Who do you recommend to complete a '66 Mk1 Cooper project?

[petrolburners]

Hello.

Can anyone wholeheartedly recommend a person or a company I can entrust to finish off a 1966 Austin Cooper rebuild?

The bodywork has been done, painted to a satisfactory level and the car is 90% assembled. The engine cranks over and I have heard it running, albeit roughly.

We bought it with very little paperwork, its missing its body tags + engine number and is currently running a single SU, so I know it will never be a mint concours show winner, but I'd just like to get it as good as it can be so it can be presentable and fun to use over next summer. As such I'm searching for someone with good knowledge of these and a similar level of OCD to myself to discuss what route to go with the car, finish the job off properly, get it running nicely and get it through an MOT.

I know plenty of people who could do the job to a somewhat satisfactory level, but what I really want is someone who won't cut corners and go about things as if it were their own car. Also, someone who has been around a lot of early Minis so will be able to advise correctly about keeping the rebuild historically sympathetic.

A thoroughly un-comprehensive list of what needs doing:
- Get engine running sweetly, possibly return to twin carbs, any recommended modern upgrades to improve reliability / performance
- Tidy up engine bay thoroughly
- Fit Cooper S disc brakes (we have the hubs, callipers and shafts ready to go)
- Overhaul brake lines
- Check fuel pump and lines
- Check over all suspension (dry thankfully), bushes etc, paint components where necessary to make presentable
- Fit missing bits of exterior trim, moustache ends, chrome seams, swing away rear number plate holder, door handles, window trims etc
- Fit windscreen wipers
- Fit headlining
- Refurbish the Cosmic alloys and refit
- Exhaust hangers look a little bodged - check and refit if necessary
- Ensure all switches, lights, interior toggles and dial are operating properly
- Get car through MOT

I'm fairly mechanically minded and would absolutely love to tinker away at it myself, not least so I know it is all done properly, but alas I just don't have the time sadly. I'm realistic it will cost me a few pounds.

Can anyone help?

Please reply here - DMs will go into an email account I don't often check.

Thanks!

[Orcadian]

I’m sure someone on here will know of a reliable restoration company - if you give your location - there is a very good guy here in Orkney for instance.
The very first question I would ask is do you have a current V5c document in your name? You also say the engine tag is missing, so do you know which engine this is? The DVLA is clamping down very hard on apparently ‘historically important’ vehicles which are nothing more than a collection of random bits. Without a V5c it could be given a Q plate.
Ian

[darty]

I have a highly modified 65 Cooper S and I used these guys after a recommendation. I had a long chat with them over the phone (Colin), they collected the car on a trailer and I collected it from them when they were finished.

Southam Mini Centre
01926 815681

My car is now so much more reliable and is running really well.

[petrolburners]

Orcadian said:

I’m sure someone on here will know of a reliable restoration company - if you give your location - there is a very good guy here in Orkney for instance.
The very first question I would ask is do you have a current V5c document in your name? You also say the engine tag is missing, so do you know which engine this is? The DVLA is clamping down very hard on apparently ‘historically important’ vehicles which are nothing more than a collection of random bits. Without a V5c it could be given a Q plate.
Ian

Really interesting points!

Yes, I have a V5 in my name and also a heritage certificate which matches the VIN tag. I have no reason to disbelieve what the 85 year old gentleman who sold it to us said, which is that when he took it on about 5 years ago the shell was too far gone and that a 63 shell was used to rebuild it (hence the dry suspension). Of course, in the back of my mind I know this is strange as a good dry-s 63 would be worth more in its own clothes than used as a donor, but as with many many of these Minis, who really knows. He seemed honest and not the kind of guy who would have just bought some tags and a V5 off eBay.

To be honest, at least I knew its a bd child when buying it and paid proportionally. My understanding is that even with most 'matching numbers' Coopers and Cooper Ss, you need to go in assuming they aren't the real thing until you have categorically proved that it is!

PS - I'm based in Suffolk/London but not too phased by using someone far away. Although Orkney would be a push!

[petrolburners]

darty said:

I have a highly modified 65 Cooper S and I used these guys after a recommendation. I had a long chat with them over the phone (Colin), they collected the car on a trailer and I collected it from them when they were finished.

Southam Mini Centre
01926 815681

My car is now so much more reliable and is running really well.

Many thanks, I have added them to my list of people to call and speak with.