Tonyelfs nice old elf project

[Deano]

http://i64.photobucket.com/albums/h181/DEANOJONES/Pa2600282.jpg

They dont make them like this anymore

[TONYELF]

I'll second that.
Nice motor Tony, Cant wait to see it on the road though, any news on when it will be done?
Cills, inner and outer being removed on n/s. Deano says He's seen worse on later minis and this is 42 years old!(nearly twice as old as Deano) Will bring pics to meeting tomrrow nights meeting. See you there!

[Deano]

Im only as old as my car would be a nice one for him:)

[Deano]

Started on elf today. :eek: Got it running for the first time in 25 years. Tony has done a very good job of stripping it down.
So ready to go on:
Inner & outer A panels (external hinged)
Two wings
Inner & outer sills both sides
Front floor pans both sides
A new coat of paint
Then get all the brakes drive train, elecs, interior and the rest up to scratch :)
All good fun, and if I pull my finger out and dont hit any major problems you might see it on the Lord Mayor's Parade.

[Deano]

will post some tommorow;)

[Deano]

http://i64.photobucket.com/albums/h181/DEANOJONES/f221b3a8.jpg

http://i64.photobucket.com/albums/h181/DEANOJONES/ee90e259.jpg

http://i64.photobucket.com/albums/h181/DEANOJONES/8f4178c5.jpg

http://i64.photobucket.com/albums/h181/DEANOJONES/4f0726a4.jpg

[Deano]

Have put both floors inner & outer sills and one inner and outer a panal just the other a panal and wings then its ready for paint proces to start so its getting there its to close to call yet :) will try post more pics this week.

[TONYELF]

HEy! I think I've cracked photobucket. heres my first attempt!

http://s157.photobucket.com/albums/t45/TONYELF-2006/

[charlie_mini]

Well done Tony Elf! :D:D

[TONYELF]

Thanks but a big bird (deano) tells me it fills up the website faster than the fotos that come up straight away. If so HOW do I do that????:confused:

[@lex]

Thanks but a big bird (deano) tells me it fills up the website faster than the fotos that come up straight away. If so HOW do I do that????:confused:

eeerr....i du-no.
only know how to use photo bucket also.

bril photos lah.... have you got any idea when you're old elf will be her old self.

nice one

[Gr4H4m]

copy the IMG code line of text that is displayed below the photo on the photobucket web site into the miniaddicts post and the pic will appear when you preview it or submit it.:cool:

[@lex]

copy the IMG code line of text that is displayed below the photo on the photobucket web site into the miniaddicts post and the pic will appear when you preview it or submit it.:cool:

cheers gr4h4m. :)

[TONYELF]

eeerr....i du-no.
only know how to use photo bucket also.

bril photos lah.... have you got any idea when you're old elf will be her old self.

nice one

Thanks Alex. Not sure about finishing date but I would like to have it ready for Kaye and Deans Wedding 22nd June for the foto shoot with Dereks Stretch mini limo
I've got two weeks off after this week so hope to get cracking then. any offers of help in rubbing down?

[@lex]

Thanks Alex. Not sure about finishing date but I would like to have it ready for Kaye and Deans Wedding 22nd June for the foto shoot with Dereks Stretch mini limo
I've got two weeks off after this week so hope to get cracking then. any offers of help in rubbing down?


well as it happens, i have got time off from the 21st.... so yeh, i'd like to give you a hand. maybe i'd learn some thing, even if it is prep work. ;)

just give me a shout.

cheers

[TONYELF]

Thanks Alex was only joking really but a spare pair of hands would be great. The Elf is in deanotweaks garage in Northop. Will contact you later in the week .:)

[@lex]

ok mr elf. :D

cheers

[TONYELF]

Latest on the Elf C/o Denty
http://i157.photobucket.com/albums/t45/TONYELF-2006/riley%20elf%20restoration/Image131.jpg

[TONYELF]

http://i157.photobucket.com/albums/t45/TONYELF-2006/riley%20elf%20restoration/P5230120.jpg

[Gr4H4m]

ooo shiny... looks great Tony, can't wait to see it on the road.

I dont envy you putting it back together with all that nice new paint.

