Carbon lightweight E16SE Road Toy [Archive]

benh

27-02-2011, 07:10 PM

New build thread for my vaux project.
Hoping to get it finished towards the back end of the year.

Right then,
We start here, although the car looks finished the rust was starting to come through, seam strips,boot hinge panel and under the rear lights were starting to bubble, so time to attack it before it gets worse

http://i767.photobucket.com/albums/xx312/BenHandley/Numberplate.jpg
http://i767.photobucket.com/albums/xx312/BenHandley/DSC02181.jpg
http://i767.photobucket.com/albums/xx312/BenHandley/DSC02182.jpg

Boot was also in a sorry state. Decided that il go with a fibre one this time.

Also the webasto roof (the 2nd one in 2 years) was showing signs of shrinking around the eges so this will be replaced with a carbon roofskin

http://i767.photobucket.com/albums/xx312/BenHandley/DSCF0591.jpg

Will be updating more tonight

benh

27-02-2011, 07:47 PM

So then How did i get from that to deciding on a vaux build!

Managed to get 6 points in my first 2 years of driving so had my licence revoked,
Id spent 2 months off the road and it was painfull.
Managed to get back on the road but i just didnt like the car, it was heavy, full of filler where the scuttle meets the wings which was cracking and lifting, the engine was fine but it was messy, messy wiring messy looking etc
Id always wanted a fibreglass frontend so i decided to take it off the road for a month
So chopping began,
I have more pictures of the engine but tbh i want to try and keep the a series stuff out of it as there was a seperate build page for it.
You can see the filler in most of these pictures, it was almost held together with it rather than welds!
http://i767.photobucket.com/albums/xx312/BenHandley/IMG_0274.jpg
http://i767.photobucket.com/albums/xx312/BenHandley/IMG_0275.jpg
http://i767.photobucket.com/albums/xx312/BenHandley/IMG_0276.jpg

http://i767.photobucket.com/albums/xx312/BenHandley/IMG_0299.jpg
http://i767.photobucket.com/albums/xx312/BenHandley/IMG_0279.jpg
http://i767.photobucket.com/albums/xx312/BenHandley/SDC12373.jpg
http://i767.photobucket.com/albums/xx312/BenHandley/SDC12637.jpg
http://i767.photobucket.com/albums/xx312/BenHandley/SDC12679.jpg
http://i767.photobucket.com/albums/xx312/BenHandley/SDC12691.jpg
So while the engine was out i decided to send it away to have it bored out.
Started at a few hundred on a rebore and turned into a complete fast road 1330 costing a couple of thousand!
http://i767.photobucket.com/albums/xx312/BenHandley/SDC12748.jpg
http://i767.photobucket.com/albums/xx312/BenHandley/SDC12747.jpg

benh

27-02-2011, 08:22 PM

Engine came back almost a year later, dont ask!
didnt even make the journey home and it went straight to a garage to be told it was a scrap engine.

Money refunded and having a slightly healthy bank account i went throught my options

standard 1275 and keep the change :) pay bills etc
another 1330/1430
supercharged 1275
or a vaux conversion

Id always wanted a vaux conversion but 2 years ago i couldnt do anything with cars! so id chickened out! But with 2 years of tinkering and a stroke of luck as when my refund came through a full small block setup was for sale on here with literally everything with it including 2 engines a perfect E16se and a sorry looking c16se

soo...
http://i767.photobucket.com/albums/xx312/BenHandley/DSC02831.jpg
http://i767.photobucket.com/albums/xx312/BenHandley/DSC02842.jpg
http://i767.photobucket.com/albums/xx312/BenHandley/DSC02743.jpg
http://i767.photobucket.com/albums/xx312/BenHandley/DSC02744.jpg
http://i767.photobucket.com/albums/xx312/BenHandley/DSC02745.jpg
http://i767.photobucket.com/albums/xx312/BenHandley/DSC02748.jpg
http://i767.photobucket.com/albums/xx312/BenHandley/DSC02749.jpg
http://i767.photobucket.com/albums/xx312/BenHandley/DSC02750.jpg
http://i767.photobucket.com/albums/xx312/BenHandley/DSC02752.jpg

Weighed up my options and decided to flog the servo bar and stick with the better condition E16se.

Quick cambelt and water pump change just for piece of mind and a paintjob and ready for dropping in. Minus a decent cam/head and carbs but they will be come later.

http://i767.photobucket.com/albums/xx312/BenHandley/DSCF0558.jpg
http://i767.photobucket.com/albums/xx312/BenHandley/DSCF0560.jpg
http://i767.photobucket.com/albums/xx312/BenHandley/DSCF0559.jpg

benh

27-02-2011, 09:27 PM

Picked up my conversion bits and obv the first thing anyone wants to do is see if it all fits!

On with progress!

Old Subframe gone
http://i767.photobucket.com/albums/xx312/BenHandley/engine/38869_469865188968_768403968_6241714_4055272_n.jpg
http://i767.photobucket.com/albums/xx312/BenHandley/engine/DSC02783.jpg
http://i767.photobucket.com/albums/xx312/BenHandley/engine/DSC02775.jpg
http://i767.photobucket.com/albums/xx312/BenHandley/engine/DSC02776.jpg

Frame offered up
http://i767.photobucket.com/albums/xx312/BenHandley/engine/DSC02824.jpg
http://i767.photobucket.com/albums/xx312/BenHandley/engine/DSC02823.jpg

Then Painted before fitting
http://i767.photobucket.com/albums/xx312/BenHandley/engine/DSCF0557.jpg

Wollah
http://i767.photobucket.com/albums/xx312/BenHandley/engine/DSCF0561.jpg
http://i767.photobucket.com/albums/xx312/BenHandley/engine/DSCF0562.jpg
http://i767.photobucket.com/albums/xx312/BenHandley/engine/DSCF0562.jpg
http://i767.photobucket.com/albums/xx312/BenHandley/engine/DSCF0568.jpg
Trial fiited the servo but decided to bin that idea and run a pedal box without a servo
http://i767.photobucket.com/albums/xx312/BenHandley/engine/DSCF0570.jpg

http://i767.photobucket.com/albums/xx312/BenHandley/engine/190004_10150143619450656_634135655_8611935_2045392 _n.jpg
http://i767.photobucket.com/albums/xx312/BenHandley/engine/183048_10150143619190656_634135655_8611931_5294766 _n.jpg

benh

27-02-2011, 09:43 PM

Nice order of lightweight panels to start work on the rear end, Decided to go with a carbon rear valance but havnt got a picture

http://i767.photobucket.com/albums/xx312/BenHandley/DSCF0656-1.jpg
http://i767.photobucket.com/albums/xx312/BenHandley/DSCF0638-1.jpg
http://i767.photobucket.com/albums/xx312/BenHandley/IMG_0461.jpg
http://i767.photobucket.com/albums/xx312/BenHandley/IMG_0406.jpg

benh

27-02-2011, 09:59 PM

Right bought myself a welder and compressor :) fun now begins but need to learn how to weld and spray so practice practice practice !out with the grinder and out with the parcel shelf, Will be replaced with a carbonweazel shelf.
http://i767.photobucket.com/albums/xx312/BenHandley/DSCF0606.jpg

was a bit of flex so decided to weld a bar in place until the shelfs fitted
http://i767.photobucket.com/albums/xx312/BenHandley/DSCF0652-2.jpg

Off with the valance and rear lip, replacing with Carbon again
http://i767.photobucket.com/albums/xx312/BenHandley/DSCF0603.jpg

Then needed a repair section in the boot corner and under both rear lights
http://i767.photobucket.com/albums/xx312/BenHandley/DSCF0621.jpg
http://i767.photobucket.com/albums/xx312/BenHandley/DSCF0674-1.jpg

started prepping
http://i767.photobucket.com/albums/xx312/BenHandley/DSCF0620.jpg

benh

27-02-2011, 10:03 PM

Have done loads more work but will update tommorow as its late but look what i have to play with tommorow :) may even have a go at getting it running!

http://i767.photobucket.com/albums/xx312/BenHandley/mynova007.jpg
http://i767.photobucket.com/albums/xx312/BenHandley/mynova0061.jpg
http://i767.photobucket.com/albums/xx312/BenHandley/mynova0051.jpg

Add_Gee

28-02-2011, 03:09 AM

I like the colour scheme! coming along well :-)

benh

28-02-2011, 10:05 PM

Thanks Mate,

Boot floor cut out for the new fibre one to go in, regretted not going carbon weave tbh but hey ho!
http://i767.photobucket.com/albums/xx312/BenHandley/DSCF0660-1.jpg
http://i767.photobucket.com/albums/xx312/BenHandley/DSCF0663.jpg

Then boot hinge holes welded up and bonnet pin corner pieces welded in place to be trimmed down later
http://i767.photobucket.com/albums/xx312/BenHandley/DSCF0666.jpg

Then onto prepping the rear end
http://i767.photobucket.com/albums/xx312/BenHandley/IMG_03492.jpg
http://i767.photobucket.com/albums/xx312/BenHandley/IMG_0350.jpg
http://i767.photobucket.com/albums/xx312/BenHandley/IMG_0354.jpg
http://i767.photobucket.com/albums/xx312/BenHandley/IMG_0356.jpg

Bonnet pin corner pieces trimmed down
http://i767.photobucket.com/albums/xx312/BenHandley/IMG_0347.jpg
http://i767.photobucket.com/albums/xx312/BenHandley/IMG_0348.jpg

benh

28-02-2011, 10:12 PM

Pretty much finished now and ready for paint, although i made a decision to tub the arches after all of this!

Used Barcoat as i was having problems with reactions and it leaves a nice big fat coat :)

http://i767.photobucket.com/albums/xx312/BenHandley/DSCF0076.jpg
http://i767.photobucket.com/albums/xx312/BenHandley/IMG_0363.jpg
http://i767.photobucket.com/albums/xx312/BenHandley/IMG_0362.jpg
http://i767.photobucket.com/albums/xx312/BenHandley/DSCF0081.jpg

Burnard

28-02-2011, 10:13 PM

Looking good ben, when are you planning to get it done by?

One thing i noticed, is that a show plate, or your actual plate?
If its an actual plate, you do know its not legal?

benh

01-03-2011, 08:13 AM

I want it done by the end of the summer!
Its my real plate but obviously the spacings not legal.
Should be B7 ENH. Might change it before its goes back on the road but it hadnt caused any problems before but only takes one copper i know!

Burnard

01-03-2011, 10:12 AM

Thing is, you can probably get away with it if everything else about the plate it legal due to the templates that are used, which are 4with a standard space then big space, then 3 with standard space. Which is what they seem to have used with yours.

If everything else with those plates it perfectly legal, i recon you will get away with it, or just get a producer as you can say you didn't realise.
Totally different to these people who have more than one big space, or a huge space between 2 letters. At least yours does follow the legal spacing, its not in the right place :lol:

Have you got any close up pics of how your front end is attached to the subframe at the front?

benh

01-03-2011, 07:53 PM

Sound system removed which weighed in at a hefty 80kg, just a few kg over what i weigh so its a massive saving! Too chavy for my liking!

http://i767.photobucket.com/albums/xx312/BenHandley/SDC123692.jpg
http://i767.photobucket.com/albums/xx312/BenHandley/SDC12592-1.jpg
http://i767.photobucket.com/albums/xx312/BenHandley/DSC02821-1.jpg
http://i767.photobucket.com/albums/xx312/BenHandley/DSC02827-1.jpg
http://i767.photobucket.com/albums/xx312/BenHandley/DSC02830-1.jpg

Then rear bench cut down and rear bins removed/nice bit of rust along the way!

http://i767.photobucket.com/albums/xx312/BenHandley/DSCF0554-1.jpg
http://i767.photobucket.com/albums/xx312/BenHandley/DSCF0583-1.jpg
http://i767.photobucket.com/albums/xx312/BenHandley/DSCF0555-1.jpg
http://i767.photobucket.com/albums/xx312/BenHandley/DSCF0565-1.jpg
http://i767.photobucket.com/albums/xx312/BenHandley/DSCF0566-1.jpg

Hayling mini

01-03-2011, 08:07 PM

Looking really good Ben, well done:)

benh

01-03-2011, 08:09 PM

Then out with the webasto sunroof which was just over under 20kg
Will be replaced with a carbon weazel roof

http://i767.photobucket.com/albums/xx312/BenHandley/DSCF0595-2.jpg

Out with the rooflining and switches
http://i767.photobucket.com/albums/xx312/BenHandley/SDC12370-1.jpg

More rust found, going to need outer and inner sills and a bit of floor pan for the drivers side and both side door steps doing and the scuttle panel! glad iv got myself a welder now!
http://i767.photobucket.com/albums/xx312/BenHandley/DSCF0579-1.jpg

monkey

01-03-2011, 08:12 PM

Good to see you're still around dude!

benh

01-03-2011, 08:17 PM

Thanks Hayling , it was actually your build that got all of this started so i have you to thank quite abit!

Picked up my new omp 6point cage of B18C MINI, nice long trip and we just about fitted it in the back of my brothers saxo with the legs poking out of the boot!

Had to cut the roof to fit it in the car but didnt matter as it needed doing anyway!
Will be sanded down and painted green like the old cage but at least this one isnt a showcage and will actually save me!
http://i767.photobucket.com/albums/xx312/BenHandley/IMG_0404.jpg
http://i767.photobucket.com/albums/xx312/BenHandley/IMG_0446.jpg
http://i767.photobucket.com/albums/xx312/BenHandley/IMG_0447.jpg

benh

01-03-2011, 09:31 PM

More progress and onto the arch tubbing,

Old suspension Setup
http://i767.photobucket.com/albums/xx312/BenHandley/engine/DSCF0546.jpg

Subby removed, impressed with how easy all the bolts came undone and i cant believe how much weight il be saving from having a rear beam and coilovers. Radius arms need rebuilding as the rubbers perished on them both.

Was expecting to see alot of rot but so far so good
http://i767.photobucket.com/albums/xx312/BenHandley/engine/DSCF2844.jpg

http://i767.photobucket.com/albums/xx312/BenHandley/engine/DSCF2841.jpg
http://i767.photobucket.com/albums/xx312/BenHandley/engine/DSCF2842.jpg

Arch work

http://i767.photobucket.com/albums/xx312/BenHandley/engine/IMG_0414.jpg
http://i767.photobucket.com/albums/xx312/BenHandley/engine/IMG_0405.jpg
http://i767.photobucket.com/albums/xx312/BenHandley/engine/DSCF2846.jpg
http://i767.photobucket.com/albums/xx312/BenHandley/engine/DSCF2854.jpg
http://i767.photobucket.com/albums/xx312/BenHandley/engine/DSCF3547.jpg

http://i767.photobucket.com/albums/xx312/BenHandley/engine/DSCF2843.jpg
http://i767.photobucket.com/albums/xx312/BenHandley/engine/DSCF2847.jpg
http://i767.photobucket.com/albums/xx312/BenHandley/engine/DSCF2848.jpg
http://i767.photobucket.com/albums/xx312/BenHandley/engine/DSCF2849.jpg
http://i767.photobucket.com/albums/xx312/BenHandley/engine/DSCF2845.jpg
http://i767.photobucket.com/albums/xx312/BenHandley/engine/IMG_0451.jpg
http://i767.photobucket.com/albums/xx312/BenHandley/engine/DSCF2852.jpg
http://i767.photobucket.com/albums/xx312/BenHandley/engine/DSCF3554.jpg
http://i767.photobucket.com/albums/xx312/BenHandley/engine/DSCF3555.jpg
http://i767.photobucket.com/albums/xx312/BenHandley/engine/DSCF3560.jpg
http://i767.photobucket.com/albums/xx312/BenHandley/engine/DSCF3548.jpg
http://i767.photobucket.com/albums/xx312/BenHandley/engine/DSCF3549.jpg
http://i767.photobucket.com/albums/xx312/BenHandley/engine/DSCF3556-1.jpg
http://i767.photobucket.com/albums/xx312/BenHandley/engine/DSCF3558.jpg
http://i767.photobucket.com/albums/xx312/BenHandley/engine/DSCF3557.jpg
http://i767.photobucket.com/albums/xx312/BenHandley/engine/DSCF3553.jpg
http://i767.photobucket.com/albums/xx312/BenHandley/engine/DSCF3552.jpg
http://i767.photobucket.com/albums/xx312/BenHandley/engine/DSCF3565.jpg

benh

01-03-2011, 09:47 PM

Then the drivers side which turned out much better then my passenger side attempt.

http://i767.photobucket.com/albums/xx312/BenHandley/engine/DSCF3568-1.jpg
http://i767.photobucket.com/albums/xx312/BenHandley/engine/DSCF3571-1.jpg
http://i767.photobucket.com/albums/xx312/BenHandley/engine/DSCF3569-1.jpg
http://i767.photobucket.com/albums/xx312/BenHandley/engine/DSCF3575-1.jpg
http://i767.photobucket.com/albums/xx312/BenHandley/engine/DSCF3570-1.jpg
http://i767.photobucket.com/albums/xx312/BenHandley/engine/DSCF3574-1.jpg
http://i767.photobucket.com/albums/xx312/BenHandley/engine/DSCF3573-1.jpg
http://i767.photobucket.com/albums/xx312/BenHandley/engine/DSCF3572-1.jpg

benh

01-03-2011, 09:49 PM

Welders out of gas so i decided to remove all of the sound deadenning, Will update next week as im on nights for a few nights.
http://i767.photobucket.com/albums/xx312/BenHandley/engine/DSCF3578-1.jpg
http://i767.photobucket.com/albums/xx312/BenHandley/engine/DSCF3576-1.jpg
http://i767.photobucket.com/albums/xx312/BenHandley/engine/DSCF3577-1.jpg

benh

01-03-2011, 10:11 PM

Oh almost forgot!
http://i767.photobucket.com/albums/xx312/BenHandley/DSCF3545.jpg
http://i767.photobucket.com/albums/xx312/BenHandley/DSCF3563.jpg

mikee

01-03-2011, 10:13 PM

at least your floors look good under that sound proofing i removed all that only to realise i had to replace the whole floors!

benh

07-03-2011, 10:33 PM

at least your floors look good under that sound proofing i removed all that only to realise i had to replace the whole floors!

