Where do I start?! help please guys
Discussion
Basically im 17, and soon will be moving into a house with a double garage, I've always liked classics, one of them being the original mini, I would love to restore one but do not know much about car restoration and mechanics, so I was wondering how much would i expect to spend on all the tools, the car itself, and everything put together, can I learn from step to step guides and books? I have a lot of time and effort to spend on this project, as well as money which i will eventually build up for it 
any replies appreciated
any replies appreciated
You do need a really good set of tools, with spanners and sockets in imperial sizes rather than metric.
For a full restoration you also need a good MIG welding set of at least 130 amps or better. A compressor as well if possible. Plus a decent angle grinder.
For the engine re-build you'll need some measuring equipment like a DTI, micrometers (0 - 1" and 1" to 2") and a good torque wrench.
Also body clamps for holding the new panels in place whilst welding.
A spray gun so that you can at least prime the new panels as you go along, even if you are going to have it professionally re-painted.
Good luck with the project.
For a full restoration you also need a good MIG welding set of at least 130 amps or better. A compressor as well if possible. Plus a decent angle grinder.
For the engine re-build you'll need some measuring equipment like a DTI, micrometers (0 - 1" and 1" to 2") and a good torque wrench.
Also body clamps for holding the new panels in place whilst welding.
A spray gun so that you can at least prime the new panels as you go along, even if you are going to have it professionally re-painted.
Good luck with the project.
My suggestion would be get yourself a nice little runner, the main this is make sure rust is minimal, then do a 'rolling restoration'.
So you can learn on the mechanical side first, doing repairs as they need doing and modifications when you fancy, then move on to the body work side a few years down the line. For mechanicals get decent spanners and socket set then pick up specialist tools as the job needs, eg big socket/spanner to do the swivel joints - these often need sorting at mot time.
Minis are so easy to work on, however somethings can be really tricky to get apart if seized etc and there are various techniques, the main thing is to have patience rather than brute force, unless your removing the flywheel where brute force a plenty is required,
Check out these recent threads:
http://www.pistonheads.com/xforums/topic.asp?h=0&a...
http://www.pistonheads.com/xforums/topic.asp?h=0&a...
So you can learn on the mechanical side first, doing repairs as they need doing and modifications when you fancy, then move on to the body work side a few years down the line. For mechanicals get decent spanners and socket set then pick up specialist tools as the job needs, eg big socket/spanner to do the swivel joints - these often need sorting at mot time.
Minis are so easy to work on, however somethings can be really tricky to get apart if seized etc and there are various techniques, the main thing is to have patience rather than brute force, unless your removing the flywheel where brute force a plenty is required,
Check out these recent threads:
http://www.pistonheads.com/xforums/topic.asp?h=0&a...
http://www.pistonheads.com/xforums/topic.asp?h=0&a...
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