[TONYELF]

ooo shiny... looks great Tony, can't wait to see it on the road.

I dont envy you putting it back together with all that nice new paint.

Neither do I LOL:D :D

[TONYELF]

http://i157.photobucket.com/albums/t45/TONYELF-2006/riley%20elf%20restoration/P5230119.jpg

[TONYELF]

Hoping to pick up tomorrow:)
http://i157.photobucket.com/albums/t45/TONYELF-2006/riley%20elf%20restoration/P5230121.jpg

[Steve]

Looking great Tony, Hope the rebuild goes ok.

[TONYELF]

Thanks. I just hope I can find all the bits and bobs. It's been stripped down for nearly two years .LOL :D

[niffty64]

the colour looks great.

[Gr4H4m]

looks very good gaps wings to scuttle panel

[@lex]

looking great tony. another great advert for mr denty. of course that great finish is all down to my rubbing down talents. ;)

cheers

[TONYELF]

Thats thanks to Deano tweaks :)

[TONYELF]

the colour looks great.

Thanks. It's Florentine Blue with old english white and it matches the model I bought perfectly!:)

[TONYELF]

Don't give peeps the wrong idea @lex, I don't let everyone rub my body down :D :D :D

looking great tony. another great advert for mr denty. of course that great finish is all down to my rubbing down talents. ;)

cheers

[@lex]

Thats thanks to Deano tweaks :)

yep... credit where its due. its great to see it taking shape tony. looking forward seeing it on a run soon. when i can chech out your bodywork at close quarters:D :D :D

cheers

[TONYELF]

Folks may be wondering "why isn't he doing the engine bay?"
Simple. The owner of the Elf had died. She had removed the flywheel and it was nowhere to be found. Nobody knew why. Dean suggested that it would be best to try it out first with a new flywheel.for a few weeks. If all is well, we will take the engine out and paint it and the engine bay as well. It would be daft to do it now and find something wrong and have to take it out again to fix it.
Does that make sense?

[moddinmad]

http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y198/moddinmad/elf/DSC00430.jpg
http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y198/moddinmad/elf/DSC00431.jpg
http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y198/moddinmad/elf/DSC00432.jpg
http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y198/moddinmad/elf/DSC00433.jpg
http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y198/moddinmad/elf/DSC00435.jpg
http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y198/moddinmad/elf/DSC00436.jpg
http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y198/moddinmad/elf/DSC00438.jpg
http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y198/moddinmad/elf/DSC00439.jpg
http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y198/moddinmad/elf/DSC00440.jpg
http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y198/moddinmad/elf/DSC00441.jpg

[TONYELF]

I'm afraid I must offer my belated apologies and thanks to @lex for helping me rub the Elf down.He gave me two days of his time. Sorry M8ey (must have had one of my "senior" moments and forgot!).:D
Also to Moddinmad for the above shots.Cheers .

[@lex]

I'm afraid I must offer my belated apologies and thanks to @lex for helping me rub the Elf down.He gave me two days of his time. Sorry M8ey (must have had one of my "senior" moments and forgot!).:D
Also to Moddinmad for the above shots.Cheers .

no need for apologise! two days of drinking tea and chatting, would be more acurate. :D

it's great to see the elf outside.

cheers

[Gr4H4m]

I must admit Deano got some wicked panel gaps blows me away better that factory looking at the close-ups. its these little bits I think makes it a top job.

[RSP]

Top, top job, looking the bee's knee's!!!!

Bet you can't wait.

Infact, I can't wait to see it!!!:D :D :D

[TONYELF]

Top, top job, looking the bee's knee's!!!!

Bet you can't wait.