Yeh its a shame my drivers sills are crappy otherwise id get away with just welding a new peice of sheet metal in but now gonna order a whole built up driverside floor pan!

Only had a day up there this week so far as iv had a busy week

Holes welded up, were loads from the boot install! left the bigguns as il just bung grommets in them as i didnt want to fill them with welds and well see where my fuel lines are going before etc

http://i767.photobucket.com/albums/xx312/BenHandley/DSCF3585.jpg

Acid etched
http://i767.photobucket.com/albums/xx312/BenHandley/mi.jpg

Skim of filler on wheel arches
http://i767.photobucket.com/albums/xx312/BenHandley/DSCF3590.jpg

Boot floor was tatty so reflatted and primered up
http://i767.photobucket.com/albums/xx312/BenHandley/DSCF3586.jpg

Then painted back up and everything hammerited! love that stuff but bloody expensive
http://i767.photobucket.com/albums/xx312/BenHandley/DSCF3589.jpg
http://i767.photobucket.com/albums/xx312/BenHandley/DSCF3588.jpg

Want to get the boot floor sealed in now then get the tank and pump sorted and get the boot area in a finished state.

benh

09-03-2011, 05:42 PM

Misses let me have an extra car day :) so made good use of it.

passengers floor taken back to bare-metal, few bits of pitting here and there but nothing to get the angle grinder out over :P only had to cut a section out near to the inner sill but remove a load by where the rear bins used to be.

http://i767.photobucket.com/albums/xx312/BenHandley/IMG_0472.jpg
http://i767.photobucket.com/albums/xx312/BenHandley/IMG_0471.jpg
http://i767.photobucket.com/albums/xx312/BenHandley/IMG_0473.jpg

Bit of carboard always goes down well.
http://i767.photobucket.com/albums/xx312/BenHandley/IMG_0474.jpg

Then a bit of not the best in the world welding :P would of liked to do it all in one but i fudged up the dimensions aha!
http://i767.photobucket.com/albums/xx312/BenHandley/IMG_0475.jpg
http://i767.photobucket.com/albums/xx312/BenHandley/IMG_0476.jpg

Then lots of acid etch everywhere!
http://i767.photobucket.com/albums/xx312/BenHandley/IMG_0477.jpg

One almost done half floor :) just need to plate up that other hole and weld on the rollcage plates, bit of seam sealer and im one Happy chappy :)
http://i767.photobucket.com/albums/xx312/BenHandley/IMG_0478.jpg

alexcrosse

09-03-2011, 05:47 PM

getting there mate! start eating cereal, youll find it alot easier to make templates with it rather than with corrugated cardboard.

Keep up the good work,

Cheers,

Al

benh

15-03-2011, 07:25 PM

More to update.

Finished welding the Passenger side rear floor, Phew!
http://i767.photobucket.com/albums/xx312/BenHandley/DSCF3595.jpg
http://i767.photobucket.com/albums/xx312/BenHandley/DSCF3594.jpg

Seam sealed
http://i767.photobucket.com/albums/xx312/BenHandley/DSCF3596.jpg

Rollcage mounting plate
http://i767.photobucket.com/albums/xx312/BenHandley/IMG_0488.jpg
http://i767.photobucket.com/albums/xx312/BenHandley/IMG_0489.jpg
http://i767.photobucket.com/albums/xx312/BenHandley/IMG_0490.jpg
http://i767.photobucket.com/albums/xx312/BenHandley/DSCF3600.jpg

Arch tidied up
http://i767.photobucket.com/albums/xx312/BenHandley/DSCF3599.jpg

Then managed to get the new doorstep welded on, just needs tidying up etc
http://i767.photobucket.com/albums/xx312/BenHandley/DSCF3602.jpg
http://i767.photobucket.com/albums/xx312/BenHandley/DSCF3601.jpg

Checked door to see if it still fitted, wasnt always a good fit but it still fits , may get another pair anyway
http://i767.photobucket.com/albums/xx312/BenHandley/DSCF3603.jpg

Minging front floor that needs sorting tommorow!
http://i767.photobucket.com/albums/xx312/BenHandley/DSCF3591.jpg
http://i767.photobucket.com/albums/xx312/BenHandley/DSCF3592.jpg

Thats it for now, going back up there tommorw so hopefully il have one half completed floorpan,doorstep sill etc :) releif!

Skunkworkz

15-03-2011, 08:39 PM

wow, fair play for doing it yourself. looks like you'll have a whole new car by the time you've finished, whe you planning on getting it finished by?

alexcrosse

16-03-2011, 05:17 AM

looks good mate. Just one thing, is that 3mm plate your mounting the cage on? Should be 3mm as an absolute minimum (msa and general safety)

Cheers,

Alex

dave

16-03-2011, 12:25 PM

did you brace the shell when cutting out the door step to stop the shell from twisting? I have to do this to my mini soon and i have seen most people use a brace. They say use one in Minisports "Bogus2" build mag.

Dave

benh

16-03-2011, 08:16 PM

wow, fair play for doing it yourself. looks like you'll have a whole new car by the time you've finished, whe you planning on getting it finished by?
__________________
Skunkworkz

I think a new shell would of been easier! but didnt realise how bad it'll be.
I wanted it ready for September as theres a classic car run thats always held And iv always been. But i have a feeling it might run into next spring!

looks good mate. Just one thing, is that 3mm plate your mounting the cage on? Should be 3mm as an absolute minimum (msa and general safety)

Balls'd up there, checked and its 2mm so il have to re-visit that when i go back up, probably should of asked! but at least youve mentioned it before paint etc

Cheers buddy

did you brace the shell when cutting out the door step to stop the shell from twisting? I have to do this to my mini soon and i have seen most people use a brace. They say use one in Minisports "Bogus2" build mag.

I braced it from each door piller about halfway up, if it was going to take longer than a day and if i needed to get into the car i would of braced it from passengers to drivers side too. If i were to do it again id brace it from pillar to pillar but so that i could still get the door on as i was unable to check if it fitted once id tacked the step on but luckily it was ok.

Had another day up there, back at work for 5 days then il be back on it again :)

Grinded down the welds on the door step
http://i767.photobucket.com/albums/xx312/BenHandley/DSCF3604.jpg

Skim of filler
http://i767.photobucket.com/albums/xx312/BenHandley/DSCF3605.jpg

While that was drying i started taking the paint off the cage ready for respraying
http://i767.photobucket.com/albums/xx312/BenHandley/DSCF3610.jpg

Spot welding and finishing door step off
http://i767.photobucket.com/albums/xx312/BenHandley/DSCF3606.jpg
http://i767.photobucket.com/albums/xx312/BenHandley/DSCF3609.jpg
http://i767.photobucket.com/albums/xx312/BenHandley/DSCF3608.jpg
http://i767.photobucket.com/albums/xx312/BenHandley/DSCF3607.jpg
http://i767.photobucket.com/albums/xx312/BenHandley/DSCF3614.jpg

Just needs a quick sand-over and should be good for paint

Passengers floor welded up , messy welding still :/
http://i767.photobucket.com/albums/xx312/BenHandley/DSCF3613.jpg

Still needs a repair on the flitch where you can see the bit cut out but an easy fix
ohhh and my old door step was full of expanding foam aha!

Thanks

Ben

MarkGTT

19-03-2011, 10:20 PM

loads of work going on here - fair play.. i fear mine will need a heap of work next year

pob

20-03-2011, 09:06 AM

benh

20-03-2011, 02:12 PM

Did you know that you would have to do so much bodywork before you started.

I thought I had a good sound shell, then when I took it apart I kept finding more and more rust holes.
The "I've just gone this far so I may as well do it now" turned in a full restoration.

Not at all aha! at first i thought itd be a quick engine swap and just a little work on the back end and then 2 thousand cut out pieces of metal later and im still not finished!

I went to the autosport show at the nec, saw all the carbon and stripped out racers and decided that as i had just spent everything on the conversion i needed something to do and keep me busy untill funds came back in so i just started cutting and stripping things out!

Drivers side floor being done not this weekend but the one after plus scuttle panel a bit on each flich the bulkhead and bulkhead box and then i have one nice solid shell and things can start going back together!

Cantttt wait!

Thanks

benh

23-03-2011, 09:20 PM

Update again...

Still trying to get the new door step nice and smooth with minimal amounts of filler as i hate the stuff!
http://i767.photobucket.com/albums/xx312/BenHandley/IMG_0494.jpg

Then filler neck hole welded over and filled. New filler will come through the parcel shelf and into the polycarb window
http://i767.photobucket.com/albums/xx312/BenHandley/DSCF3620.jpg

Tank fitted and all hoses, fuel pump located underneath rear valance,will grab a photo once finished
http://i767.photobucket.com/albums/xx312/BenHandley/IMG_0497.jpg

Holes in floor weded up
http://i767.photobucket.com/albums/xx312/BenHandley/DSCF3618.jpg

Drivers floor repair done, still needs inner sill doing, didn't but a new floor pan as it was a waste when i had loads of metal sitting around, admittedly a bit gutted that i lose a groove but it will be hidden by the seat anyway. Will update more pics once the sills attached and finished. Also seam sealed everything,well almost, looks kinda funny, like a coulouring in aha!
http://i767.photobucket.com/albums/xx312/BenHandley/DSCF3623.jpg
http://i767.photobucket.com/albums/xx312/BenHandley/DSCF3622.jpg
http://i767.photobucket.com/albums/xx312/BenHandley/DSCF3621.jpg

Seat will be ordered on friday so i can fab up the frames for it, going with a Kirkey or Ultrashield one.

Also ordering A harness Bar from Jon and getting my rear beam from Atchi

To Do - April:

fully welded shell
primered ready for paint
Cage painted and in
inside painted up
Lay fuel/brake/power/fire extinguiser lines
driver seat in with harness and harness bar
Start on wiring
rear beam fitted

Maybe more but well see!

Thanks

benh

25-03-2011, 08:01 PM

Small update

picked up a whole new scuttle and drivers side front floor pan, no more panels to buy now :)
omp cage brackets for my door bars
Customised Rear beams paid for just awaiting delivery
And all the paint and bits needed for the respray which will be mid April
http://i767.photobucket.com/albums/xx312/BenHandley/DSCF3633.jpg

Not sure about what seat yet, Kirkey economy,Kirkey intermediate or Ultrashield pro circle track
Need to dig up the specs to see which ones lighter but i think the cheaper economy ones weigh 6kg and the ultrashield more expensive but better looking but double that!

benh

01-04-2011, 09:25 PM

Ok another update, weathers been on and off but didn't let that stop me, bit of a nightmare with welding and wind but made a makeshift tent and it all went well apart from a bit of singed hair!

Pictures as usual

My mate peeing around!
http://i767.photobucket.com/albums/xx312/BenHandley/IMG_0503.jpg

More body prepping sanding filling etc
http://i767.photobucket.com/albums/xx312/BenHandley/IMG_0504.jpg
http://i767.photobucket.com/albums/xx312/BenHandley/IMG_0506.jpg
http://i767.photobucket.com/albums/xx312/BenHandley/IMG_0505.jpg

My rear beam trial fitted from Atchi on here, really pleased with it.
http://i767.photobucket.com/albums/xx312/BenHandley/IMG_0507.jpg

More work on the floor and flitch
http://i767.photobucket.com/albums/xx312/BenHandley/IMG_0508.jpg
http://i767.photobucket.com/albums/xx312/BenHandley/IMG_0509.jpg
http://i767.photobucket.com/albums/xx312/BenHandley/IMG_0510.jpg
http://i767.photobucket.com/albums/xx312/BenHandley/IMG_0511.jpg

Then Scuttle work and flitch
http://i767.photobucket.com/albums/xx312/BenHandley/IMG_0512.jpg
http://i767.photobucket.com/albums/xx312/BenHandley/IMG_0514.jpg
http://i767.photobucket.com/albums/xx312/BenHandley/IMG_0515.jpg
http://i767.photobucket.com/albums/xx312/BenHandley/IMG_0516.jpg
http://i767.photobucket.com/albums/xx312/BenHandley/IMG_0517.jpg
http://i767.photobucket.com/albums/xx312/BenHandley/IMG_0518.jpg
http://i767.photobucket.com/albums/xx312/BenHandley/IMG_0519.jpg
http://i767.photobucket.com/albums/xx312/BenHandley/IMG_0520.jpg
http://i767.photobucket.com/albums/xx312/BenHandley/IMG_0521.jpg
http://i767.photobucket.com/albums/xx312/BenHandley/IMG_0522.jpg

http://i767.photobucket.com/albums/xx312/BenHandley/IMG_0523.jpg
http://i767.photobucket.com/albums/xx312/BenHandley/IMG_0524.jpg
http://i767.photobucket.com/albums/xx312/BenHandley/IMG_0525.jpg
http://i767.photobucket.com/albums/xx312/BenHandley/IMG_0526.jpg

Underseal and barcoat on and Nearly ready for paint:)
http://i767.photobucket.com/albums/xx312/BenHandley/IMG_0527.jpg
http://i767.photobucket.com/albums/xx312/BenHandley/IMG_0528.jpg
http://i767.photobucket.com/albums/xx312/BenHandley/IMG_0529.jpg

yoof

01-04-2011, 11:40 PM

Nice work mate.come and help me.

cooper_mark

01-04-2011, 11:46 PM

Nice work mate.come and help me.

nooooo........ come help me might give me some insentive to get out and do the last few bits on mine

benh

02-04-2011, 06:14 PM

Your both pretty local so maybe we could help each other if needed :) best thing is i work four on four off :)

benh

04-04-2011, 10:37 PM

Riteo...few more updates before i go to work for a few days!

Nice new diddy washer bottle fitted to go with my diddy fuel tank!
Chuffed, was about a tenner and even came with mist spray jets :) win win
http://i767.photobucket.com/albums/xx312/BenHandley/IMG_0534.jpg

Welded my omp brackets onto the cage for the removable door,sill bars,hope iv got the angles right!
http://i767.photobucket.com/albums/xx312/BenHandley/IMG_0535.jpg
http://i767.photobucket.com/albums/xx312/BenHandley/IMG_0536.jpg

Then welded the drivers side rear quarter repair section up, i really need to invest in a joggler :)
http://i767.photobucket.com/albums/xx312/BenHandley/IMG_0537.jpg
http://i767.photobucket.com/albums/xx312/BenHandley/IMG_0538.jpg
http://i767.photobucket.com/albums/xx312/BenHandley/IMG_0539.jpg
http://i767.photobucket.com/albums/xx312/BenHandley/IMG_0540.jpg
http://i767.photobucket.com/albums/xx312/BenHandley/IMG_0541.jpg

Rear heelboard now finished and painted up:) happy days
http://i767.photobucket.com/albums/xx312/BenHandley/IMG_0542.jpg
http://i767.photobucket.com/albums/xx312/BenHandley/IMG_0543.jpg

Floor and sills finished woo hoo! just the drivers front section to do the scuttle a few odds and sods and then the welder can retire to the shed :)
http://i767.photobucket.com/albums/xx312/BenHandley/IMG_0544.jpg
http://i767.photobucket.com/albums/xx312/BenHandley/IMG_0545.jpg

Rear beams at the powdercoaters till wednesday, need to drop them my radius arms and front frame but il do that soon even though it would of cost pretty much the same price but engines in it atm doh!

