probably got to sell my project(s) - what would you do?
Discussion
after a long time it looks like reality is setting in and I'm going to have to get rid of both my Mini projects...
unless any helpful fellow mini lover can think of a solution....
By the way, I move house in 3 weeks, we have our second baby due in March, and I'm about to start a new job involving long hours and commuting.
the first project...
1966 mk 1, which I bought as a deseamed shell with a V5 in 1991.
I bought it to use all the running gear from my 1275GT which had rusted apart by that time.
For some reason, despite being young and single at the time, I never finished the job (idiot!), and over the years I have got busier and busier, and less and less motivated to spend time in the garage.
At the same time, (and this could have been the big mistake) the project scope grew... until I decided that really it needed a metro turbo engine and a carbon front.
So, a few more years were spent on modifying the bulkhead to fit the turbo.
By modifying I mean adding the Avonbar fabricated box to the bulkhead, then properly reinforcing the whole area, to add back a bit of lateral strength to the bulkhead, which frankly would have been hopeless with just the Avonbar mod.
The paint is awful (brush painted anti-rust primer), and the deseaming is less than perfect.
The body is just about sound, but has a few bodges here and there, e.g. the A-panels are the single skinned mk3 type, with a home made bracket to support the external hinges. The carbon front hasn't been fitted yet, but I've removed the steel front end.
If I ever finished this car it would probably be an interesting track day car, but would never really look like a classic.
The thing that has kept me from scrapping this car is pure emotion - the thought of all the time and hassle I have put into it, including moving house with it twice. (idiot!!! again!)
the second project
1963 mk1 850.
Bought in 1999 to reshell the first project, and make it look like a proper Mini, with seams etc.
Needs a pile of body work and a respray to make it look nice, but might be possible as a "running restoration" after doing the work below:
new A-panels both sides
new wings both sides
repair the scuttle (bit of rust in the usual place)
repair the quarter panel just in front of the rear wheel arches (the usual place)
Free the clutch, which is stuck.
New fuel pump needed.
Currently living in a friend's barn, but needs to be moved out in a couple of months....
I also have a big pile of bits.
A+ turbo engine and box
Mini spares aloy 4-pots with metro vented discs turned down to suit
hi-los
and many more....
Now my wife has had enough and says one or both of the cars must go, and to be fair she's got a point as she's put up with it for ten years of marriage!
So, if you were me, what would you do?
Incidentally paying someone to do a bit of work is an option, but I wouldn't want to throw many thousands at it.
unless any helpful fellow mini lover can think of a solution....
By the way, I move house in 3 weeks, we have our second baby due in March, and I'm about to start a new job involving long hours and commuting.
the first project...
1966 mk 1, which I bought as a deseamed shell with a V5 in 1991.
I bought it to use all the running gear from my 1275GT which had rusted apart by that time.
For some reason, despite being young and single at the time, I never finished the job (idiot!), and over the years I have got busier and busier, and less and less motivated to spend time in the garage.
At the same time, (and this could have been the big mistake) the project scope grew... until I decided that really it needed a metro turbo engine and a carbon front.
So, a few more years were spent on modifying the bulkhead to fit the turbo.
By modifying I mean adding the Avonbar fabricated box to the bulkhead, then properly reinforcing the whole area, to add back a bit of lateral strength to the bulkhead, which frankly would have been hopeless with just the Avonbar mod.
The paint is awful (brush painted anti-rust primer), and the deseaming is less than perfect.
The body is just about sound, but has a few bodges here and there, e.g. the A-panels are the single skinned mk3 type, with a home made bracket to support the external hinges. The carbon front hasn't been fitted yet, but I've removed the steel front end.
If I ever finished this car it would probably be an interesting track day car, but would never really look like a classic.
The thing that has kept me from scrapping this car is pure emotion - the thought of all the time and hassle I have put into it, including moving house with it twice. (idiot!!! again!)
the second project
1963 mk1 850.
Bought in 1999 to reshell the first project, and make it look like a proper Mini, with seams etc.
Needs a pile of body work and a respray to make it look nice, but might be possible as a "running restoration" after doing the work below:
new A-panels both sides
new wings both sides
repair the scuttle (bit of rust in the usual place)
repair the quarter panel just in front of the rear wheel arches (the usual place)
Free the clutch, which is stuck.
New fuel pump needed.
Currently living in a friend's barn, but needs to be moved out in a couple of months....
I also have a big pile of bits.
A+ turbo engine and box
Mini spares aloy 4-pots with metro vented discs turned down to suit
hi-los
and many more....
Now my wife has had enough and says one or both of the cars must go, and to be fair she's got a point as she's put up with it for ten years of marriage!
So, if you were me, what would you do?
Incidentally paying someone to do a bit of work is an option, but I wouldn't want to throw many thousands at it.
I would pick the best shell, get it restored, put a mildy tuned 1275 (no turbos or anything mad) and take the missus for a drive. I'm sure she'll soon see how much fun they are and it will become a part of the family.
Imagine a sunny Sunday, country lanes, kids in the back, picnic....
Go on, you know it makes sense
[quote]doesn't anyone else have an opinion?[/quote]
Ok, yes
The 2nd car seems a much more achievable project - also one that I'd rather own.
The 1st shell isn't really to my taste - I don't know why but I feel deseaming is somehow 'wrong' but thats just my personal opinion.
Really Neil8p's answer covers it best I reckon.
>> Edited by dino42 on Friday 2nd December 23:26
Ok, yes
The 2nd car seems a much more achievable project - also one that I'd rather own.
The 1st shell isn't really to my taste - I don't know why but I feel deseaming is somehow 'wrong' but thats just my personal opinion.
Really Neil8p's answer covers it best I reckon.
>> Edited by dino42 on Friday 2nd December 23:26
Get Neville Trickett to sprint it! (the deseamed one) go to www.statim.co.uk and follow the minisprint stuff until you get to "A grand tour of France"-Which involves Nev sprinting your shell!
NEVER SELL PROJECTS. Cover them up and oil them but never sell, hang onto your dreams. (Says me with an arsenal of non0-working cars/jeeps!)
NEVER SELL PROJECTS. Cover them up and oil them but never sell, hang onto your dreams. (Says me with an arsenal of non0-working cars/jeeps!)
neil8p said:
I would pick the best shell, get it restored, put a mildy tuned 1275 (no turbos or anything mad) and take the missus for a drive. I'm sure she'll soon see how much fun they are and it will become a part of the family.
Imagine a sunny Sunday, country lanes, kids in the back, picnic....
Go on, you know it makes sense
You're right.
the deseamed one is about to go on Ebay.
Bob from Mini Hospital in Northampton came around yesterday to have a look at car 2, and he reckoned about 3k to take it bare metal, make it all good and respray.
Seems like a sound bloke so that's probably who I'll go with.
And I've got plenty of bits to go on, to sympathetically upgrade it...
NDT said:
.........and he reckoned about 3k to take it bare metal, make it all good and respray.
Seems like a sound bloke so that's probably who I'll go with.
Sounds like a good plan.
And seems a very reasonable quote, I've heard good things about them too...go for it.!
>> Edited by dino42 on Sunday 4th December 19:18
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