Infact, I can't wait to see it!!!:D :D :D

You know where I live! might even give you a job if you pop in!:D
All are welcome (but not all at the same time!:D :D

[TONYELF]

Owing to the fact the project page is not up and running (can't add a new thread on)
Here are some photo's of the Elf (still some more chromework to be put on yet!:eek:
http://i157.photobucket.com/albums/t45/TONYELF-2006/riley%20elf%20restoration/PA050118.jpg
http://i157.photobucket.com/albums/t45/TONYELF-2006/riley%20elf%20restoration/PA050116.jpg

http://i157.photobucket.com/albums/t45/TONYELF-2006/riley%20elf%20restoration/PA050113.jpghttp://i157.photobucket.com/albums/t45/TONYELF-2006/riley%20elf%20restoration/PA050110.jpghttp://i157.photobucket.com/albums/t45/TONYELF-2006/riley%20elf%20restoration/PA050116.jpg

[TONYELF]

Some more
http://i157.photobucket.com/albums/t45/TONYELF-2006/riley%20elf%20restoration/PA050120.jpg
http://i157.photobucket.com/albums/t45/TONYELF-2006/riley%20elf%20restoration/PA050127-1.jpghttp://i157.photobucket.com/albums/t45/TONYELF-2006/riley%20elf%20restoration/PA050125.jpg

http://i157.photobucket.com/albums/t45/TONYELF-2006/riley%20elf%20restoration/PA050121.jpg

I have seen another Elf with some fine mesh behind the grill,which will hide the "innards" from full view. What do peeps think? Should I do the same or leave the innards on show?

[Gr4H4m]

looking good Tony.. love the dash. I would vote for mesh

[TONYELF]

It's either mesh or maybe a splash cover?

[Steve]

Looks great Tony

[Gr4H4m]

Tony shouldn't the washer push be on the drivers side??? mine is?

[TONYELF]

I put it back in the position I found it. Thought it would be better as you say between switch panel and steering column?
Might move it after Mot.
Don't want to upset anything now it's all working!:D

[Gr4H4m]

no you will end up with fluid in the car.... :)

[ROADRUNNER]

Tony, thats a fantastic looking car you have there, well worth the wait, it looks better than a new one, regards the decision between mesh or cover, its got to be the cover that will keep it totally original the mesh will make it look like a race car. You must enter it into the concours at some of the shows next year, I think you should pick up a few trophies with this car
Great job mate
Neil

[TONYELF]

Thanks Neil. I don't think it's quite concourse, the camera always lies!! We will have to see!
It was a bugger to re assemble after stripping it down over two years ago,taking bit's off it at home and at Dean's while he was welding it up.... I can't find half the stuff and when I do find some of it....UMMMMMMMMMMMMM where does this go,and why have I got lot's of bolts left over ?! Maybe the MOT tester will tell me where the bolts are missing ! LOL
As for a cover behind the grill. I don't think they originally had anything and I was hoping to keep it as original as possible. Exceptions to the rule being maybe an alternator (as the dynamo does not seem to be functioning as it should despite new bushes) and door mirrors
Thanks for you kind comments

[Gr4H4m]

test its all working

[charlie_mini]

wow tony it looks a million times better now than last time i saw it!

glad to see the dash is now sorted after it's little mishap too :p
cheers

[TONYELF]

Cheers M8y.I hope it will look even better tomorrow when I put the free tax disc on the screen,she passed the MOT today:) How's Maria coming on?

[TONYELF]

I am pleased to say the Elf passed it's first (I think) Mot yesterday.

Not first time though as the brakes were s***t. Tester could hear something rubbing on back brakes.
They allowed me to strip them down at the rear of the Mot station.
I had not only put the springs in wrong place (Top one at bottom and vice versa ) but I put one of the shoes the wrong way round! Now you know why I hate brakes!! I was then able to take it down a private road a few times to take the top spots off.
It just scraped through the test.

Today (Tuesday) I picked up the tax disc.. Yippee!

The above has been copied from another thread "to keep this story in same thread"

[TONYELF]

I managed to buy another dash at Santa Pod (the only highlight for me that awful weekend!)
I have used my own centre panel and the two new side panels. Very pleased.
Just one little problem,The head beam warning comes on when the lights are dipped!:D :D just another fiddly little job to finish it of!

[Gr4H4m]

I know of another car that does that...

So what's it like to drive then Tony? what you expected? I et you are smiling ear to ear, after all those years. Bet you can't wait for the show season?

[TONYELF]

It's pretty nippy considering I have NOT even looked at, never mind touched the points! All I have done is fit new plugs.This was really the first time I had driven it on public roads. Had to stop twice to walk back for two wheel trims! They won't stay on do to the balance weights. Any ideas anyone?