Waiting for my harness bar off Jon too which should be end of week maybe next.

Then next to buy

race lightweight battery
plumbed in fire extinquisher
mpi rad and an expansion tank
exhaust
coilovers
seats
lots of wire,heat shrink and connectors/fuses and relays
carbon shelf roof and valance!

Training at work this week so half days woops

will have more updates soon

benh

04-04-2011, 10:41 PM

looking at my axle stands i really need to sort them out! didnt realise they were so uneven!
Scrap man came down the driveway earlier too so im half expecting everything to be gone in the morning!

Add_Gee

06-04-2011, 10:51 AM

bricks and axle stands don't work well either, I tried that once and the brick broke in half!

benh

06-04-2011, 10:18 PM

bricks and axle stands don't work well either, I tried that once and the brick broke in half!

Going to sort it when im next up there, want to get it back on wheels asap though!

Right- training at work so only doing 8-3.30,none of the usual 12hour shift nonsense so iv had a bit of a tinker today,

Rear beam picked up from the powder coaters, brilliant service A*
http://i767.photobucket.com/albums/xx312/BenHandley/IMG_0546.jpg
Then fitted it on the car,
http://i767.photobucket.com/albums/xx312/BenHandley/IMG_0547.jpg

Then messed about with the cage for a bit and got it all sprayed up minus the diagonal bar which you'll notice i haven't done yet. Also Lacquered my carbon arches and over-riders while i was there but didn't take any photos damm

http://i767.photobucket.com/albums/xx312/BenHandley/IMG_0548.jpg
http://i767.photobucket.com/albums/xx312/BenHandley/IMG_0549.jpg
http://i767.photobucket.com/albums/xx312/BenHandley/IMG_0550.jpg

Going back up for half a day on friday so im hoping to have all the inside painted up although my welding mask has gone walkies and i need to finish the front drivers footwell.

not sure what to do on payday either-spend money on the rear to get it back on the floor
-pedal box and seats
-engine stuff,rad,expansion tank etc
front suspension stuff
-carbon panels

decisionssssssssss! only got about 500 squid spare this month as iv had to fork out for a holiday :) well i say had... but its self inflicted!

Burnard

06-04-2011, 11:13 PM

What cage is that? who makes it?

benh

06-04-2011, 11:20 PM

its an OMP one

http://www.balancemotorsport.co.uk/products.asp?partno=AA/104P/70

Deamontweeks or the link above,
Pretty chunky, think that rear section weighed in at 12kg or 20kg humm one of the 2 aha!

Burnard

06-04-2011, 11:28 PM

Not a bad price.

Im trying to find something decent which will brace the front bulkhead/ subframe mounts aswell, doesnt appear to be much arround like that.

Burnard

07-04-2011, 08:26 AM

finally had time to have a proper look through :lol:

Progress is looking great now, seems to just need a coat of paint and a roof :)

Would be good to see how you get on with the rear beam as its something im considering doing my self, but not that keen on coil overs. You the only person who seems to be building their car with a similar target in mind, so the weight should be a close match to mine.

Keep it up and you'll be done by june :D

benh

07-04-2011, 08:50 AM

Ha yeh cheers Burnard!
Regarding the cage i thing safety devices do better ones at the same price but i picked mine up off here for £250. Im adding a front dashrail bar so i can fix my steering column to it and also need to l

Burnard

07-04-2011, 09:06 AM

I want to make sure that if i get a cage i get one that is MSA approved and has all the cross bracing etc. At the moment the mini sport one is looking the best but im sure theres something else out there.

Slightly worried about a dash bar and being able to remove the dash spose ill make it work haha.

benh

07-04-2011, 09:02 PM

Sorry my last post got cut off as i was on the iphone at work!
Yeh the minisport ones are cool, as i was saying im adding a dash bar and attaching the steering rack to it and then need to figure out how to make my brace bars and where to attach them!
I need to figure out what to do with my dash and wether to get a new one because like you say if an bulb/led goes in one of my flick-switches or warning lights then how do i change it without ripping the welded cage out!

I would hope that the cars done for september as the fibreglass/carbon panels are going to cost quite a bit, one payday wont even cover them aha! Although im hoping that im getting some money back for my missold PPI :)

Hurry up and start on your engine swap so i can see what problems i may face or can avoid!

Burnard

07-04-2011, 11:09 PM

I was gonna let you make all the mistakes :lol:

Dont meant to be a pain, but any chance you could get a pic of how that FG boot floor fits under neath the car (where it sits under the bulkhead) Interested to see how this fits without letting stuff fall out :lol:

Seems like a pretty cheap modification for the weight that it saves.

benh

09-04-2011, 08:55 AM

yeh Il do that in a sec as im just abouts to go up there, I think i paid £40 for mine.
I wish id bought a carbon one as Iv painted mine black about 6 times now because it gets so dusty and looks pants, and again Iv painted it and its still dusty! Then i hoover it and it scratches! grr! maybe its just me and my compulsive disorder that everything has to be perfect and new!

Burnard

09-04-2011, 11:34 AM

Paint it with white or black stone chip ;)

Done the same with my steel boot floor and although its dirty and got some marks, it doesnt look bad. just looks used :lol:

benh

10-04-2011, 08:13 PM

More to update, Burnard your pictures are at the end of this post,bit late sorry!

Makeshift spray-booth made and first coat of primer

http://i767.photobucket.com/albums/xx312/BenHandley/IMG_0560.jpg
Then on with the spraying
http://i767.photobucket.com/albums/xx312/BenHandley/IMG_0561.jpg
http://i767.photobucket.com/albums/xx312/BenHandley/IMG_0570.jpg
http://i767.photobucket.com/albums/xx312/BenHandley/IMG_0574.jpg
http://i767.photobucket.com/albums/xx312/BenHandley/IMG_0573.jpg

Now Im not sure whether to flog my alloys! Well in fact i am! going to order some force racing rims but not sure whether to go all black, or black with chrome rim...What do you guys think?

http://i767.photobucket.com/albums/xx312/BenHandley/IMG_0576.jpg
http://i767.photobucket.com/albums/xx312/BenHandley/IMG_0564.jpg
http://i767.photobucket.com/albums/xx312/BenHandley/IMG_0563.jpg
http://i767.photobucket.com/albums/xx312/BenHandley/IMG_0567.jpg

For Burnard,
The fibreglass has a flap on at the back that tucks under your rear bench, then out with the tiger seal and its sealed as good as anything :) Pictures aren't the best but i didn't want to get dirty aha! The lip i actually cut back but doesnt make fitment any harder/easier.

http://i767.photobucket.com/albums/xx312/BenHandley/IMG_0584.jpg
http://i767.photobucket.com/albums/xx312/BenHandley/IMG_0583.jpg

Then the wheels, bought from huddersfield for £540 with yoko a539 tyres
I want £300 ovno few marks but no major curbing, tyres arent great but useable,front are on there way out rears have more tread. will get some better pics during the week as im back at work and didn't want to get rid of them untill id sprayed the car today! Comes with nuts too and lock nuts.

Photo of one of the rears
Other photos in previos pages

http://i767.photobucket.com/albums/xx312/BenHandley/IMG_0581.jpg
http://i767.photobucket.com/albums/xx312/BenHandley/IMG_0580.jpg
http://i767.photobucket.com/albums/xx312/BenHandley/IMG_0579.jpg

Burnard

10-04-2011, 08:18 PM

benh

10-04-2011, 08:39 PM

Thats quite a bit of progress for 2 days, looking finished now haha

Thanks for the pics, think i understand how it fits now :lol:

So it sits ontop inside the boot, and then slides under the bench, then you bolt and or tiger seal it into place? :)

Wasnt expecting the fit to be that smooth either :lol:

PS, nice shoes/ painted toes....

Haha i just Lol'd, that'll be my missus and my foot in the top corner just to clear up that im not a tranny!

And yeh you've got it, sits on top and the flap goes under the bench but i found that when i left the flap as long as it comes it tended to flex and couldn't get it to sit flat as it was like a springboard so i chopped it. I put a few screws in then tiger sealed it.

And my boot floor once again is dusty as ffffffffffffffffffff... luckily iv been over to tdks place and picked up near enough 2 meters by a meter of carbon so im going to put a flat piece just over the flat part of my boot floor where the dust collects!

Burnard

10-04-2011, 08:48 PM

flash git... :lol:

Just so you know. Youve made page three of google, right at the bottom haha.

http://www.google.co.uk/search?sourceid=chrome&ie=UTF-8&q=light+weight+mini+rear+subframe#q=lightweight+mi ni+rear+subframe&hl=en&safe=off&prmd=ivns&ei=ZRWiTYfNL8yLhQfXpZD9BA&start=20&sa=N&fp=29731fb098adeb02

benh

22-04-2011, 01:46 PM

Wheels are now black, scrapped the force racing idea and booked a holiday to greece instead!
Playing around with the arches ( ignore the yellowish paint i had to respray the whole car again, Dont ask!)
http://i767.photobucket.com/albums/xx312/BenHandley/IMG_0589.jpg
http://i767.photobucket.com/albums/xx312/BenHandley/IMG_0591.jpg

Old fibreglass parcel shelf template
http://i767.photobucket.com/albums/xx312/BenHandley/IMG_0594.jpg
Half of my carbon sheet i ordered
http://i767.photobucket.com/albums/xx312/BenHandley/IMG_0608.jpg
Bobs your uncle, cost me £70 for all the carbon yet just for a parcel shelf would cost me over £100 (oh and im not a utd fan, it was the cheapest huskey fridge i could find!)
http://i767.photobucket.com/albums/xx312/BenHandley/IMG_0599.jpg
http://i767.photobucket.com/albums/xx312/BenHandley/IMG_0604.jpg

Putting bits back together :) had to edit some of the pictures because the sun was too bright so some are a bit dull!
http://s767.photobucket.com/albums/xx312/BenHandley/?action=view&current=IMG_0600-1.jpg
http://i767.photobucket.com/albums/xx312/BenHandley/IMG_0601-1.jpg
http://i767.photobucket.com/albums/xx312/BenHandley/IMG_0603-1.jpg
http://i767.photobucket.com/albums/xx312/BenHandley/IMG_0605.jpg
Boot re-done AGAIN!http://i767.photobucket.com/albums/xx312/BenHandley/IMG_0606.jpg
http://i767.photobucket.com/albums/xx312/BenHandley/IMG_0607.jpg
Harness bar from Jon :) just need spraying green
http://i767.photobucket.com/albums/xx312/BenHandley/IMG_0609.jpg
Thats it for now, going up there sunday and monday so will update then.Got a busy weekend fitting my gf's new 10'' cooper s rims and brake conversion that i won on ebay for 150! bargain!!!

Vaux stuff will come soon i promise!

Hario'

23-04-2011, 07:50 AM

Burnard

23-04-2011, 10:48 AM

dont the over riders add unnecessary weight? :p

Looks great ben, cant wait to see it in person.

benh

23-04-2011, 04:40 PM

Loving the carbon overriders and miglia arches, mind saying where you got the arches? I have curley c/f ones from minisport and theyre shit, c/f over glass, cloudy because of uv, not very good shape to begin with..
Thanks,

All my stuff is from Dave at TDK racing, its the same though,not full carbon but he's local and sorts me out quite nicely,treats me as if i were a mate so i cant really complain and they were £150 or so cheaper then anywhere else.
Turns out it was a good idea as i stood on one yesterday doh!

Only thing is you have to laquer it all yourself so if your handy with a gun then its a win win, Had most of that carbon for nearly a year left unlaquered and no signs of uv damage or cloudiness so well see.Also theres too many gobshites around here that will just trash anything they see, had the other minis roof jumped on by chavs a while back so cant justify a weazel roof just for that reason!

Jeeze im banging on a bit!

Ermm going up tommorow to try and get the rest of the cage fitted and hopefully sort a bit more of the welding out...whats left of it.
Iv ordered my Carbon roof too so im just waiting for that to come, Shouldnt be long which is also good about Dave! most stuff normally takes 3-4 days from him. Hes done me a carbon valance too which is pretty annoying to be honest as iv just tiger-sealed the other one on! Double Doh!

Then protech shocks to be ordered on Tuesday--- is huddersfield ok? i rang them and they are in stock but can i count on this being true?

Iv come to a point where i want this done that bad that when payday comes im just buying stuff even though i know i cant and then just taking the hit at the end of the month!
....Or visiting the bank of mum and dad with no late fee or interest charges :)

Ha Chris those over-riders weigh as much as a pair of socks so when im driving il just wear my plimsolls ! Come over when your down this way anyway,anyone can, nice to talk to people about conversions rather than nagging the head off my girlfreind!
Il Update tommorow with your engine pic btw!

Burnard

23-04-2011, 05:26 PM

Thanks :)

Will be good to see how that roof fits an all as im half tempted by one.
Is yours just going to be carbon on the outside and FG on the inside?

benh

23-04-2011, 05:39 PM

Yeh, weazels are £990 without vat so i just cant justify it even though the quality is the best.
Just has a fibreglass underside thats still black so doesn't even need painting.

Hell do a full carbon one but not sure on price tbh. Well see when it comes but i have seen one of his before once laquered and looks great!

benh

23-04-2011, 09:25 PM

wooo just won some Original minifins on ebay! £ 46 delivered which is £20 cheaper than the copies! Result! At this rate i should have it rolling on its arse by next week :)

Oh and decided id email the last old owner from just over 2 years ago and let him know what carnage iv done to his old mini, but im sure hell like it once its finished!

monkey

23-04-2011, 10:35 PM

Looking good! Carbon and Green go well together

benh

25-04-2011, 10:03 PM

Fair bit done over the last 2 days. Didn't finish anything I'd planned on doing and spent ages tidying up the shed and tools! But overall came home very chuffed today with what i'd done. And its Payday tommorow which is even better!

First off, been over to tdk again to talk about a few plans and the misses needed to go over to pick up her mark 1 fibreglass boot and bonnet .Should be bringing his racer out soon so i can have a look at it for inspiration :)

But got my hands on this
http://i767.photobucket.com/albums/xx312/BenHandley/DSC03669.jpg
http://i767.photobucket.com/albums/xx312/BenHandley/DSC03665.jpg

Been told 2 weeks for the roof, dropping my mark 1 moustache off for him to make a mould and my headlamp rings to see if he can do them too, Not sure what im doing regarding a dash as i liked my old one.

Grinded the knuckles off my radius arms as there not needed and then wire wheeled them back to bare metal
http://i767.photobucket.com/albums/xx312/BenHandley/IMG_0612.jpg

Need rebuild kits for them but fitted them to the beam so i could sort brake lines out
http://i767.photobucket.com/albums/xx312/BenHandley/IMG_0614.jpg
http://i767.photobucket.com/albums/xx312/BenHandley/IMG_0616.jpg

Then bare-metalled my diagonal bar and acid etched it
same with the harness bar but forgot to photograph it once done doh!
http://i767.photobucket.com/albums/xx312/BenHandley/IMG_0618.jpg
http://i767.photobucket.com/albums/xx312/BenHandley/IMG_0619.jpg
http://i767.photobucket.com/albums/xx312/BenHandley/IMG_0620.jpg

Then fitted the diagonal bar,(needs painting but no paint until tomorrow !) Also fitted the hand-held extinguisher,More for show tbh as the plumbed in one will be first port of call) Can see where the cage is welded in too which i forgot to take a photo of previously
http://i767.photobucket.com/albums/xx312/BenHandley/IMG_0622.jpg
Also fitted the harness bar but forgot to take photos, fit was perfect,no fettling :)

Then started on the bulkhead, Was going to just weld a flat sheet over the hole but thought id go for a miglia-ish style one as it gives more room for the air to get into my bike carbs and generally more space for anything! Took a bit of cardboard engineering but well worth scoffing down my coco pops so that i could use the box!
http://i767.photobucket.com/albums/xx312/BenHandley/IMG_0625.jpg
http://i767.photobucket.com/albums/xx312/BenHandley/IMG_0626.jpg
http://i767.photobucket.com/albums/xx312/BenHandley/IMG_0627.jpg
http://i767.photobucket.com/albums/xx312/BenHandley/IMG_0628.jpg
http://i767.photobucket.com/albums/xx312/BenHandley/IMG_0629.jpg
http://i767.photobucket.com/albums/xx312/BenHandley/IMG_0630.jpg
http://i767.photobucket.com/albums/xx312/BenHandley/IMG_0631.jpg
http://i767.photobucket.com/albums/xx312/BenHandley/IMG_0632.jpg
http://i767.photobucket.com/albums/xx312/BenHandley/IMG_0635.jpg
Not perfectly straight at the top but the scuttle will hide that :)

Had to repair my fibre-door ,turned out fine in the end.Cut more out on the inside as these were the heavy version so now there the light version but still with the reinforced hoop.
http://i767.photobucket.com/albums/xx312/BenHandley/IMG_0641.jpg
http://i767.photobucket.com/albums/xx312/BenHandley/IMG_0642.jpg

Ran out of wire so couldn't finish the last few inches of welding on the bulkhead so called it a day!

