Worth getting my 1998 Mini Bodywork in order?

[Extra 300 Driver]

I have a 1998 Cooper, cream leather, walnut everywhere, rebuilt front subframe with new brakes, the car is mint except for the normal rust spots.

It has started to go around the headlights, and a little around the windscreen scuttle. Today I took it to a very good bodyshop, a new Ferrari and a Porsche had just had some work and they were perfect, anyway, they have quoted £2,400 to get the thing sorted, including two new A panels, full respray. They said they’ll remove the rust or replace the panels and give it a mirror finish and I don’t doubt them.

So there’s no arguing that this car is a classic but I have spent, including buying it, about £5.5k and this is going to take the total to £8k. I know its never going to be worth what I have spent on it but is it really worth me getting it done?

[Jefftav]

If you are keeping it for a while then it will be worth doing and then keep on top of maintenance and rust to preserve the car in it's best condition. Inc a respray £2400 probably isn't too harsh but get some other quotes and speak to other mini owners for recomendations and things to look out for. Once work starts rust can be elastic so you should be prepared for additional work as it is better to get it all done at once.

Are you able to do any work on your own which might help to cut your costs a little?

[Extra 300 Driver]

Jefftav said:

Are you able to do any work on your own which might help to cut your costs a little?

Through experience I know how far rust can spread under the surface, but I have no doubts that they will do a top job. I am doing all of the fitting, so removing windows, fuel tank, lights and so on.

[MiniMan64]

For 2.4k and they're claiming completely rust clear? Bite their hand off.

I know plenty who have spent a lot more. Me included.

[jds32]

Get it in writing if you haven't already. Does the quote include vat and the price of the panels if not the price will soon rise and you will be looking at £3400.

[anonymous-user]

I just had my Jensen Interceptor de-rusted and repainted for 5K, so 2.4K for a real Mini does not sound too bonkers; but maybe, as others suggest, shop around a bit.

Classic car ownership is rarely about sound economic choices. It's more about love and silliness.

Edited by anonymous-user on Monday 23 July 20:52

[Extra 300 Driver]

I'm supplying the panels, A panels and both sills. Got it in writing too.

[esso]

Its worth doing but A panels and windscreen scuttle are superficial rust,once they start taking it apart its surprising how much rust can be found on a Mini,so I would be prepared to spend more!

[Extra 300 Driver]

Well it's gone in. So far, new top rail, new a panels and new sills - all genuine.

[guru_1071]

its well worth getting some of those 'camlo' plastic front wheel arch liners fitted, they are a pain to fit the later cars, but stop the rot comming back around the headlamps and the a panels.

its a real shame rover didnt fit them at the factory

[FWDRacer]

<watchesthreadwith interest>

Be interested on cumulative spend - I'm at bare shell stage.

[bigblock]

It appears that your Mini has a front mounted radiator, was this standard on the later models?

[Extra 300 Driver]

bigblock said:

It appears that your Mini has a front mounted radiator, was this standard on the later models?

Yes, MPi has a front rad due to drive by noise regulations

[Riley Blue]

MiniMan64 said:

For 2.4k and they're claiming completely rust clear? Bite their hand off.

I know plenty who have spent a lot more. Me included.

Me too, on a Riley, a lot, lot more.

[Yertis]

Extra 300 Driver said:

I know its never going to be worth what I have spent on it...

That should be the motto of this sub-forum, to be honest.

[esso]

Yertis said:

Extra 300 Driver said:

I know its never going to be worth what I have spent on it...

That should be the motto of this sub-forum, to be honest.

That`s not the point is it?.......anyone who is a true enthusiast will spend money on a car to keep it in A1 condition no matter what its worth....most enthusiasts seem to spend far more on their car than what its worth.....i have!!!!!