The MOT tester made favourable comments on

A) The tidy welding. Thanks to Deano
B)The lovely paint job, Thanks to Dentyof Denty and Scratchy (and @lex for helping me rub it down.)
c)The general condition of the resoration of the project (thanks to E-bay and my wallet! LOL

On this note thanks to yourself and others for a few bits and everyones encouragement which kept me going.
Cheers

[Gr4H4m]

I presume they are the knock on weights? I have stick-on on mine alloys Buckley should sort you out.
Cant wait to see it in the flesh

.

[TONYELF]

I presume they are the knock on weights? I have stick-on on mine alloys Buckley should sort you out.
Cant wait to see it in the flesh

.

Correct---knock on weights. they will do for now.
To see it in the flesh you will have to wait until it's a dry day (bywhich time I'll probably have the carpets in to deaden the noise!)

[TONYELF]

I had a close shave today, the brakes failed! Foot went straight down to the floor. Just managed to pull to a stop with the handbrake to save kissing the rear bumper of a Picasso!
On inspection, No brake fluid. Looked around to find a large pool under rear n\s wheel. Fortunately only one mile from home so low gears,low speeds I managed to nurse it home.
On strip down and removal of slave cylinder (a new one fitted by last owner)
I found the locating pin missing. Turned out that possibly wrong part had been purchased or had it? Further inspection revealed that it would not have fitted as locating hole on backplate was in different position!
This allowed the slave cylinder to turn enough for the brake shoes to slide off and the piston to pop out. (there were no retaining springs through the shoes to back plate)

I called at Quality factor only to find the ones in stock were the same. They say they will have the correct ones first thing tomorrow morning? (I won't hold my breath!)
http://www.minispares.com/Product.aspx?pid=34427
This shows the pin to left of bleed nipple whereas those at Quality factor have the pin to the right

Has anyone had a similar problem?

[TONYELF]

The correct slave cylinders arrived today. No chance of fitting them, it's the grand daughters's 2nd Birthday today and tomorrow it's the party so Elf will have to wait!

[Gr4H4m]

if it were me I would change all of the cylinders and check the master cylinder esp the brakes, mine were shot, and I didn't want to risk the brakes. The bores on the cylinders had corrosion on and that trashes the rubber seals in no time.

I took the decision to replace the brakes MC and all slave cylinders for safety, when I stripped the old MC it was knacked.
I just replaced the clutch MC rubbers and the clutch slave as it was gone. So far the clutch MC has been fine, but the replacement slave has failed.

[TONYELF]

I had thought about it but when Dean and I first rolled the Elf on the frame to be welded we noticed all the lines and cylinders were new. Brian kindly gave me a new M/C when we started the project so I guess it would be wise to change it. I have kept the fluid topped up so as to stop the rubbers drying out whilst standing ( a little leaked out and bubled the paint on the bulkhead)

All the dust rubbers are in good condition and the front Slaves are working ok. Reason for me renewing both the rear ones is to keep a balance as the new ones would appear to be fraction smaller and to replace only one would be daft.

Any tips how to get at the pin at top of the brake pedal to remove it?

Ps I am going to change the clutch slave cylinder too.

[Gr4H4m]

yep you need small hands and hide the swear pot or you will be poor.

I used some release oil and cut the old split pin out some small pliers got the pin out. I did replace the pin as mine was well rusted.. used some copper slip when I put the new one in.
Getting the new one in was a bit diff with fat fingers, with a bit of a wiggle on the brake pedal to get the holes to line up...

Make sure the split pins are not too long so the cant catch on the bulk head I have to cut mine down. Mark mentioned trying Rclips.

[TONYELF]

I 'll get little Rhiannon to do it then. LOL :D
Thanks for the tips:)
Will it be easier if I take drivers seat out and lie on my back?

[Gr4H4m]

my seat were out of the car.