Thanks for looking, more next week

Burnard

25-04-2011, 10:12 PM

do you recon he could make moulds of the grille slats and make them in carbon to be riveted to the normal steel backing?

Wouldn't mine some headlamp rings if he'd make 4 and do em for a bit less each... ;)

benh

25-04-2011, 10:34 PM

Yeh i know azzgranty had slats made so is do-able. i will have a word tommorow. Im sure if he has us both wanting the rings hell do them cheaper. My over-riders were pretty cheap considering he had to make a whole mould aswell with my old chrome one.

Burnard

25-04-2011, 10:55 PM

Id be interested to find out the price before actually agreeing to anything :lol: Would be a nice touch though.

Could carbon wrap the chrome on the rear lights...

mikee

25-04-2011, 10:58 PM

I would bi intrested in the carbon goodies if you could keep me informed mate!
Looking like some good progress there

Mike

pengy666

26-04-2011, 06:06 PM

looks spot on bud!

The green/carbon contrast is awesome!

Burnard

26-04-2011, 10:21 PM

ben...

We was talking cambelts and tensioning the other day...
Forgot i had this pic :lol:

http://a3.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/215369_10150222625830853_687895852_8864469_5137829 _n.jpg

Is that the same setup as yours?

benh

02-05-2011, 09:15 PM

benh

02-05-2011, 09:36 PM

Righteo....New camera so photos are a bit better :)

wanted some black bonnet pins so ordered the cheapest set off ebay and turned out there high tensile superlight ones! half the weight off my other ones, bit anal but every little helps.Also got my petrol cap, again plastic so nice and light.
http://i767.photobucket.com/albums/xx312/BenHandley/SAM_0004.jpg

picked up some braided fuel lines and finally got the pump wired and plumbed up.
http://i767.photobucket.com/albums/xx312/BenHandley/SAM_0006.jpg

Both filters plumbed in and all fuel lines done
http://i767.photobucket.com/albums/xx312/BenHandley/SAM_0007.jpg

bonnet pins fitted
http://i767.photobucket.com/albums/xx312/BenHandley/SAM_0009.jpg

Bonnet pins and led numberplate screws fitted
http://i767.photobucket.com/albums/xx312/BenHandley/SAM_0010.jpg

New Carbon valance fitted, the shadow off the bumper makes it hard to see the weave on it but it still has a nice shine on and way better than the black one
http://i767.photobucket.com/albums/xx312/BenHandley/SAM_0012.jpg
http://i767.photobucket.com/albums/xx312/BenHandley/SAM_0013.jpg
http://i767.photobucket.com/albums/xx312/BenHandley/SAM_0041.jpg
http://i767.photobucket.com/albums/xx312/BenHandley/SAM_0042.jpg
http://i767.photobucket.com/albums/xx312/BenHandley/SAM_0040.jpg
http://i767.photobucket.com/albums/xx312/BenHandley/SAM_0020.jpg

New rear loom made, all heat shrunk and insulated
http://i767.photobucket.com/albums/xx312/BenHandley/SAM_0015.jpg

front part of cage prepped ready to be welded in on Wednesday hopefully
http://i767.photobucket.com/albums/xx312/BenHandley/SAM_0036.jpg
http://i767.photobucket.com/albums/xx312/BenHandley/SAM_0039.jpg

Floor holes welded up, used a washer to blank the hole then welded it up :)
http://i767.photobucket.com/albums/xx312/BenHandley/SAM_0043.jpg

other rear cage leg welded in
http://i767.photobucket.com/albums/xx312/BenHandley/SAM_0045.jpg

other leg
http://i767.photobucket.com/albums/xx312/BenHandley/SAM_0021.jpg
http://i767.photobucket.com/albums/xx312/BenHandley/SAM_0023.jpg
http://i767.photobucket.com/albums/xx312/BenHandley/SAM_0022.jpg

Then while some seam sealer was drying i tidied up and rebuilt the old radius arms
http://i767.photobucket.com/albums/xx312/BenHandley/SAM_0046.jpg
http://i767.photobucket.com/albums/xx312/BenHandley/SAM_0049.jpg
http://i767.photobucket.com/albums/xx312/BenHandley/SAM_0050.jpg
http://i767.photobucket.com/albums/xx312/BenHandley/SAM_0051.jpg
http://i767.photobucket.com/albums/xx312/BenHandley/SAM_0052.jpg
http://i767.photobucket.com/albums/xx312/BenHandley/SAM_0053.jpg

More on Wednesday :)

Burnard

02-05-2011, 09:48 PM

http://i767.photobucket.com/albums/xx312/BenHandley/SAM_0053.jpg

Do the blue ones give the best spring rate or are you still experimenting?

If i remember correctly, you had 2 engines at the start of this build... what happend to the other one?

benh

02-05-2011, 09:51 PM

Haha yeh why pay 200plus for protechs when you can pinch some ties from work for free and there super lightweight:)

ahh yes i forgot, gargae got broken into so i had to transfer everything outta there but could'nt get the engine to my new place so scrapped it, tbh it would'nt turn by hand and all the water pipes exhaust inlets were corroded and it was just a manky state! still wish id kept it now but oh well!

monkey

02-05-2011, 09:56 PM

Coming together quick :p

Burnard

02-05-2011, 09:59 PM

Shame about the engine, but spose you had to do it at the time.

Coming together quick :p

be finished next week, he just wont admit it...

Aiming for himley hall then mate? :P

benh

04-05-2011, 08:55 PM

haha yeh That'd be nice, im still going yeh so il see you there but in the other mini!

OK then...

Door bar fiited after being welded.
http://i767.photobucket.com/albums/xx312/BenHandley/SAM_0054.jpg
http://i767.photobucket.com/albums/xx312/BenHandley/SAM_0055.jpg

Rusty section removed from floor-pan, cant wait to finish all the welding now as its really tiring me out!
http://i767.photobucket.com/albums/xx312/BenHandley/SAM_0056.jpg
http://i767.photobucket.com/albums/xx312/BenHandley/SAM_0057.jpg
http://i767.photobucket.com/albums/xx312/BenHandley/SAM_0058.jpg
http://i767.photobucket.com/albums/xx312/BenHandley/SAM_0061.jpg

Old gear selector hole plated over
http://i767.photobucket.com/albums/xx312/BenHandley/SAM_0060.jpg

Then the bulkhead box that i screwed up first time round last year
http://i767.photobucket.com/albums/xx312/BenHandley/SAM_0059.jpg
http://i767.photobucket.com/albums/xx312/BenHandley/SAM_0069.jpg

holesaws broke so the hole that the gear selector goes throught needs doing properly
http://i767.photobucket.com/albums/xx312/BenHandley/SAM_0070.jpg
http://i767.photobucket.com/albums/xx312/BenHandley/SAM_0071.jpg
http://i767.photobucket.com/albums/xx312/BenHandley/SAM_0072.jpg
http://i767.photobucket.com/albums/xx312/BenHandley/SAM_0073.jpg

Another repair section to the bulkhead
http://i767.photobucket.com/albums/xx312/BenHandley/SAM_0068.jpg
http://i767.photobucket.com/albums/xx312/BenHandley/SAM_0074.jpg

Nuts welded (not mine :) ) for the flip front bolts
http://i767.photobucket.com/albums/xx312/BenHandley/SAM_0062.jpg
http://i767.photobucket.com/albums/xx312/BenHandley/SAM_0063.jpg
Bit more work on top part of the bulkhead, ran out of acid etch so called it a day as im not up there for another 4 days and didnt want to leave aload of bare-metal.
http://i767.photobucket.com/albums/xx312/BenHandley/SAM_0064.jpg
http://i767.photobucket.com/albums/xx312/BenHandley/SAM_0065.jpg
http://i767.photobucket.com/albums/xx312/BenHandley/SAM_0066.jpg
http://i767.photobucket.com/albums/xx312/BenHandley/SAM_0075.jpg
http://i767.photobucket.com/albums/xx312/BenHandley/SAM_0076.jpg

Ah and a nice repair iv got to do :(
http://i767.photobucket.com/albums/xx312/BenHandley/SAM_0067.jpg

And finally roll cage diagonal ,harness bar and door bar painted and fitted :)
http://i767.photobucket.com/albums/xx312/BenHandley/SAM_0077.jpg
http://i767.photobucket.com/albums/xx312/BenHandley/SAM_0078.jpg
http://i767.photobucket.com/albums/xx312/BenHandley/SAM_0079.jpg
http://i767.photobucket.com/albums/xx312/BenHandley/SAM_0080.jpg
http://i767.photobucket.com/albums/xx312/BenHandley/SAM_0081.jpg

Thanks for looking !

monkey

04-05-2011, 09:11 PM

Metal work looks great, good work

Burnard

04-05-2011, 10:37 PM

Looking really good mate.

Just the fiddly little bits left before paint now... which is the bit i always end up rushing cos i wanna get it done lmao.

Cant wait to see this at the weekend if im still allowed? :lol:

miniswift

05-05-2011, 12:18 PM

benh

11-05-2011, 06:51 PM

Hi Ben,

My TDK beam look good fitted.
You are progressing very well, indeed.
I will be starting my build again after my BIG shed is here end of this month. So that I have a sapce to work in my garage. I'm still making many side project as well...

Cheers
Atchi

Thanks Atchi, Thinking about it now i was really lucky to have got it off you as i want to run the car really low and that cutout you did is spot on.
Will be looking at your build as soon as its updated!

More work done, i have a load of time off but low funds. I reckon iv got a days worth of welding left and then the shell will be finish-omg i can't beleive i just said that! Sounds great!

Managed to drill through my nail, slice my finger in half, drop the frame on my kneecap and run my foot over with the engine crane so im abit battered and bruised doh!

Ok final track width- this is with spaced drums and 1.25mm studded spacers,
ok ok i know people are thinking-idiot! iv ran the car like this for at least 6000 miles but im hoping that someone can sort me some radius arms with built in spacers as this time il have more power under the wheels. Any help will be great
http://i767.photobucket.com/albums/xx312/BenHandley/SAM_0083.jpg
http://i767.photobucket.com/albums/xx312/BenHandley/SAM_0084.jpg

Scuttle welded, now you can see why i put it off for so long, When i cut the old one off i must of been away with the fairys as i cut it too short hence the half inch gap-plonker! have a feeling this will come back and bite me and my trial windscreen just happens to be in a bajillion pieces! Which is ok as it had a smart performance sunstrip on so i dont have to stare at that anymore!
http://i767.photobucket.com/albums/xx312/BenHandley/SAM_0086.jpg

Otherside of the bulkhead plated up, bare-mettaled and sprayed- using upol acid etch now which im not sure if i prefer or not, colourwise i prefer it and its half the price but not sure if its weldthrough like pro etch.
http://i767.photobucket.com/albums/xx312/BenHandley/SAM_0087.jpg

Was dreading doing the drivers side flitch (is it the flitch hmmm) it was rusty as hell yet i had it done in a few hours.
http://i767.photobucket.com/albums/xx312/BenHandley/SAM_0088.jpg
http://i767.photobucket.com/albums/xx312/BenHandley/SAM_0089.jpg
http://i767.photobucket.com/albums/xx312/BenHandley/SAM_0090.jpg
http://i767.photobucket.com/albums/xx312/BenHandley/SAM_0091.jpg

Bulkhead finished woooh
http://i767.photobucket.com/albums/xx312/BenHandley/SAM_0092.jpg
http://i767.photobucket.com/albums/xx312/BenHandley/SAM_0093.jpg
http://i767.photobucket.com/albums/xx312/BenHandley/SAM_0094.jpg

actually looking back through my pictures i do really like this upol acid etch! might do my next car this colour!

Finally-gear selector- welded a nut and bolt to the end as opposed to a fixed shaft type to give me abit more adjust-ability as i didn't fancy re-cutting and welding if id got it wrong
http://i767.photobucket.com/albums/xx312/BenHandley/SAM_0095.jpg
http://i767.photobucket.com/albums/xx312/BenHandley/SAM_0096.jpg

More on friday :)

Oh and still stuck on pedal boxes, trawed through other builds but most seem to make their own which is way out of my ability- can see me going opb at this rate!

Burnard

11-05-2011, 07:02 PM

Oh and still stuck on pedal boxes, trawed through other builds but most seem to make their own which is way out of my ability- can see me going opb at this rate!

NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO, *dives and grabs credit card from your hand*

Raise the funds and make sure you get somthing from tilton or AP.

Mini Vlatko

11-05-2011, 07:08 PM

This green-black combo is looking really good!
BTW love the exhaust mount ;)

miniswift

11-05-2011, 10:12 PM

Burnard

12-05-2011, 12:44 AM

To be fair mate, i think its only the mini specific box that people have been haveing issue's with. Could take a look at OBP's floor mounted options?

benh

12-05-2011, 07:55 PM

Hi Ben,

Speak with Mark D about spacer... radius arm thingy you are talking about.
I helped him with laser cuttings which offset spindle and everything else. So it won't put extra unwanted pressure to your wheel bearing.

So you are running low are you!?
Yes cut out I made was for running my car LOW!
My car was only 4ft tall off the ground to highest at one stage... then again I have 3" advantage from everyone else due to roof chop with raked fron and rear screen!

Good luck mate and I'm happy TDK went to person appreciate it!

Cheers
Atchi

Going to be running the car as low as physically possible for on the road use.
Also to try and stop the back end skipping about if it does.

Iv mailed MarkD but he must of not got it as iv had no reply. But i do like his idea, do you know if you can use mini backplates,drums etc as i already have these?
Are you the man to speak to for manifolds? For eg- if i were to turbo this could you make me a logged one?

To be fair mate, i think its only the mini specific box that people have been haveing issue's with. Could take a look at OBP's floor mounted options?

I may have one lined up :) iv had a guy pm off here willing to kindly make me one so well see how that goes.
Iv looked at the floor mounted ones but not sure if i would get on with them?
Going to be stripping the gearbox off to see how this hydraulic clutch works so keep popping back to see how i get on!
Would you suggest doing anything else to the gearbox?

Thanks All

miniswift

12-05-2011, 10:10 PM

Hi Ben,

I can get flanges cut and all you need to do is weld them together.
I have made 3 of them now.
You need to make sure don't put too much heat into it. I got mine skimmed to make it flat again.
If you want me to make you one, let me know and send me your exhaust gasket. Also tell me what turbo you are using. I have TD04 and T2/25 flanges data already.

Cheers
Atchi

benh

14-05-2011, 07:19 PM

Time for an update,

I did do this last-night but my computer said no! cofff

I am now officially owner of a complete rot free shell thanks to months of blood sweat and tears! its such a massive relief aswell! Never again! never!

Unfortunatly now all the cheap work is finished updates will probably be more spaced apart while i collect parts. Frames been dropped off at the powdercoaters with a boxfull of other gubbins and should be back Tuesday,roof arriving next week and well my protech's haven't arrived from Arc yet:( they said 2 weeks and its now 17days so we shall live in hope but had no emials replies,the norm etc!!) Anoying because its still stuck on stands at the minute and cant fit the arches till the ride heights set!

Anyhow enough of me boring you all as i know its only pictures you want!

http://i767.photobucket.com/albums/xx312/BenHandley/SAM_0101.jpg
http://i767.photobucket.com/albums/xx312/BenHandley/SAM_0102.jpg
http://i767.photobucket.com/albums/xx312/BenHandley/SAM_0107.jpg
http://i767.photobucket.com/albums/xx312/BenHandley/SAM_0109.jpg
Front cage finally fitted/painted- glad to get it out of the shed!
http://i767.photobucket.com/albums/xx312/BenHandley/SAM_0110.jpg
http://i767.photobucket.com/albums/xx312/BenHandley/SAM_0111.jpg
http://i767.photobucket.com/albums/xx312/BenHandley/SAM_0112.jpg
http://i767.photobucket.com/albums/xx312/BenHandley/SAM_0113.jpg

Ignore the dash,was just checking to see that it could still be fitted! not sure what im doing with it yet as its not carbon so im not sure if i want it in there or not!
Front cage section that replaces my dash rail is removable hence why its not there at the minute!

