Classic Mini rolling project

[Altrezia]

I finally got around to buying another classic mini to use as a rolling project. It's a 1990 flame red, and we bought it from a lovely chap who had owned it for the last 20 years.

It's a bit rough in places, and I'm planning to turbo it and tidy it all up. Currently it's a 1275 and has a nasty slipping clutch, so that's my first job!

Anyway, here's some photos:









This one shows off how bad the paint is on the fibreglass front end (the boot lid is the same)


I forgot how much I loved minis. Fab!

-a

[Ash From Flux]

Lovely car. I'll definitely be checking in on this project from time to time.

[Altrezia]

Cool - you guys insure it, by the way

[Ash From Flux]

Oh, happy days, well if you need any help with your policy give me a shout.

[Justin S]

Nice project. Fancy one myself and to Honda it......... but then there's lots of ideas for projects to do.......

[Altrezia]

The trouble with the vaux/honda mini is that while they're blimmin' fast (and they really are!) they don't have that light chuck-about feeling that a mini has. Turbocharging only adds a tiny bit of weight, so they still have the go-kart feel

[Justin S]

Altrezia said:

The trouble with the vaux/honda mini is that while they're blimmin' fast (and they really are!) they don't have that light chuck-about feeling that a mini has. Turbocharging only adds a tiny bit of weight, so they still have the go-kart feel

Very true, but you have the fun of finding space for intercoolers, keeping the box together and drop gears and stressing the engine quite a bit. Will look at this for inspiration.......

[Altrezia]

I still think it costs less than the other alternatives though. My prevoius one made 143bhp @ 11psi, and I put the engine and gearbox together for about £600!

[Altrezia]

Quick update on my project mini thing.

I spent the evening replacing the rusty old bonnet with a fibreglass one that I had just finished painting, and fitted it with pins instead of hinges. (please ignore my bad welding, and I'm sorry for the pics, only just finished and it's now dark!)







I've had a bunch of turbo-conversion stuff arrive lately, such as a nice intercooler, dump valve, and a few other turbo-y bits. Also, recently I picked up a set of 10" wheels, and have some 7.5" brakes on their way to me.



The project rolls onward.

[Bpentney]

I've also got a '90 Flame! interested to see what you do to yours as I'm looking for idea's for mine.

[lindrup119]

This thread is almost a year old, but welcome to PH and start up your own Readers Car thread, always nice to see another Mini saved.

ETA: Actually it would be nice to see where THIS project has got to also.