[TONYELF]

Well, I managed to re-assemble the rear brakes,fitting new pistons and linings (both sides) a)because the other new linings were saturated with brake fluid when the piston popped out (to say hello!:rolleyes:)
b) both pistons replaced because I noticed the replacements looked a little smaller on the main part of the body and I wanted pressure etc to be the same both side of course.
When I re-assembled the nearside on the hand brake mechanism I noticed the groove on the rear section that the groove was not in line with the centre of the shoe .this was preventing correct operation of the hand brake and making it difficult to adjust. Quick solution? I canabalised the n/s back plate of Myvanwy the van (the back plates on that are absolutely shot and need replacing anyway (eventually!)
Having sorted the hand brake (I now know I can stop a lot better than I did the other day!) I decided to replace the master cylinder only to find the new one I was given the piston shaft was shorter which meant I could not refit the pin at the top of the pedal!
Maybe I have a MK3 M/Cylinder?
Comparing the two I could feel no diference with the plunger so
I put it back, luckily the pin went in first time,fitting the split pin not bad, but trying to open the split pin was a real pain. The air was as blue as the re-spray :D
Job for tomorrow. Bleed the bloody brakes!

[Gr4H4m]

Tony was thinking I used this method when I first put the brakes together and managed to get too glugs of air out of the front.

P.S have you checked the pedals are dry so no leaks from the MC? or it could be the mc letting air in? and check the hoses are not expanding..

http://uk.youtube.com/watch?v=UMJTndN9s1s&feature=user


P.S all I saw the elf today looking very good well done Tony

[Mrs RSP]

She is looking a beaut Tony.
Well done.

[TONYELF]

Cheers Guys. Phil enjoyed test driving it yesterday, reckons I'll be able to keep up you you all now !!!!!
Rides very smooth and takes those damned speed humps quite well too :)

[TONYELF]

Had a good bleed using Gr4h4m's Easy bleed. Whole system flushed out. brake pedal stops an inch off the floor. I adjusted the brakes right up and now the pedal stops about an inch and a half from the start so looking good, just got to wear the top spots of now before re-adjusting.

Gr4h4m mentioned the clutch lever looked bent and seeing I was having trouble selecting the gears I found another lever, a dead straight one fitted it and set the clutch up as per Keith Calver. got it spot on first time:)

Now to find out where all the left over nut's, bolt's screw's and other bits go:eek: LOL
Just a reminder of what it was like at the start
Can anyone tell me why my pics take up so much space??????????///
http://i157.photobucket.com/albums/t45/TONYELF-2006/riley%20elf%20restoration/P9280058.jpghttp://i157.photobucket.com/albums/t45/TONYELF-2006/riley%20elf%20restoration/RileyElfRestorarion006.jpg

[lee1206]

looks like you have made a nice job of yr elf mate hope mine looks half as good when i finally get it sorted

[TONYELF]

Cheers. You'll get there one day. Especially if you get the encouragement I got from fellow miniaddicts.

Now for an update.
Sunday was dry. I thought I would kill two birds as they say. I took the Elf out for a run the get the brake high spots down and to see the addicts meet up for their run from Mcdonalds in Mold.
I also thought I would pick their brains to find out how to install the new doors cards the "easy way" No luck. There's no easy way!
On way home I ran out of petrol on the A55 just over the Queensferry bridge!
Fortunately, Phil was on his way out and was able to bing me a fivers worth so not stuck for long.
I knew immediately what was wrong as it came to a stop, the petrol pump was going off it's head! (on advantage of a 'leccy pump!)
when I got home I wrestled with the driver door card for some time before I realised it was trying to get between the two drainage tubes and the outer skin! Easing these a litlle and a little persuasion to get the card bending the "other" way allowed the card to flip. Good game. not easy.
............Now to sort out the petrol gauge:mad: :mad: It's the first time in my motoring life I have been let down by a faulty gauge in 46 years :mad:
Thanks everyone for their kind comments on the Elf ,even in it's unfinished state

[RSPop]

Tony, what a little gem you've got there. ;) Yes I am talking about the Elf!!!!!!!:D

I think I would keep it as original as possible for the moment anyway and see if you need to put mesh or a cover in later.

Gareth

[RSP]

Looking fab there Elf, I am the same as pop, see how you live with it for a few runs and decide then.

Bet you are over the moon!!!!!