Finally,been on my mind since i first started this conversion so i thought i'd put my mind to rest! sooo then ....this hydro clutch shabang
g/b off
http://i767.photobucket.com/albums/xx312/BenHandley/SAM_0097.jpg
removed parts
http://i767.photobucket.com/albums/xx312/BenHandley/SAM_0100.jpg
http://i767.photobucket.com/albums/xx312/BenHandley/SAM_0098.jpg
just realised i still need to undo them 3 bolts and remove that part! oops

http://i767.photobucket.com/albums/xx312/BenHandley/SAM_0099.jpg

Waiting for my hydro release bearing to come, brand new £55 wooo ebay you are a hero :) will update when it comes

Is that all i need to do regarding the gearbox? any gearchanges/swaps to do if running 13's or am i good to go? Il do a search anyhow!

Ben

vini

14-05-2011, 07:31 PM

looking good ben:pi would go out and get youreself a corsa1.5td box first as last.plenty kicking about between £60 -£100.first gear is pretty useless and u run out of steam in 5th lol.Dean

benh

19-05-2011, 09:56 PM

little update

hydro Clutch conversion now sorted (i think!)

correct me if ive made any mistakes.

Gearbox bolts undone
http://i767.photobucket.com/albums/xx312/BenHandley/SAM_0098.jpg
Then remove the parts below
http://i767.photobucket.com/albums/xx312/BenHandley/SAM_0099.jpg
http://i767.photobucket.com/albums/xx312/BenHandley/SAM_0100.jpg
Then undo the 3 bolts to take out the oil seal
http://i767.photobucket.com/albums/xx312/BenHandley/SAM_0119.jpg
http://i767.photobucket.com/albums/xx312/BenHandley/SAM_0121.jpg
http://i767.photobucket.com/albums/xx312/BenHandley/SAM_0122.jpg
Then your hydraulic clutch release bearing (mine was £40 off ebay £120 RRP)
http://i767.photobucket.com/albums/xx312/BenHandley/SAM_0115.jpg
Fitted using the same 3 holes that the oil seal was attached to but had to use longer bolts and the pipe just pokes out of where the old cable mech went
http://i767.photobucket.com/albums/xx312/BenHandley/SAM_0124.jpg
http://i767.photobucket.com/albums/xx312/BenHandley/SAM_0125.jpg

-Then either cut the vaux fitting end off and reflare with a standard mini brake/clutch type fitting
http://i767.photobucket.com/albums/xx312/BenHandley/SAM_0117.jpg

-Buy a vaux fittment to attach to it

-Or use this for just under £13 delivered
http://www.vauxhallworldparts.com/vauxhall.php?partnumber=24422066
http://www.vauxhallworldparts.com/images/24422066.JPG

Then from there to your master :) once gearbox is bolted back up obviously :)

Hope thats right!

Thanks Pob,Burnard,Mark and Pete

Then painted up the gearbox properly
http://i767.photobucket.com/albums/xx312/BenHandley/SAM_0126.jpg

Then after last times crappy effort i resprayed the side of the car( gazebo blew away so out with the tarp!)
http://i767.photobucket.com/albums/xx312/BenHandley/SAM_0130.jpg
http://i767.photobucket.com/albums/xx312/BenHandley/SAM_0129.jpg
http://i767.photobucket.com/albums/xx312/BenHandley/SAM_0128.jpg

door flatted back, just need primering and spraying green
http://i767.photobucket.com/albums/xx312/BenHandley/SAM_0131.jpg

Still waiting for
-protech coilovers-has now been 3 weeks and a bit!
-minisport 4pots,hubs,cv joints and grooved discs
-powdercoaters-frame and a box full of engine stuff
-pedal box
-Luke harnesses
-Roof
-tigerseal and primer

so at least im keeping the postman busy:) more soon

MarkGTT

19-05-2011, 10:08 PM

What size compressor and gun are you using for the paint, always looks very good.

benh

19-05-2011, 10:13 PM

Ha its the argos compressor which i bought for Half price £69
24 litres http://www.argos.co.uk/static/Product/partNumber/7112348/Trail/searchtext%3ECOMPRESSOR.htm
Have to wait now and then for it to refill but only a about a minute, perfect for panel by panel but tbh iv sprayed a whole car with it!
Then the cheapest gun that machine mart do because the other guns they do dont work with my compressor because its not good enough apparently! im getting better but without a booth/garage its pretty hard!

Does my clutch conversion look ok yeh :)

MarkGTT

19-05-2011, 10:21 PM

Looks like the same size compressor I have, and yeah I have to keep stopping and waiting for it to refill.. Always rent one for a full respray, as I get annoyed with the wait.

Clutch looks like how I've gone about mine, but I'm not sure the link to the vauxhall pipe is the correct part.. Mine came with a flexi pipe that clipped on, I wasn't keen tho - still have it in the garage somewhere.

pengy666

20-05-2011, 04:09 AM

Birdman

20-05-2011, 07:16 AM

If you know someone brave enough you can get an calor gas type bottle and weld a compressor fitting onto stand use it as an expansion tank.

Or find an old air compressor tank of a lorry of some description. Scrap yards are good for that.

I have got one of those, but never realised that is what its for. A friend of mine made it and put several types of air connectors on it including a tyre valve. Thanks for alerting me to that.

benh

20-05-2011, 09:19 PM

Windscreen fits :) after hearing all the horror stories of people replacing scuttles especially with non gen ones i was dreading trying to get the screen in!
Whether it leaks or not is another story! Only tacked in but now i know it fits i can weld it fully up:)
http://i767.photobucket.com/albums/xx312/BenHandley/SAM_0114.jpg

Gave up waiting for my protechs from Arc,suprisingly there still not here :(
sooo....Holes cut for the arches, should of done this on the other side before i painted it really but ah well
http://i767.photobucket.com/albums/xx312/BenHandley/SAM_0132.jpg

Then after failing miserably at bonding on my brackets i decided to rivet the brackets on and to be fair im chuffed with the result
http://i767.photobucket.com/albums/xx312/BenHandley/SAM_0140.jpg
http://i767.photobucket.com/albums/xx312/BenHandley/SAM_0139.jpg

Frame and a box full off goodies came back from the powdercoaters
http://i767.photobucket.com/albums/xx312/BenHandley/SAM_0138.jpg
http://i767.photobucket.com/albums/xx312/BenHandley/SAM_0142.jpg
http://i767.photobucket.com/albums/xx312/BenHandley/SAM_0141.jpg

Back at work tommorow night for 4 nights then im off for 12 so more updates then :)

ooooo And my roofs ready to be picked up tommorow wooo hooo!

benh

20-05-2011, 09:20 PM

MINI_BIG_AL

20-05-2011, 09:51 PM

looking good mate! Its coming along quite quickly :)

Burnard

20-05-2011, 10:32 PM

If you know someone brave enough you can get an calor gas type bottle and weld a compressor fitting onto stand use it as an expansion tank.

Or find an old air compressor tank of a lorry of some description. Scrap yards are good for that.

Isnt the steel thick enough to just drill and tap it, then screw the fitting in?

benh

21-05-2011, 02:51 PM

Feels like Christmas :)
http://i767.photobucket.com/albums/xx312/BenHandley/SAM_0150.jpg
http://i767.photobucket.com/albums/xx312/BenHandley/SAM_0152.jpg

benh

21-05-2011, 04:09 PM

trial fitted it on the other mini but it had a gay aerial on so couldnt get it on flush boooo
http://i767.photobucket.com/albums/xx312/BenHandley/SAM_0159-1.jpg
http://i767.photobucket.com/albums/xx312/BenHandley/SAM_0158-1.jpg
http://i767.photobucket.com/albums/xx312/BenHandley/SAM_0157.jpg
http://i767.photobucket.com/albums/xx312/BenHandley/SAM_0156-1.jpg

Burnard

21-05-2011, 05:38 PM

Think your gonna have a fight on your hands to get that back off :lol: Suits that car nicely.

Mind if i ask how much that set you back?

MarkGTT

21-05-2011, 07:13 PM

Looks spot on Ben, mine was a right pig to fit tho.. However that looks to be a better fit than mine was.

benh

21-05-2011, 07:15 PM

Thanks lads, yours looks better tbh Mark but at £250 im not compaining and when i end up on my roof when i take it to the ring i wont feel so bad!

DougieMc

21-05-2011, 07:31 PM

Ben cheers for your comments on car
Ive been watchin your thread for updates as i love the colour and the stance we did the same with the spaced drums and the spacers just to get the look
Top job
Keep the updates coming
DougieMc

benh

21-05-2011, 07:38 PM

Cheers DougieMc
I wondered how you had got such a wide stance and thought your revos had a different offset to mine being splits. If your running it like that with all that extra power then mine should be ok with my dinky 1.6 aha!
Your carbons in a different league, i think your twill is bigger so it stands out much more than mine!

DougieMc

21-05-2011, 07:52 PM

Our carbon ended up getting 17coats of lacquer probably what is making it different
No we are running normal offset but with 8x 13's the drums and spacers

Yep the 220bhp wide stance power steering and stupid steering wheel is exactly what not to do to limit torque steer hahahaaa
But thats 1/2 the fun

Mintegra

22-05-2011, 08:11 AM

Where did you get the carbon roof for at £250?? The only ones Ive seen are £600 upwards...

That green looks really good along with the carbon!!

monkey

22-05-2011, 09:12 AM

Wow Carbon roof looks lovely!

Burnard

22-05-2011, 10:54 AM

carbon roof from TDK racing, allong with all the other carbon bits i believe.

Haveing seen bens car in person i can say that the carbon looks spot on, especially considering the price in comparison to carbon weezel's stuff.

Not quite as nice a finish as dougie, but that is allot of lacqure :lol:

Mintegra

22-05-2011, 11:43 AM

Ahhh nice one!!... does look good!!... does it have a joint in it? as the pic of it in stood up looks like there is a seem in it??..

benh

22-05-2011, 02:36 PM

Ahhh nice one!!... does look good!!... does it have a joint in it? as the pic of it in stood up looks like there is a seem in it??..

Thanks Mintegra, Unfortunatly yes it does have a joint in, hell do you one for an extra £100 without the join but then your into Arc angels territory and there's, i beleive are better as they are laquered, but TDK's down the road, its made quickly and i laquer it all myself, So the roof is yet to be laquered.

I may end up swapping this further down the road for one without a join like Marks as its a big part of the car, its only tigersealed on so youll probably see me hacking it off in a few months but at £250 im not moaning...am i? aha

Nice build by the way!

Mintegra

22-05-2011, 03:09 PM

Ahh brilliant!... thanks for the info!.. Just had a look at Arc Angels, they seem reasonably priced actually!... I hope to get one for my mini as it has a few dents that are proving very difficult to get out!.. besides that they look great! :-)

Nice build by the way!

Thanks! :-)

Burnard

22-05-2011, 09:24 PM

I personally would steer clear of arc angels after haveing a few parts off them.

The fit and quality of their products isnt great.

Mintegra

22-05-2011, 09:49 PM

I personally would steer clear of arc angels after haveing a few parts off them.

The fit and quality of their products isnt great.

Firstly, sorry for Hijacking your thread Ben... (started a new thread on this subject)

http://www.16vminiclub.com/forums/showthread.php?t=25884

And... what did you get from them Burnard?... The roof and descriptions seem to suit exactly what Im after (roof that fits on original one, opt2)

Burnard

22-05-2011, 10:00 PM

The TDK stuff seems to be much better quality than the others, apart from carbon weezel, even if you do need to lacqure it your self.

Ive had boot, door cards, and a front end from them, all of which fitted badly and needed extra work.

A friend has had doors from them which didnt even fit properly.

benh

23-05-2011, 12:26 AM

Agreed with Chris on this, Arc take the mick on lead times and there stuff goes cloudy, tdks fit over the old roof too, your looking at £60 downwards to get a roof professionally laquered so your still not in arc territory price wise, or do it yourself. Tbh even unlaquered it looks fine.

Personnaly id go with a tdk one no join £350 ish ( i/you can ask) then laquer it yourself and youd have it in 2 weeks max! Or order one fron Arc and get it in time for christmas!

Fit wise all mines from tdk and youd think it was genuine panels! My doors from arc and thats ok too tbh.

Ps you hijack away!

Mintegra

23-05-2011, 08:51 AM

Awesome!... thanks a lot for the heads up with this - I was at one point thinking of throwing £840 at one from Carbon Weesel!! eeeek

Keep up the good work with your build! :-D will be great to have all our carbon fibred, engine swapped minis at a show some day!!

Chris

pob

23-05-2011, 08:58 AM

Is it the carbon look you're after or are you cutting the steel out of the roof structure in an effort to save a few kg?

With the mini being a monocoque design alot of the strength is derived from the roof.

If it's just the look, why not vinyl wrap the roof.

Mintegra

23-05-2011, 09:03 AM

Ive never really liked the idea of vinyl wrapping, just seems a bit of a cop out for the real thing.. Id so as most others have and leave a 90mm lip to bond the new roof onto.. hopefully the rollcage will compensate for chopping the roof out..

Burnard

23-05-2011, 10:42 AM

Birdman

23-05-2011, 11:00 AM

I would never consider fitting a carbon roof instead of a steel one without a roll cage although rover did make the mini with that webasto roof, and to my knowledge never added any additional bracing, so if you wanted to run it as a bit of a weight saveing think about cutting a webasto sized hole in the roof then fitting the skin over that rather than removing half the curve (which is where the strength comes from)

In a roll i recon you will be better off with a carbon roof and a roll cage than you will be with a steel roof and no roll cage.

Yep probably. I don't think there is any enforced roll over testing of cars even today. Trouble is you can have an almighty shunt and be relatively unscathed or just be unlucky in how the vehicle folds up.

Robert Kubica must have thought he would be OK in a fully prepared and certified Rally car, but when something pierces the cars shell ,as in his case , it can lead to horrific injuries.

Burnard

23-05-2011, 11:26 AM

Well i think something is less likely to pierce a carbon roof skin than it is a steel one in that case...

And i keep getting bright idea's like haveing a carbon kevlar weave, with red kevlar... which would probably be stronger anyway, but mainly for the tarty reasons like being able to say i have a carbon kevlar roof.

Burnard

24-05-2011, 05:38 PM

Pics i kept promising...

http://a3.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc6/249322_10150259526800853_687895852_9216509_3448420 _n.jpg
http://a3.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/249886_10150259526580853_687895852_9216502_5925438 _n.jpg

Any questions just ask, but i feel like i'm being patronizing trying to explain that lol.

benh

25-05-2011, 07:59 PM

Not laquered yet or sealed but wanted to see what it'd look like
Payday tommorow too :)

http://i767.photobucket.com/albums/xx312/BenHandley/SAM_0160.jpg
http://i767.photobucket.com/albums/xx312/BenHandley/SAM_0161.jpg
http://i767.photobucket.com/albums/xx312/BenHandley/SAM_0163.jpg

Plus 12 days off so lots of time to get things done :)

Need to get it rolling asap to bring it back to my girlfreinds place!
Arc are still taking the biscuit,no replies and no shocks! boooo

secondopsman

25-05-2011, 08:26 PM

Seeing your roof really makes me wish i had put one of these on and got rid of my sunroof:(

monkey

25-05-2011, 08:27 PM

I expect it to be up and running in 12 days :lol:

Burnard

25-05-2011, 08:33 PM

Ben, Please send some tissues to:

Chris Burn
88 Mini alley
Carbonis
Sexy
WO000OW

That looks the tits mate!!!

Is there really a join in that roof? i cant see it lol.

benh

25-05-2011, 08:35 PM

Seeing your roof really makes me wish i had put one of these on and got rid of my sunroof:(
Im well chuffed with it lets just hope i can laquer it as my compressors a tad small for something so hooooge!

I expect it to be up and running in 12 days :lol:

Hahahahahahahahahahah

The girlfreind has asked if i want to lend some money this month! Bad idea but that gives me some moolah to get a rad,hoses and a battery :) oooo and a jerry can :) so maybe :)

Just ordered my polycarb windows so at least i can keep it out in the rain now and not worry about scooping water out everytime i go up there!

You shouldnt be on here anyway, go and play with your vtec !

Mintegra

25-05-2011, 10:48 PM

Not laquered yet or sealed but wanted to see what it'd look like

I'll try and put this as politely as possible... IT LOOKS FOOOOKIN AWESOME!!!.. great contrast of colour and styling!... :)

benh

31-05-2011, 06:21 PM

Will update properly later but just abouts to nip out and couldn't wait!
http://i767.photobucket.com/albums/xx312/BenHandley/th_SAM_0185.jpg (http://s767.photobucket.com/albums/xx312/BenHandley/?action=view&current=SAM_0185.mp4)

Manifold must of been painted with non heat temp paint because as soon as i started it ,it bubbled up aha!

Excuse the turning over twice business at the start! trying to do too many things at once!
Sounds a bit rough but theres air leaks and timing to sort out, sounds a bit poo on my laptop

MarkGTT

31-05-2011, 06:55 PM

well done dude - making great progress.

