Project "Rusty"

[FlightlessNinja]

Well lets start off by saying that since joining the site in April 2007 I am now the owner (soon to be (Tuesday)) of a Mini finally. Thanks to Ian (http://www.miniaddicts.co.uk/forum/showthread.php?t=3366).

With not knowing too much about the mechanics of mini's and there general quirks i'm sure i will be on here more often from now on.

So this is the first post of many documenting my attempt to restore "Rusty".

Jon

[moddinmad]

hope that names affectionatly.... mini mechanics arent hard at all

[FlightlessNinja]

I have a good idea of the inner working of cars plusmy brother is a VX trained mechanic so i'm sure that will help.

The name just stems from its roots. ;-)

[FlightlessNinja]

Well no pics yet but i have removed some parts (too be honest there was not alot to remove).

I am having a few probs trying to start her. I think its the starter motor.

I've left the battery to charge all day via solar charger although it did have charge but just to be on the safe side. When i turn on the ignition i get a red light and an orange light on the dash but when i try to start it it tries to turn but stops and dies.

Anyhoo. Since pretty much everything is out i'm going to start on tidying the rust up on the inside but i don;t really know where to start as there is a lor of it.

The "support" for the heater vents are completly gone and the arches behind the front wheels appear to be on their way out also.

Can any one offer any suggestions on where to start?

I'll try and get some pics up tomorrow. Its a bit cold, dark and wet to get some now.

Thanks
Jon

[FlightlessNinja]

I think the bodywork is too much for me to do. Thinking of getting quotes for someone else to do it for me.

http://i192.photobucket.com/albums/z110/FlightlessNinja/Rusty/DSC_5089.jpg
http://i192.photobucket.com/albums/z110/FlightlessNinja/Rusty/DSC_5090.jpg
http://i192.photobucket.com/albums/z110/FlightlessNinja/Rusty/DSC_5091.jpg
http://i192.photobucket.com/albums/z110/FlightlessNinja/Rusty/DSC_5092.jpg
http://i192.photobucket.com/albums/z110/FlightlessNinja/Rusty/DSC_5093.jpg
http://i192.photobucket.com/albums/z110/FlightlessNinja/Rusty/DSC_5094.jpg
http://i192.photobucket.com/albums/z110/FlightlessNinja/Rusty/DSC_5095.jpg
http://i192.photobucket.com/albums/z110/FlightlessNinja/Rusty/DSC_5096.jpg
http://i192.photobucket.com/albums/z110/FlightlessNinja/Rusty/DSC_5097.jpg

More can be found here http://s192.photobucket.com/albums/z110/FlightlessNinja/Rusty/

[Deano]

dont look to bad whats the heel boards ` door hinge panels & boot like:confused:

[FlightlessNinja]

I luckily have a replacement bootl lid but my torque wrench has packed up and will only tighten. I need at least one door but i can't get to the other one just yet.

With this being my first mini its a bit daunting looking at all the dust. I'll have to see how i get on.

[Nibby]

Just give it alot of time and effort, will turn out nice if you stick to it! :)

EDIT: how did you get on with those panels?

[moddinmad]

the doors need a reskin but the hinges are fine and the hinge pannel is solid. the healboard is solid and the floors are solid. needs x2 finch pannels, x2 A pannels, x2 wings, and door steps and boot floor.

[FlightlessNinja]

I can post again YES!! Sorry my account messed up.

As ian said i kinda need all thost bits and maybe a few more. Going to make a complete list soon.

[minimanda]

I've never worked on ANY car before, but now my mini has been stripped to a bare shell and started the refurb, thankfully my hubbys on hand for any help and advice:) , he could have done it all for me but its my car and want to do as much as i can myself:( , he'll do any welding and the repray but i'am enjoying getting my hands dirty:) , if i can do it anyone can. so stick at it m8 i'm sure it'll look good when its done

[FlightlessNinja]

Thanks. I was going to try and get prices for the body work tobe done but my bro is an excellent mechanic,my dad can spray and weld also so i'm pretty much covered.