Complete shell overhaul & paint - who, where?

[13aines]

Hi all.

I have had a 1985 Mini since I was 16 (~2009) - a City E which I put an ex-hillclimb 1380 engine in and got roadworthy, for my first car. It's been holed up pretty much ever since, as I got into motorbikes instead

It got damaged rolling into the work bench when someone crashed into my garage, and needs a new front OS wing, probably inner wing, slam panel etc. When I bought it it was pretty solid - just had some rust bubbles on the door skins, bottom of the A panels, and the OS side of the scuttle. It's been dry stored ever since, so hopefully it isn't too much worse - but I won't know until I inspect it fully.

I am fortunate enough now to have the funds to sort it out properly and I'm excited to build it up in a way I couldn't afford to when I was a teenager - i'll be hitting the parts suppliers hard But I want a perfect base, so I need to get the shell really sorted - hopefully so I never need to do it again. What would you expect to pay for this work on a stripped down shell? I know it can vary hugely.

Also, does anyone have any recommendations? It's in Berkshire but happy to transport it if the quality of workmanship and price is right.

Thanks,

Matt

[Bungleaio]

John at Coventry classic minis did a belting job on my Italian job. He will have a waiting list and it will take a while to do but he's had loads of cars that he's worked on featured in mini magazine

[captain.scarlet]

Bungleaio said:

John at Coventry classic minis did a belting job on my Italian job. He will have a waiting list and it will take a while to do but he's had loads of cars that he's worked on featured in mini magazine

If you don't mind me asking, how extensive was the restoration and how much did you spend in the end?

I've posted in another thread about the recent illustrative example from a specialist restoration company for restoring a Mini (mine will need a new shell and mechanical overhaul). It is looking like between £35,000 and £45,000.

I'll be restoring it back to original spec as personally I'm not keen on seeing such a finite number of classic Minis being turned into personalised sports cars.

Thanks in advance.

[Bungleaio]

captain.scarlet said:

If you don't mind me asking, how extensive was the restoration and how much did you spend in the end?

I've posted in another thread about the recent illustrative example from a specialist restoration company for restoring a Mini (mine will need a new shell and mechanical overhaul). It is looking like between £35,000 and £45,000.

I'll be restoring it back to original spec as personally I'm not keen on seeing such a finite number of classic Minis being turned into personalised sports cars.

Thanks in advance.

Mine needed - Front panel, both wings, A panels, bonnet, scuttle, dash rail, inner and outer sills both sides, repairs to the bottom of the 3/4 panel, door skins and rear valance. Full paint in the original colour. New radius arm, some minor electrical gremlins eradicated, fitted a stage 1 kit that I supplied.

I stripped the interior and glass out before it went to him then refitted when he'd done the main bits of the work. I think I spent about £10k for the whole thing including new tyres, odds and sods etc. That was back in 2016.

[Benspickup]

Hi Matt,

I restore a lot of Italian classics but have also done many mins and recently completed a pickup. Give me a message if you want to discuss further.

Good luck with your project.

Ben