Burnard

31-05-2011, 09:19 PM

Shit the bed, you wernt lieing... :lol:

So it runs thanks to uncle burny pointing out that the dizzy was upside down haha.

Exhaust sounds good, just leave it like that...

benh

31-05-2011, 09:26 PM

HA ok ok i was being a muppet! thanks for the help! i think i woke up half of Coventry when i fired it up! sounded like a chevvy! wish you were here to see the paint on the manifold! was like something out of a horror film Bubbling and morphing! i was like ooops! gave me some motivation to get my arse into gear though,check back in half an hour because iv got a question about gear linkages etc! just gotta upload photos!

well done dude - making great progress.
Cheers Mark,still wayyyy behind you!

Burnard

31-05-2011, 09:30 PM

figured you would have never admitted it by your self :lol:

Muppets build awsome cars anyway, we all know that else we wouldnt be here

benh

31-05-2011, 09:51 PM

coilovers finaly arrived but still need another inch and a bit lower but there set to the lowest so a bit annoyed! bit of a crappy picture
http://i767.photobucket.com/albums/xx312/BenHandley/SAM_0199.jpg

Right soo... i don't have a front end so everythings guesswork so alternator and rad position will no doubt change once i have my roundnose but untill then i still need it all plumbed in.
http://i767.photobucket.com/albums/xx312/BenHandley/SAM_0168.jpg
http://i767.photobucket.com/albums/xx312/BenHandley/SAM_0167.jpg
http://i767.photobucket.com/albums/xx312/BenHandley/SAM_0166.jpg
http://i767.photobucket.com/albums/xx312/BenHandley/SAM_0164.jpg

micra rad and expansion tank

http://i767.photobucket.com/albums/xx312/BenHandley/SAM_0169.jpg
http://i767.photobucket.com/albums/xx312/BenHandley/SAM_0170.jpg
http://i767.photobucket.com/albums/xx312/BenHandley/SAM_0171.jpg
http://i767.photobucket.com/albums/xx312/BenHandley/SAM_0173.jpg
http://i767.photobucket.com/albums/xx312/BenHandley/SAM_0169.jpg

Now with this gear linkage...do i weld it up as it is in the picture?

http://i767.photobucket.com/albums/xx312/BenHandley/SAM_0176.jpg
http://i767.photobucket.com/albums/xx312/BenHandley/SAM_0175.jpg

also with my gear linkage on the back of the gearbox..pictured below...how do i fix the gear stick shaft to the part on the linkage? everyone elses has a clamp attached to the gearbox part but mine hasnt.
http://i767.photobucket.com/albums/xx312/BenHandley/SAM_0174.jpg

thanks

Burnard

31-05-2011, 09:57 PM

Im not sure if the rad is going to work in that position, but its definatly going to leak. You need to block off the over flow next to the rads filler cap as that is a pressure cap, so it will all just piss out once up to temp.

Did you make that alternator mount? Looks like quite a neat fit :)

I dont really know anything about the rod linkage, so not much help there mate. :(

MarkGTT

31-05-2011, 10:05 PM

Yeah your missing some of the gear linkage, I 'might' have the part you need in the garage, will check tomorrow for ya.

benh

31-05-2011, 10:06 PM

Iv blanked off that overfill just cant see it! got a bit of pipe and a bolt screwed into it, i should of mounted it the other way but was easier to plumb it in that way up, the first day i filled it up with water and it peeeed out of everywhere you could imagine, some things didnt even have gaskets on so i fixed all that,had to take the cam pulley off and belt too! and tried again today and not even a dribble, will see what happens when its up to temp though like you say

benh

31-05-2011, 10:17 PM

Yeah your missing some of the gear linkage, I 'might' have the part you need in the garage, will check tomorrow for ya.

Cheers mark! ive looked on the bay but the end connection on mine looks different , the end part on the actual gear stick linkage is hollow and the linkage on the g/b fit inside that and has to be clamped on but the ones iv seen are solid and the clamp actually a fixed part of the gear linkage like below.
http://www.mt006a0002.pwp.blueyonder.co.uk/F25ShortShift.jpg

alexcrosse

01-06-2011, 06:48 AM

you might have some cooling issues with the rad at such an angle, air will struggle to pass through it.

Burnard

01-06-2011, 09:47 AM

Cheers mark! ive looked on the bay but the end connection on mine looks different , the end part on the actual gear stick linkage is hollow and the linkage on the g/b fit inside that and has to be clamped on but the ones iv seen are solid and the clamp actually a fixed part of the gear linkage like below.
http://www.mt006a0002.pwp.blueyonder.co.uk/F25ShortShift.jpg

That looks likes its been modified into a short shift linkage...

swedge

20-06-2011, 11:04 PM

swedge

20-06-2011, 11:05 PM

this is a r/j linkage i made for someone and you can see the difference, this is a nova linkage

ttp://i228.photobucket.com/albums/ee127/swedge87/3497d8f5.jpg

jamesfawcett

21-06-2011, 09:03 AM

Ben! Loved reading through your project!

Is that a small Nippon alternator?
Let me know how you get on with te soundsyatem,
I struggle to power mine with it

benh

21-06-2011, 10:45 PM

Ben! Loved reading through your project!

Is that a small Nippon alternator?
Let me know how you get on with te soundsyatem,
I struggle to power mine with it

Thanks James,

Sound system was stolen from my garage but it was never going back in anyway!
Was powering it off a massive battery and massive thick cables!

My alternaters a nippon denso type/sized one but from another company,il find out for you when i get chance!

Anyyyyhow......Gearbox went before i even got to move the car! So while iv been sorting that out iv been quiet and stressed!
Only just managed to sort it out after getting a new box today so updates will come soon as i have a fair bit.

So yeh

polycarb windows fitted
roof sealed on
arches done
fuel hose hole cut in rear window and all plumbed in
back on 4 wheels with 4pots fitted ...cant believe the weight difference between metro 4 pots and minisport alloy 4pot callipers! they are super light
alternator belt fitted and wired up
loads of wiring done
digidash magnetic pickup sensor fitted
rad all plumbed in properly
windscreen in
washer mist spray yets fitted

cant remember what else!
Pictures up tomo

Ben

benh

21-06-2011, 10:47 PM

you might have some cooling issues with the rad at such an angle, air will struggle to pass through it.

that was cable tied on as i had no idea where the wheels would come up to, all sorted now and is straight as oppsed to flat like in that pic aha!

benh

21-06-2011, 10:51 PM

hi ben is swedge from png great build thread, the linkage you have posted is a corsa linkage with the clamp on it

nova linkage are the opposit way round and have the clamp on the selector rod and not the actual linkage

Hi Swedge, thanks mate, I wouldnt mind one of them linkages, there meant to be 100 times better for gearchanges,

Sorted a new box out today,hooked up my nova linkage like the one in your pic but obv not rosejointed and its all working as it should! happy days!

Thanks Mate

blue blood

22-06-2011, 07:41 AM

hey ben was wondering if you were still interested in the ti rear arms? Regards Blue

MINI_BIG_AL

26-07-2011, 09:36 PM

Cheers for getting back to me! Very decent of you...

cooper_mark

29-08-2011, 12:33 AM

hi ben
u've not posted for a while.....whats going on

benh

05-09-2011, 07:22 PM

Hi Mark, the last few weeks have been hectic to say the least!
Alternator didnt work and with its £200 price tag and no way for a swap/refund i was pretty peed off so after 3 trips to the scrappy i managed to find one the same size and pinched one off a daewoo. Its exactly the same size and casing as the one powerlite ones which are selling for £200plus!

Then after my 4th attempt at getting a rad to fit i managed to find one that was perfect, a newer shape metro one, the old shape was also good but a little bit chunkier.

Coilovers are finally fitted on the front but still sitting higher then i wanted front and back!

Cars still not on the road as i still have wiring and the clutch to sort but its very close to completion.

Picking up a Kad rear disc conversion tonight that i couldnt say no too , its money i could of used to finish the car but when someone shows you them in person you cant say no!

Front end fits like a dream and still needs painting.
Suspension needs setting up too

Anyway heres a collection of pics i have to show you how im getting on :)

http://i767.photobucket.com/albums/xx312/BenHandley/SAM_0418.jpg
http://i767.photobucket.com/albums/xx312/BenHandley/SAM_0416.jpg
http://i767.photobucket.com/albums/xx312/BenHandley/SAM_0414.jpg
http://i767.photobucket.com/albums/xx312/BenHandley/SAM_0413.jpg
http://i767.photobucket.com/albums/xx312/BenHandley/SAM_0412.jpg
http://i767.photobucket.com/albums/xx312/BenHandley/SAM_0410.jpg
http://i767.photobucket.com/albums/xx312/BenHandley/SAM_0409.jpg
http://i767.photobucket.com/albums/xx312/BenHandley/SAM_0405.jpg
http://i767.photobucket.com/albums/xx312/BenHandley/SAM_0404.jpg
http://i767.photobucket.com/albums/xx312/BenHandley/SAM_0403.jpg
http://i767.photobucket.com/albums/xx312/BenHandley/SAM_0402.jpg
http://i767.photobucket.com/albums/xx312/BenHandley/SAM_0401.jpg
http://i767.photobucket.com/albums/xx312/BenHandley/SAM_0400.jpg
http://i767.photobucket.com/albums/xx312/BenHandley/SAM_0398.jpg
http://i767.photobucket.com/albums/xx312/BenHandley/SAM_0395.jpg
http://i767.photobucket.com/albums/xx312/BenHandley/SAM_0394.jpg
http://i767.photobucket.com/albums/xx312/BenHandley/SAM_0392.jpg
http://i767.photobucket.com/albums/xx312/BenHandley/SAM_0302.jpg
http://i767.photobucket.com/albums/xx312/BenHandley/SAM_0301.jpg
http://i767.photobucket.com/albums/xx312/BenHandley/SAM_0298.jpg
http://i767.photobucket.com/albums/xx312/BenHandley/SAM_0297.jpg
http://i767.photobucket.com/albums/xx312/BenHandley/SAM_0296.jpg
http://i767.photobucket.com/albums/xx312/BenHandley/SAM_0292.jpg
http://i767.photobucket.com/albums/xx312/BenHandley/SAM_0288.jpg
http://i767.photobucket.com/albums/xx312/BenHandley/SAM_0286.jpg
http://i767.photobucket.com/albums/xx312/BenHandley/SAM_0260.jpg
http://i767.photobucket.com/albums/xx312/BenHandley/SAM_0234.jpg

benh

05-09-2011, 09:02 PM

Ooo and my favourite :)
http://i767.photobucket.com/albums/xx312/BenHandley/SAM_0419.jpg

Burnard

05-09-2011, 09:02 PM

someones been busy... lol.

What rad is that then? might have to give my micra one back lol.

benh

05-09-2011, 09:17 PM

Haaa yeh i have! one just ended on ebay for 99p!
but its a metro one, the newer shape. might overheat but iv hooked up a fan on it too so well just have to see once my charger comes for my battery because its flat as a pancake!

Burnard

05-09-2011, 09:26 PM

If the fronts off can you grab some dimensions for me? :P pwetty pwease.

If you want a hand bump starting it, i am officially a pro at doing it in reverse, and im the lightest so ill sit in the seat... :p

benh

05-09-2011, 09:31 PM

Haha! maybe! il grab them tommorow when im up the garage. for you buddy

Burnard

05-09-2011, 11:14 PM

Cheers dude :D

benh

08-09-2011, 09:23 PM

Brakes now sorted, iv got your dimensions somewhere burnard il dig em out.
http://i741.photobucket.com/albums/xx59/RHphotography/SAM_0437.jpg
http://i741.photobucket.com/albums/xx59/RHphotography/SAM_0441.jpg
http://i741.photobucket.com/albums/xx59/RHphotography/SAM_0438.jpg
http://i741.photobucket.com/albums/xx59/RHphotography/SAM_0439.jpg

extinguisher atomizer
http://i741.photobucket.com/albums/xx59/RHphotography/SAM_0442.jpg

Burnard

08-09-2011, 09:49 PM

ooo perdy brakes. :P

chris alderman

09-09-2011, 07:59 AM

you can get alternators repaired for not much money, if you got it fixed you could try and sell it to get back most of your £200.....
my dad had one off a land rover and one off a tractor repaired recently.... and he is very tight so it must have been cheep :)

benh

04-10-2011, 08:43 PM

Hi Chris, my local alternator specialist said they couldnt get hold of the parts to repair it so i hunted in the scrappy and found one for a tenner that was exactly the same as my race one even the castings! only thing different was that my race one had a sticker on!!!!

Anyhow frontends sprayed up and wirings almost complete! seats and pedal box to do and its ready!!!

http://i741.photobucket.com/albums/xx59/RHphotography/SAM_0454editmonochrome.jpg
http://i741.photobucket.com/albums/xx59/RHphotography/SAM_0452edit.jpg
http://i741.photobucket.com/albums/xx59/RHphotography/edit1.jpg
http://i741.photobucket.com/albums/xx59/RHphotography/edit3.jpg
http://i741.photobucket.com/albums/xx59/RHphotography/DSC04702.jpg
http://i741.photobucket.com/albums/xx59/RHphotography/DSC04704.jpg

thanks!

Mintegra

05-10-2011, 07:53 AM

Not usually a fan of graphics on cars but there is something about yours that just seem to work!!... awesome looking mini!!...

Burnard

05-10-2011, 06:05 PM

From those pics it almost looks like you could get away with the standard master cylinders and pedel box? lol

I recon the metro rad ive got will be good enough for mine, if its not ill just go down the custom route i think.

Its an unbelieveably tidy engine bay!

Hayling mini

05-10-2011, 06:18 PM

That looks awesome Ben, great build:beer::beer::)

Burnard

15-10-2011, 03:26 PM

ive just spotted that your cam cover is on backwards, that breather pipe should be on the cam belt side... Doesnt make a huge difference, but doesnt look right. :/

benh

17-10-2011, 05:59 PM

Not usually a fan of graphics on cars but there is something about yours that just seem to work!!... awesome looking mini!!...

Thanks mate, im a fan of your build too!

From those pics it almost looks like you could get away with the standard master cylinders and pedel box? lol

I recon the metro rad ive got will be good enough for mine, if its not ill just go down the custom route i think.

Its an unbelieveably tidy engine bay!

If i was running trumpet air filters i could just fit them in JUST!
Metro rad isnt overheating so far either :)

That looks awesome Ben, great build:beer::beer::)
Thanks Alot! I would of never thought that reading your weekend built.. what 2years ago that id have one of my own and you commenting on it! bit surreal still!

ive just spotted that your cam cover is on backwards, that breather pipe should be on the cam belt side... Doesnt make a huge difference, but doesnt look right. :/

Yeh i put it on the wrong way as i was going to run a catch tank and it was easier plumbing wise but havnt got round to it yet!

Thanks all! still building in the backround,updates soon

Burnard

17-10-2011, 09:08 PM

just is close enough for me lol. think my carbs are smaller than yours anyway.

glad to hear it about the rad, are you running a thermo stat?

It doesnt really make any difference to the engine, just wasnt sure why you had done it. makes sence now. wouldn't want the pipe rubbing on the cam belt lol.

Burnard

17-10-2011, 10:42 PM

also ben, what was your ignition loom setup (dizzy, coil and amp) listed as when you found it on ebay? Need to buy one lol.

Thanks :)

benh

18-10-2011, 09:51 AM

Hi Burnard, mine came with my bike carb setup but heres the same currently on ebay which i havnt seen one come up for a long long time!
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/200663900891?ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1423.l2649

nerdymind

18-10-2011, 02:28 PM

hi mate,

nice build here...

can i know from where u got the rear bumber (carbon fiber) and the smoke taillights?

Burnard

18-10-2011, 04:52 PM

I think the bumper is from TDK, but just wanted to say, having seen it in person, its great quality :)

Burnard

18-10-2011, 04:52 PM

Thanks ben :)

Gonna ring the dealer tomorrow about getting the parts, if its no doable, i will buy that kit :)

Kam

18-10-2011, 07:54 PM

http://i767.photobucket.com/albums/xx312/BenHandley/SAM_0288.jpg

Not sure if this is Burnys thread or yours :lol: but I will say I love the above piece on the graphic, nice touch and top work

Owen

18-10-2011, 08:47 PM

Looking good chap! :)

minidaffy

18-10-2011, 09:12 PM

I gotta agree with mintegra, not usually mad for graphics but your's do just look right!!
Looking very very nice....top work!

Burnard

18-10-2011, 09:33 PM

[IMG]
Not sure if this is Burnys thread or yours :lol: but I will say I love the above piece on the graphic, nice touch and top work

Hey, i was here and i knew the answer, and i was also impressed with the carbon, so i thought it might be nice for them to have an extra opinion :) :p

Yer, its my thread now :P lol.

