Fungus
Part of things
Posts: 960
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Dec 16, 2010 19:59:30 GMT
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So ive decided to make a new thread, instead od loads of ones about doing the engine etc.... So basically, ive just got my first resto project, this 1972 mini 850; It needs alot of work, mechanially and structurally. but i don't know where to start :L i could either do all the welding first, and then the mechanical stuff, or completly rebuild the subrames and suspesnion, brakes steering and engine before, and then do the welding Any advice? It feels a bit overwhelming at the moment, but i know that half of that is because i don't know where to start
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craig1010cc
Club Retro Rides Member
Posts: 2,998
Club RR Member Number: 35
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Restoration tipscraig1010cc
@craig1010cc
Club Retro Rides Member 35
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Dec 16, 2010 20:10:36 GMT
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Erm, well which do you feel more confident with, mechanics or bodywork?
Personally, I would tackle the shell first and then the mechanics as it saves the mechanicals deteriorating whist your rebuild the shell. But (i assume) you'll be replacing the rear subframe, if you need to weld around/replace the rear subframe mounts, its best to have the subframe you are going to use there so that you can make sure it all fits properly
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willr
Part of things
Posts: 15
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Dec 16, 2010 20:14:50 GMT
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if this is your first restoration then it may be a good idea to start with a better car. it does look a bit ripe. but you can get all the panels for the mini so it could be done. mine took a bit of work but its coming along ok. try and go over the whole car and find out what needs to be repaired, replaced and rebuilt and that will give you a better idea of what youve got. the a series is a good engine so could just need a freshen up. and check the subframes as they gan be pretty rough but salvagable. good luck.
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Dec 16, 2010 20:16:21 GMT
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id tackle the rust first , be a shame to do all the mech then find the rust is too far gone for your skills
plus you can always be tinkering with some mech bits while filler /paint dries etc
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91 golf g60, 89 golf 16v , 88 polo breadvan
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Dec 16, 2010 20:28:25 GMT
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It don't look that bad ..my tip is this and if you don't listen to anouther listen to this ..do one job at a time don't just take it all apart ..don't just go out with loads of cash and buy loads of bits ..just buy enough for one job
my first job on that would be the sills ineer and outer and the rear subframe and boot floor that way you can re fit the rear shocks and put in the petrol tank so it is a runner all the time ...then the cab floors would be the next bit
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Dec 16, 2010 20:29:16 GMT
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AND MASK ALL THE WINDOWS UP OR THEY WILL END UP COVERED IN GRINDER RASH !!!!
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Fungus
Part of things
Posts: 960
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Dec 16, 2010 21:09:23 GMT
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Thanks for all the advice guys, appreciate it Going by what drunkenbum has said, I'm just about to order literally all the bits i'll need to get the rear done - taking it all in little steps. So I'm ordering the rear valance, closing panels, boot floor rear repair section ( because the flange is rotten through) and hinge panel, (also for the flange). Although its only one little step, the bits are costing just over £110, not what i want to see with a £1000 budget :L Its amazing how easy it is to add on little bits with the parts websites, and end up with about £300 worth of parts instead of say £100
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Dec 16, 2010 21:22:24 GMT
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If i were doing it i would be looking where the subframe mounts in the boot floor i would take out the tank and back lights and leave the subby in place i would then be repairing the mouting area of the subby by cutting out the rough and just tacking in the new panels i would then remove the subframe and look at the area where it bolts to the back of the sills that bit of a mini in my opinion is by far the hardest part to get right once you can get your subframe to bolt up nicly in these areas the rest is easy
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Fungus
Part of things
Posts: 960
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Dec 16, 2010 21:29:41 GMT
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So where in the boot floor does it mount? Theres these two brackets coming off the inside of the rear arch with two blots going through the floor. All the metal around there looks pretty good,
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Dec 16, 2010 21:37:17 GMT
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yup tats the ones 2 x 1/2 " bolts i can see from the pictures you a ha good example a very good example the sills look bad though but look like the og ones if the mountings in the boot are good you might be as well starting with the sills you have to drop the subby to do them proper once they are done its back to being a roller
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