mini 850 1983 Austin Metro 1.0 HLE 1984 Honda Acty TN 550 1989 Rover Mini 30 1990 Rover Mini City E 1990 Mazda MX5

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eternaloptimist Posted a lot Too many projects, not enough time or space... Posts: 2,578	1977 Leyland Mini - Plate OCD eternaloptimist @eternaloptimist
	Jul 3, 2011 9:55:23 GMT Select Post Deselect Post Link to Post Back to Top
	Looking good!
	XC70, VW split screen crew cab, Standard Ten

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RRT 22R Part of things Posts: 135	1977 Leyland Mini - Plate OCD RRT 22R @rrt22r
	Aug 26, 2011 15:44:24 GMT Select Post Deselect Post Link to Post Back to Top
	Time for another update. Not much progress on the wee beast lately due the commitments previously mentioned, but I did manage to get in the garage for a while today and have a bit of play-time. A few weeks ago, I ordered a couple of Heritage rear inner arches from those nice people at M-Machine. The vertical part of the inner arch, the bit that has the top shock mount in it, was pretty grot-free, so I didn't bother with the complete arch assembly. Over to you, Mr Grinder. Roughly hacked out... and cleaned up a bit. The bit around the shock mount and toward the front of the car is solid, so after much deliberation I decided to cut the arch in half. This means I won't have to get involved in all the work behind the seat, as again, it looks fairly solid. It was at this point that I realised I had cut the new NS arch whist working on the OS. Insert favourite swear word here So in the near future, I will be welding it back together again. I then cut the right arch and had a little trial fit... Whilst I was on a bit of a roll, and sick of being burnt by Mr Grinder, I thought I would have a little check on the hinge panel... ...and the bootlid. The fit and panel gaps are okay, but they were never fabulous before... ..and it would have been a shame not to clamp the rear valence in place. Seemed like a good place to finish playtime. More soon(ish)!
	1950 Ferguson TE A20 1971 VW Beetle 1300 1972 VW Beetle 1302S 1977 Leyland Mini 850 1983 Austin Metro 1.0 HLE 1984 Honda Acty TN 550 1989 Rover Mini 30 1990 Rover Mini City E 1990 Mazda MX5

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