Burnard

20-10-2011, 09:12 PM

benh

20-10-2011, 09:44 PM

Sorry Boys! i didnt expect any comments so have kept away for a while!

hi mate,

nice build here...

can i know from where u got the rear bumber (carbon fiber) and the smoke taillights?
As Burnard said bumpers from TDK racing...you can find his site via google.
Unfortunatly i have no info on the light cases as they came with the car and have only came across another set once but you could do it yourself?

I think the bumper is from TDK, but just wanted to say, having seen it in person, its great quality :)
Thanks Burnard :) Dave will love your promoting skills!

http://i767.photobucket.com/albums/xx312/BenHandley/SAM_0288.jpg

Not sure if this is Burnys thread or yours :lol: but I will say I love the above piece on the graphic, nice touch and top work

Hi Kam, yeh roofless (sticky fingers)has done most of my graphics for me, i gave him the pattern and he incorporated his own ideas. Im doing the ring next year so hopefully il get to see you there!
Looking good chap! :)

I gotta agree with mintegra, not usually mad for graphics but your's do just look right!!
Looking very very nice....top work!

Thanks alot, I was always iffy on graphics too, i didnt want it to be chavvy but i didnt want a plain coloured car, i wanted something a bit different.

benh

20-10-2011, 09:45 PM

Missed out on that one :(

What were you searching to get that up? im crap with ebay :(

Hi Burnard, i was looking for a cam but i tyed in rally nova and this came up.
I will keep my eyes peeled but they are hard to come by!

benh

20-10-2011, 09:46 PM

Looking good chap! :)

Thanks Owen !

Burnard

20-10-2011, 10:17 PM

Hi Burnard, i was looking for a cam but i tyed in rally nova and this came up.
I will keep my eyes peeled but they are hard to come by!

Tell me about it lol, ive been looking for agesssss and not found anything :(

benh

09-12-2011, 09:03 PM

Its Done :) not saying finished as theres still stuff i want to do/upgrade but its ready for the shows and road :)
Anywayyyyy..collection of pics i have over the last few months, expect to be driving it around feb as i dont see the point putting it on trashing it in the crap weather

its so responsive compared to what im use to!

i still have a fast road cam to fit and the head to be polished etc but untill im use to it its staying as it is! small airleak from the manifold gasket that needs attention but runs and drives and doesnt fart about which i wasnt expecting.

http://i741.photobucket.com/albums/xx59/RHphotography/th_IMG_0891.jpg (http://s741.photobucket.com/albums/xx59/RHphotography/?action=view&current=IMG_0891.mp4)
http://i741.photobucket.com/albums/xx59/RHphotography/th_SAM_0465.jpg (http://s741.photobucket.com/albums/xx59/RHphotography/?action=view&current=SAM_0465.mp4)
http://i741.photobucket.com/albums/xx59/RHphotography/SAM_0466.jpg
http://i741.photobucket.com/albums/xx59/RHphotography/SAM_0467.jpg
http://i741.photobucket.com/albums/xx59/RHphotography/SAM_0468.jpg
http://i741.photobucket.com/albums/xx59/RHphotography/SAM_0472.jpg
http://i741.photobucket.com/albums/xx59/RHphotography/SAM_0470.jpg
http://i741.photobucket.com/albums/xx59/RHphotography/SAM_0475.jpg
http://i741.photobucket.com/albums/xx59/RHphotography/SAM_0478.jpg
http://i741.photobucket.com/albums/xx59/RHphotography/SAM_0480.jpg
http://i741.photobucket.com/albums/xx59/RHphotography/SAM_0485.jpg
http://i741.photobucket.com/albums/xx59/RHphotography/SAM_0486.jpg
http://i741.photobucket.com/albums/xx59/RHphotography/SAM_0487.jpg
http://i741.photobucket.com/albums/xx59/RHphotography/SAM_0488.jpg
http://i741.photobucket.com/albums/xx59/RHphotography/SAM_0491.jpg
http://i741.photobucket.com/albums/xx59/RHphotography/car/SAM_0497.jpg
http://i741.photobucket.com/albums/xx59/RHphotography/car/SAM_0500.jpg
http://i741.photobucket.com/albums/xx59/RHphotography/car/SAM_0513.jpg
http://i741.photobucket.com/albums/xx59/RHphotography/car/SAM_0515.jpg
http://i741.photobucket.com/albums/xx59/RHphotography/car/SAM_0542.jpg
http://i741.photobucket.com/albums/xx59/RHphotography/car/SAM_0547.jpg
http://i741.photobucket.com/albums/xx59/RHphotography/car/SAM_0565.jpg
http://i741.photobucket.com/albums/xx59/RHphotography/car/SAM_0557.jpg
http://i741.photobucket.com/albums/xx59/RHphotography/car/SAM_0493.jpg

blacksaabrules

10-12-2011, 07:15 AM

Really nice build, your car looks so cool.

/ Erik

2lrMiniVan

10-12-2011, 01:00 PM

nice looking car
are they Tilton pedals? got the alloy set on mine what bracket did u use?
does the floor flex?
Andy

benh

10-12-2011, 03:18 PM

nice looking car
are they Tilton pedals? got the alloy set on mine what bracket did u use?
does the floor flex?
Andy

There yup , the accelerators a universal type but I want to change that once I have the money as it feels a bit weird, your either on the gas or not!
The bracket came with the pedals but was all taken off Dave kimberleys racer so it might be an older set, just used some spacers to raise it and tilt it back slightly to give me more clearance for my integral masters so its not flush on the floor and there's no flex at all it's solid, driving positions slightly different but nothing to worry about. Worth the money, don't Roget youll need to fab up a brake light switch.

Thanks

benh

10-12-2011, 03:19 PM

2lrMiniVan

10-12-2011, 03:24 PM

mine are all fitted and working but i have put a servo on mine and made them go the other way so the servo is behind the drivers seat with a rod going from it to the pedal.
not seen tilton floor mounted pedals in a mini before.

lmhmini

01-01-2012, 10:47 PM

benh

02-01-2012, 06:57 PM

Love what youve done! Watched it over on tmf!! Didnt need all the stickers though imo But i understand why you went with them :):)

So did you get everything from TDK? How was the fit etc? And was the tiger seal I think it was called that, was it good?

Keep it up, inspiration for me in the future!

Hi, thanks for the comments,

Everything from Tdk has been a really good to fit, the rear valance was abit of a pain to be honest but still managed to fit it in the end. Roof was easy too,and front end literally required no modification at all. His stuffs not concours because its all for race purpose but your not paying or waiting anywhere near what youd pay elsewhere with the exception of abs as his stuff is good too, just that Tdks around the corner from me so no postage to pay.
Iv used Tigerseal, its holds anything! quite expensive but worth the money, pain in the arse to get off your fingers though so watch out!

Thanks

miniswift

02-01-2012, 07:27 PM

Ben,

Don't for get I have modified to fit to std mounts as well as holes for brake pipes!
Oh also, exhaust clearance and hand brake pulley, too.

Cheers
Atchi

benh

02-01-2012, 09:15 PM

Ben,

Don't for get I have modified to fit to std mounts as well as holes for brake pipes!
Oh also, exhaust clearance and hand brake pulley, too.

Cheers
Atchi

Oh yes i forgot, TDKs rear beam has been modified very cleverly by Atchi,
Without it being modified my car would of had to be at least 2 inches higher.
Not sure why its not actually made like this by tdk as it makes life so much simpler. But panelwise everythings ok!

lmhmini

02-01-2012, 10:46 PM

benh

03-01-2012, 12:04 PM

Thanks for the replys, tdk is based in coventry isnt it? Im only in wolverhampton so wouldnt be that bad for me to travel either if im ordering a few things..
How much of the roof did you leave to bond to?

Ill properly pm you atbsome point in the future as it looks like this is the conversion im looking into at the moment :)

Thanks again!

Yes hes in Coventry so not that far.
I left about 3 inches for the roof, tigersealed the roof and the part of the old roof left and put a few bricks on each corner to keep some weight on it.
Pm me whenever you want, always happy to help. If your ever over this way feel free to come and have a look. If not im sure youll see it at the shows.

lmhmini

03-01-2012, 02:10 PM

Sweet, thanks for the advice, ill do abit more reading first, then ill start asking :)

Will you be at the show at the end of jan?

Thanks,leon

benh

04-01-2012, 04:07 PM

Sweet, thanks for the advice, ill do abit more reading first, then ill start asking :)

Will you be at the show at the end of jan?

Thanks,leon

No worries mate, hopefully i will be but if not it will be out in the febs shows

benh

15-01-2012, 09:33 AM

MOT tommorow :) i literally canttttttt wait, will get some driving vids up if it all goes to plan.

Hes already had a look over it so cant see it being to much of a problem :)

Fingers crossed.

Oh and my insurance for it obv everything declared with a revoked licence back when i was 19 and 3 points 23yrs old with no, no claims is £1600 fully comp with agreed valuation and agreed valuation on mods.
To be honest thats cheap. my brothers 20 got a clean license and a years no claims and pays £2500 for a 1.1 saxo!

Burnard

15-01-2012, 10:18 AM

who is that with then ben?

Kam

18-01-2012, 07:02 PM

Did you get this rolling roaded in the end?

jamesfawcett

18-01-2012, 09:42 PM

cooper_mark

18-01-2012, 09:45 PM

good luck ben hope it went well...

Burnard

18-01-2012, 10:02 PM

dont you mean hope it went well? :lol:

benh

20-01-2012, 01:11 PM

Right sorry Boys! The last few days/weeks have been so damm tiring, been on nights too which doesnt help! Mini went throught the MOT with flying colours :) One borderline tyre and my rear caliper was hitting the body but apart from that no issues :)

Soooooo.
Few niggly bits that are annoying me

1. its not very waterproof!
2. master cylinder for the clutch is peeing out fluid all over my freshly painted footwell:( its new aswell but serves me right for going cheap
3.Over 65 it handles like a pig! needs setting up.
4.Kam-Its ridiculously silly on fuel! and the sender keeps going haywire for some reason! 16-17 mpg!
5.I keep going for 5th instead of 3rd!
6.Indicator on the passengers side front decided to die of death after mot!

But, jeeze mother of jesus is it quick! Hats off to the redtop/vtec boys because this is only a diddy 1.6 but its still too quick for me! Torque steer when giving it some is ridiculous!!!! its controllable but just nothing like iv experience before!
No word of a lie i havnt taken it over 70mph! barely seen 5th gear apart from when i put it in instead of 3rd! Havnt really opened it up yet maybe 2-3 times, it scares me that much atm and i just dont wanna chuck it in a hedge after all the work thats gone into it. But 70mp in 4th and it still wants to go.
Noise-wise its down to how i drive, it can be suprisingly quiet and on the motorway its just ticking over, you can have a conversation,nothing like the a series days, even though its a stripped out racer. 1st is usable but a bit of a pig in traffic, could just use 2nd!
I have to say once the fuellings sorted i will be happy, need to get it over to southam but spent out atm with insurance and all that!
Perfect conversion for anyone id say 10/10 cant knock the little vauxhall engine at all, puts a smile on mine and all the passengers faces!
Iv got a fast road cam sitting in the garage and was going to get the head done but tbh im going to put it on ebay because itd be undrivable and for me theres no need to be quicker at the moment.

Anyway going on a bit now but thought it was worth the time to give you guys the low down!

Thanks everyone for the goodwill mesaages and thanks for all the help and support over the last 2 years, if i remember 3 years ago i couldnt even change an alternator and was paying garages to do any maintenance work! But from reading the builds on here and listening to you guys iv literally built the car that i always wanted.

Show season now, not just going to the mini shows this year so its a busy and hectic year but im really excited :)
Come see me and have a chat at Bingley, im on the extreme mini display, looking forward to how the mini goes down with everyone.

Il post up a driving vid later and a few pics. Will still update now and then so please pop back :)

Take care all

Burnard

20-01-2012, 05:21 PM

How much you want for that cam dude? :)

being a vulture aside, sounds sweet, im glad it scares the bejesus out of you, cos that means you wont be bored for a longgg time. tbh, im getting worried about being bored in mine now cos im really starting to like the idea of drifting, but by the sounds of it, the sheer power is going to keep me entertained for a longgggg time :)

M J W J

20-01-2012, 05:28 PM

Hayling mini

20-01-2012, 07:13 PM

Well done Ben, the car looks awesome, dont sell the Cam mate, once you get the car set up properly it will handle really well & you will want more power very quickly.

Regards

Jerry

Kam

20-01-2012, 07:49 PM

Nice going mate, main thing is you put it on the road from scratch and it passed its MOT, that is a huge thing, hard work paid off, top marks :cool:

As you know it aint gonna be exceptional straight out of the box from day one, hard work has been, its just fine tuning now and ironing out the niggles, it'll get there, look how far its come already?

So you done the MOT but did you get a chance to take it on the rollers or did the funds go on the other stuff getting it on the road? also as your suspension still needs fiddling with don't fret at the moment what its like, when everything is playing together nicely then you'll start flooring it :)

benh

20-01-2012, 08:52 PM

benh

20-01-2012, 08:57 PM

Well done Ben, the car looks awesome, dont sell the Cam mate, once you get the car set up properly it will handle really well & you will want more power very quickly.

Regards

Jerry

Thanks Jerry, I have played around with ride height and damper settings today and it handles much better. Definatly going for a full suspension set-up when i can. people have said rear beams and coilovers are crap for handling but i really like the set-up. Only thing is, i litterally cringe everytime i hit a pothole as i know all the weight of the car is on them turrets, if i were to change anything which is still possible i would run the coilover mounts off the rollcage.

benh

20-01-2012, 09:08 PM

Congratulations benh on getting it on the road.

Don't sell the engine and cam yet. You know in a years time you are going to think 'I wish I hadn't sold that cam'

I'll look out for it at Bingley.

Where about in coventry are you. I'm currently there at the minuet for uni. I might see you around.

I have a c20xe in bits in my living room at the minuet. I keep looking at it and then think of my mini. There is part of me who wants to put it in my mini but then I think that the x18xe1 is lighter and also I now have it fitted in. I have a mk3 astra as well so that may be a better option for it.

As for your problem with keep selecting 5th instead of 3rd I had the same problem when I went from driving a mini to driving an escort.

Glad someone else has shared my embaressment of 2nd to 5th!
Are you at cov(city centre) or warwick uni, im literally right by warwick uni, Cannon park shopping center etc. Feel free to come take a gander or a passenger ride!

Nice going mate, main thing is you put it on the road from scratch and it passed its MOT, that is a huge thing, hard work paid off, top marks :cool:

As you know it aint gonna be exceptional straight out of the box from day one, hard work has been, its just fine tuning now and ironing out the niggles, it'll get there, look how far its come already?

So you done the MOT but did you get a chance to take it on the rollers or did the funds go on the other stuff getting it on the road? also as your suspension still needs fiddling with don't fret at the moment what its like, when everything is playing together nicely then you'll start flooring it :)

Didn't get it on the rollers Kam, Filled the tank after mot, drove it and it seemed perfect,starts everytime but im literally plugged into the petrol station.That reminds me i need to get a nectar card... So it must be overfuelling, it would of seen 40mpg on standard injection so the boffins say but cant see the carbs drinking that much especially as im not all guns blazing all day!

Its £100 an hour at southam, even the hour would see my bank in a poorly state at the minute! But then the amount id spend in fuel would probably outweight it!

Word of warning, anyone doing a conversion,set aside a few hundred for all these niggly issues or thell catch you out, pluss dont go booking holidays to greece at the same time!
Ah also forgot to say, first day out i had an air lock in the fuel system, broke down half a mile from my garage and i pushed it all the way back!

Also Kam what size are your rosejoint boots, i know i had a 3/4 spanner to do the nuts up on the rosejoints so i take it i go for 3/4's?

Burnard

20-01-2012, 09:11 PM

Iv pmd you mate,

Yours is looking good mate, you havnt messed around at all. Your gonna love it so much i promise you!

Ill hold you to that! :p

Air lock? where is your pump mounted? If its below the tank, that shouldnt happen... :S

benh

20-01-2012, 09:19 PM

Kam

20-01-2012, 09:19 PM

broke down half a mile from my garage and i pushed it all the way back!

Also Kam what size are your rosejoint boots, i know i had a 3/4 spanner to do the nuts up on the rosejoints so i take it i go for 3/4's?

Some more info on the boots CLICKY (http://www.16vminiclub.com/forums/showthread.php?t=28127)

I helped a mate push a clubman on 10's back home years ago which was just over a mile, we stopped god knows how many times as it was all uphill and bends, he literally collapsed when we got to his, I just felt like crying and dying at the same time :(

Half a mile on your own eh? kudos for making it lightweight! :lol:

Kam

20-01-2012, 09:26 PM

its below yes, its done this a few times, because when you put the pump on you can here it whirring for 2-3 seconds then it slows down to an almost dead stop obv because the sytems full, but the other day it just carried on pumping but checked my see through inline filter and nothing was passing through so split the hose and it fired up.

Been ok since but has happed twice!

Probably no help but on the hondas where the large banjo nut is on the end of the fuel rail I've managed to quickly loosen the banjo (rags underneath) then switch ignition on so it starts to piss out whilst priming and tighten the banjo up, did this two or three times and air lock sorted, never had any issues after that

Easier to do with someone else there but not all of us have that luxury!

Also check to see if lines are leaking or your boot is full of petrol, thats normally a good indication of poor mpg :lol:

benh

20-01-2012, 09:33 PM

Some more info on the boots CLICKY (http://www.16vminiclub.com/forums/showthread.php?t=28127)

I helped a mate push a clubman on 10's back home years ago which was just over a mile, we stopped god knows how many times as it was all uphill and bends, he literally collapsed when we got to his, I just felt like crying and dying at the same time :(

Half a mile on your own eh? kudos for making it lightweight! :lol:

It was just a nice straight road with a few downhills :) i stood on the sill for most of the journey whilst it rolled :)

Probably no help but on the hondas where the large banjo nut is on the end of the fuel rail I've managed to quickly loosen the banjo (rags underneath) then switch ignition on so it starts to piss out whilst priming and tighten the banjo up, did this two or three times and air lock sorted, never had any issues after that

Easier to do with someone else there but not all of us have that luxury!

Also check to see if lines are leaking or your boot is full of petrol, thats normally a good indication of poor mpg :lol:

Thanks Kam, Boot is nice and dry, cars going up on ramps on sunday so i can have a look at my exhaust (its catching) so il check pump aswell whilst im there! in a way id be happy with a leak so then i know iv solved the mpg issue!

Cheers for the boots link, Perfecto!

cooper_mark

20-01-2012, 10:38 PM

come mate where's the driving vids

M J W J

20-01-2012, 11:52 PM

Glad someone else has shared my embaressment of 2nd to 5th!
Are you at cov(city centre) or warwick uni, im literally right by warwick uni, Cannon park shopping center etc. Feel free to come take a gander or a passenger ride!

I may take you up on the offer of a ride. Been in a few heavily tuned minis and even a vtec but not even seen a Vauxhall conversion in real life. Despite that I am building one. I'll be your guinea pig if you haven't had passengers yet.

Bit busy at the minuet though

I'm at coventry university.

benh

23-01-2012, 07:31 PM

Took the car to the rollers today at southam, its overfuelling almost double! they need to order me some jets in so untill then it hasnt got a bhp figure.
3 hours they want the car for and at £100 an hour its not cheap!

Iv also done a few little jobs here and there so its almost just how i want it.

Tweaked with the rear suspension today, changed the ride height as the rear caliper kept catching the body and changed damper settings all round to stiffen him up and just them few alterations have made it handle like an absolute dream. I still have front camber to set but thts only going to make it better, its stable above 70mph now and i feel much more in contol of the car now and the torque steer is now controllable.

All these people that say rear beam an coilovers are useless can eat my dust!
Literally transformed the drive, so so smooth and feels so stable.

Mark i have just been out and made a video for you but erm i got a bit pedal happy so its a bit x rated for here as a dude in a c2 tried to give it some beans! I dunno what he was doing on my private road of course :) I will sort one soon.

Kam

23-01-2012, 08:08 PM

Good work on the progress

Leave the c2's alone as they are just cannon fodder, go get some porkas! :lol:

benh

01-02-2012, 12:45 PM

Small update, Car made it to Bingley but too late to get in on display :(

Looked inside and my reg mark was chalked in on the floor where it should of been but oh well theres plenty more shows .

I was up at 6am to sort out a few niggles that had happened the night before, the big one being the exhaust that i managed to rip clean off at my parents house!

Also a snapped throttle cable!

So i had an hour to get to bingley with the satnav saying 50 minutes so we set off sitting comfortably on the motorway full pelt 5th gear(max speed limit)

4 gallon tank brimming! 40-50 miles later fuel alarm pops up so i thought best pop a fiver in... fiver goes in, sat in car and it wouldnt turn over, push start button completly dead! So i start peeing about with wiring an all sorts and realise that i could just start it the old fashioned way, bingo! Back on the road 5 minutes late but still hope to get in! Then we hit the traffic! Im peed off my misses is cold and peed off, but still after everything that was thrown at me that weekend we made it into the car park and parked up and still had a good day. Only when walking around a few of the stalls and seeing a relay in a spares box it hit me! when i did my electrics the starter relay was a bit loose and on my list of things to do was zip tie it up which obviously i didnt, so back to the car, and yup relay had fell out! dammm!

Misses and i spent out we went back to the car for lunch and the car was mobbed! i had to try and shove my cherry bakewell down inbetween chatting to people about the car! it was great that even in the carpark it was getting some attention! Nice to bump into a few faces to, we had a really great day out still :)

so the exhaust is done but still needs some work to get it higher

cambers now set using my iphone app which is great, it handles perfect now and still havnt had corner weights done

new willwood clutch master is fitted and working great so i can now repaint the floors after brake fluid taking up most of the paint!

Still got the rolling road to do but im sorting all the niggly bits out first!

Was also quite happy with the fuelling getting there, seems that when i pelting it my fuel doesnt budge and pottering round it drinks it!

Anddddddddd the weigh in.....

570kg driverless and with a full tank of fuel :)

chuffed with that, a set of force racing wheels would help bring it down but tbh just getting it the 500s was what i wanted even if its high 500s!

cheers guys!

Kam

01-02-2012, 02:34 PM

570kg :shock: dam I didn't think it would be that light? careful in the high winds eh? :lol:

I like reading that 'adventure' getting to bingley and sorting out the starter probs, nice work :cool:

benh

01-02-2012, 03:42 PM

Cheers Kam, Its its nice and light but still could shed some more pounds! My drivers door is still steel with glass so that must be 20kg on its own, rear radius arms are still standard and as i mentioned my alloys are currently 13kg a peice as opposed to force racings 5kg or summat!
wheel nuts, exhaust is all steel, theres always the drilling to do but aswell and lots more but tbh getting into the 500 is good enough for me, nice to know there is room for improvement. id still like to know the comparison between the 8v lump and the a series!

Up to the 450 mile mark now, its been up and down really, most of the niggles to be fair to the car, are down to my engineering and last minute rushing to get things done.
And like all you boys said you get used to the power quite quickly, i can see future upgrades coming maybe winter time once it goes back into the garage :)

miniswift

01-02-2012, 05:13 PM

wee man

01-02-2012, 07:09 PM

benh

01-02-2012, 07:33 PM

Hi Ben,

What was wrong with your exhaust? You said it ripped off, was it not high enough?
My beam axel is 6kg and I will be making radius arms with CDS tube so it should be lighter than standard so watch this space!

Good work you got your car finished and unlucky how it didn't get into it in time but like you said. There is more time for you!

Cheers
Atchi

Hi Atchi, iv made my downpipe too low since rewelding it! it shoud and originally did sit right up against the sump, it only ripped off because it caught a clamp and my mum and dads drive is stupidly high! Will have to take it apart again when i have time. Im looking forward to seeing your rear arms as i want to ditch what i have and use tubular rosejointed arms or something similar. I will be watching closely!

benh

01-02-2012, 07:42 PM

It needed you car on the stand rather than outside in the car park. There was better stuff outside than in worst show for a long while and the stuff folk try to sell I've thrown away better. Nice build though Ben.

Thanks Wee Man, i was quite dissapointed with Bmc to be honest, theres one person who i found to be quite arrogant. I went over to explain my mishaps and they looked sraight through me as if i wasnt there and mid conversation started another with someone else, my misses was raging! plus the lack of email response! Oh well we only chucked them £20 to get in!!! I thought the extreme mini display would have been bigger! There wasnt really anything there , theres was a nice honda build but the bonnet stayed on all show and i was expecting a few more radical conversions! The rat minis outside were great but why outside? They were better than anything inside!

Kam

01-02-2012, 08:23 PM

And like all you boys said you get used to the power quite quickly, i can see future upgrades coming maybe winter time once it goes back into the garage :)

Ok, by my mischievous calculations I reckon you was more than happy with the power only a few days ago and thought it was enough, fair enough it was still early days but its still a statement you made :lol: and now I'm guessing your checking out mods galore!

So after just twelve days the boy wants more! :lol: god bless you! :cool:

Hayling mini

01-02-2012, 08:28 PM

well done ben, the car looks awesome, dont sell the cam mate, once you get the car set up properly it will handle really well & you will want more power very quickly.

Regards

jerry

:d:d:d:d:d

Burnard

01-02-2012, 08:44 PM

Iv pmd you mate,

Yours is looking good mate, you havnt messed around at all. Your gonna love it so much i promise you!

:d:d:d:d:d

just showing off now!

Kam

01-02-2012, 08:54 PM

There should be a slogan on the main 16v page saying - You'll still want more though check out bens build or infact ANY build on here!

evil ewok

01-02-2012, 09:48 PM

benh

01-02-2012, 10:46 PM

Haha yeh you were all right and i was hoping that you wouldnt be!!!
Ok i admit it still gives me some brown trouser moments but a few weeks ago it could give me the shakes just pottering around!
It'll defonatley keep me entertained for a while but like Kam says im hoping my misses doesnt go through my ebay watch list! Im waiting for my new shell to come but not sure where to go with it and if il even get it!

This one was done on a basis that i wouldnt be driving whilst it was off the road so i could literally throw money at it and get it done reasonably quick but it still took 2 years so i think the next one will take a few years longer!

I still havnt driven this one hard though, im gonna wait for the fuelling to be sorted and i think il have a nice little machine!

Plus i still have the misses's blooming a series to get sorted which has been our workhorse for the last 2 years, so im a busy man! And still got babies and house finding to do which im sure will happen soon! Well im 23 but in this day an age id say im 8 years overdue!!! Do they do carbon baby seats?

benh

01-02-2012, 10:50 PM

think i spent as much time wandering the car park looking as i did inside on sunday. Found yours in the crowd (wasn't hard to miss haha) looking good.

after spending some time looking at your car, i've now got my friend considering a conversion for hers :)

Im trying to convert my misses to ditch the A!
But shes a stubburn one!

She wants to get insured on mine, obv youd say no but getting picked up from the pub in your motor by your misses does get a few brownie poinys, if only it didnt come with the wheel curbing and dings!

M J W J

01-02-2012, 10:59 PM

benh

01-02-2012, 11:43 PM

Ben it was good to finally see a Vauxhall conversion in real life. Shame you weren't at you car when I was looking at it.

I am amazed how weedy the allspeed frame looks (it is an allspeed frame isn't it?) but it obviously is strong enough. I think mine may be a bit over engineered.

Let your misses drive your mini once and then never again. That will convince her to ditch the a series.

Also if you are wanting more power and you can wait a bit I have a c20xe being rebuilt in my living room that will be up for sale once its done (me and my house mate Dom were kind of bored so started a little project).

Allspeed frame yup:)
I managed to have a good old chat with geoff (Spoam) and a few old freinds from leamington mini club and cv1 minis but missed everyone else off here. I would like to do a big block conversion so i may take you up on that, next time your about in cov you should give us a shout! Im literally 5 seconds from city centre so if you cant be arsed to walk one day!

Completly random but dont you find it weird how you can drive along allday and almost turn everyhead that you go past whether itl be the sounds or looks, they might look in envy or disgust but sometimes you can drive past someone and they are completly oblivious as if its everyday that they see an illuminous green noisy as hell mr bean mini! Although they probably do see it everyday now!

I had a gooden the other day, i had a woman ask if it was the new mini! Ha do i take that as a compliment?

Kam

01-02-2012, 11:49 PM

Do they do carbon baby seats?

I think you can, end of the day its 2012 mate, you can make what you want, you can get carbon babies nowdays if you want! :lol:

benh

02-02-2012, 12:25 AM

Ha! Yeh your right! I think i have too much of the stuff already although nothing in the house is made of carbon, everythings pooey brown and cream but thats my misses! All i wanted was a husky fridge for my beer and i got one so im happy even if i do have to stare at a flowery "feature wall" in the bedroom . In my mind a feature wall would be something that has paintings and photos on,a bit of carbon and maybe even one of them anoying singing fishes that used to move its head and wiggle its tail! What were they called again?!

Kam

02-02-2012, 12:58 AM

wee man

02-02-2012, 07:12 AM

Nitrous is the answer the 1.6 loves the stuff

M J W J

03-02-2012, 10:55 AM

I would like to do a big block conversion so i may take you up on that, next time your about in cov you should give us a shout! Im literally 5 seconds from city centre so if you cant be arsed to walk one day!

What side of the city centre are you on? I live in coundon 2 minutes walk from the Morrisons. I'm in coventry most days

You will have to wait a bit on the engine. Got almost all the tools needed except an engine stand. I will spend some time later stripping the cylinder head removing the slightly bent valves. Also need to make a trip round to vauxhall dealership and get a quote on some parts.

benh

03-02-2012, 02:30 PM

Nitrous is the answer the 1.6 loves the stuff

Funnily enough its in my ebay watch list!
i think a turbo would be quite a good little add on project!
but cam and head first as there easy and see good gains
I was just saying over at the other forum that this was only ever a weekend toy but its being driven daily and how things are atm it will probably stay that way! now this is a good thing for me, neighbours ...no but screw them.
So its getting the balance between mpg and power, atm its pants because its overfuelling but its actually quite affordable, so once its set up and fuelling right i can go for more power which will then probably bring me to where i am now mpg wise but with a few more brown panties :)

i dunno ask me in a few months when nothings changed aha!
Iv got the BH2R run so i think thats the main thing on my mind nowadays :) plus a poorly looking a series on the drive.

benh

03-02-2012, 02:32 PM

What side of the city centre are you on? I live in coundon 2 minutes walk from the Morrisons. I'm in coventry most days

You will have to wait a bit on the engine. Got almost all the tools needed except an engine stand. I will spend some time later stripping the cylinder head removing the slightly bent valves. Also need to make a trip round to vauxhall dealership and get a quote on some parts.

Im by hearsall common mate, i know where you mean, i used to hang around up there in my chavvy nothing to do days! IM off work sun,mon,tue,weds. il sort you my number tommorow and just text us when you want a passenger ride! Im not nuts though so i wont have us upside down doing loop the loops!

M J W J

04-02-2012, 01:21 AM

Im not nuts though so I wont have us upside down doing loop the loops!

You're not driving hard enough then:D

benh

09-02-2012, 07:56 PM

well 500 miles in and its gone downhill again,
tons of niggly problems that i was getting rid of, bits and bobs that needed changing here and there but yesterday i could see alot of smoke coming out of the back, looked like coolant to me, then the overheating came and the crappy water so ok i could deal with a head gasket change its not a mega drama.

just spent £90 getting head skimmed and stem seals changed just for good measure ( i should of done all of this before) then £50 at motorworld on other bits and bobs

came to clean up the block tonight and where the gasket had gone (it had only gone ever so slightly) there is corrorsion on the block face, . Also when i was cleaning the piston faces the first piston has slight play in it(what can this be). And to top it all off my mate dropped one of the cam follower locators down one of my oil or water galeys and its knowhere to be seen so unless i can get it out tomo with the telescopic magnet im screwed.

Its costing a fortune and now im at a stage where its like, come on Ben 2 years 9k later and you still have something that doesnt work.
I can weld and paint and put things together all day long but the engine stuff is still not one of my strong points so i dont know where to go with this now.

The e16se are pretty hard to come by, iv found 1 but scotland is tooo far!
i could rebuild mine but is it worth it for something so old!
I should of never used this engine, its had trouble written all over it from day one!
scrap box, no gaskets in places, oil leaks but i sorted them out bit by bit and tbh it pulled like a train.

I was thinking either go x16xe providing its a smallblock fittment or tbh just flog the lot and live a stressfree life for a while and maybe have some money to eat and buy some non oily clothes!

:(

minidaffy

09-02-2012, 09:09 PM

benh

09-02-2012, 09:36 PM

Sad times.....in an attempt to cheer you up i'l get in contact with a lad i know who has loads nova gsi bits....he might be able to dig you a e16 motor out.
I'l let you know how i get on tomorrow....chin up!!!

Thankyou :) Taking it all apart was easy but putting it back togethers a bit of a pain and the haynes is rubbish, it tells you how to take the head off etc but a bit vague to how refitting it is!
Im tempted to put it all back together and see what happens, the corrosion on the block could be sorted with a weld but getting it completly flat is the problem! Its not that bad but its just because its exactly where the gasket went.
This car building business isnt fun anymore!