The Ten Year Project

[Tom]

Hi,

Had some update photos sent to me from ML. I've just uploaded them onto my gallery.

http://i353.photobucket.com/albums/r383/krangsbucket/Ml%20Motorsport/P1040014.jpg

Might be on the road this year!

ehhhh

Tom

[MattG]

looking good tom.

Matt

[Tom]

Just added a few more pics of the rollcage and inside of the car painted.

http://i353.photobucket.com/albums/r383/krangsbucket/Ml%20Motorsport/Picture088.jpg

http://i353.photobucket.com/albums/r383/krangsbucket/Ml%20Motorsport/Hpim0438.jpg

http://i353.photobucket.com/albums/r383/krangsbucket/Ml%20Motorsport/Hpim0437.jpg

Nearly 10 years in the making (Am I winning this one?) :shock:

[BassAddict]

Nearly 10 years in the making (Am I winning this one?) :shock:

For now I think so, but leave it with me !!! :)
Rich

[Baldspeed Racing]

Looking good, what colour you going for in the end?

[Tom]

It's going to be black, after 10 years that's the best I could come up with!

[FatKev]

Black is good... infact its one of the best colours for a clubman in my humble little opinion.

[Tom]

Got some more pics of the primer stage and with the rollcage back in...

http://i353.photobucket.com/albums/r383/krangsbucket/Ml%20Motorsport/cage1.jpg

http://i353.photobucket.com/albums/r383/krangsbucket/Ml%20Motorsport/cage_4.jpg

http://i353.photobucket.com/albums/r383/krangsbucket/Ml%20Motorsport/cage.jpg

[Tom]

Few more pics added...

http://tom.billingham.com/MLmotorsport?page=4

http://tom.billingham.com/MLmotorsport?page=5

[Tom]

More pics of the front in primer, boot stripped out and the diff change...


http://i353.photobucket.com/albums/r383/krangsbucket/Ml%20Motorsport/Hpim0544.jpg

http://i353.photobucket.com/albums/r383/krangsbucket/Ml%20Motorsport/Hpim0609.jpg

http://i353.photobucket.com/albums/r383/krangsbucket/Ml%20Motorsport/Hpim0542.jpg

*As this thread is turning into a bit of a build diary (even if it is only pics at the mo) can someone 'up in the gods' move this to the build section. Cheers!

[Tom]

Sorted out all my old pictures from when I first got the car upto when the engine was dropped in...

http://i353.photobucket.com/albums/r383/krangsbucket/early%20days/11_01_2006_05_15_26PM.jpg

http://i353.photobucket.com/albums/r383/krangsbucket/early%20days/11_01_2006_05_18_58PM.jpg

http://i353.photobucket.com/albums/r383/krangsbucket/early%20days/11_01_2006_05_21_46PM.jpg

http://i353.photobucket.com/albums/r383/krangsbucket/early%20days/11_01_2006_05_42_14PM.jpg

http://i353.photobucket.com/albums/r383/krangsbucket/early%20days/11_01_2006_05_42_53PM.jpg

http://i353.photobucket.com/albums/r383/krangsbucket/early%20days/11_01_2006_05_47_05PM.jpg

http://i353.photobucket.com/albums/r383/krangsbucket/early%20days/11_01_2006_05_49_16PM.jpg

http://i353.photobucket.com/albums/r383/krangsbucket/early%20days/11_01_2006_05_55_50PM.jpg

[Tom]

Had a few pics sent of the shell painted !YAY!. Not the best pics but you get the idea...

http://i353.photobucket.com/albums/r383/krangsbucket/Ml%20Motorsport/Hpim0615.jpg

http://i353.photobucket.com/albums/r383/krangsbucket/Ml%20Motorsport/Hpim0617.jpg

http://i353.photobucket.com/albums/r383/krangsbucket/Ml%20Motorsport/Hpim0618.jpg

[Tom]

Few more pics added of the engine back in...

http://i353.photobucket.com/albums/r383/krangsbucket/Ml%20Motorsport/Hpim0688-1.jpg

and the front back on...

http://i353.photobucket.com/albums/r383/krangsbucket/Ml%20Motorsport/Hpim0693.jpg

[Tom]

More pics added...

http://i353.photobucket.com/albums/r383/krangsbucket/Ml%20Motorsport/Hpim0763.jpg

http://tom.billingham.com/MLmotorsport?page=9

[Remspoor]

Are u using glass windows?
When u're putting gas in it u shouldn't drop the hose. :lol:

[noisymini]

Not planning on using the rear view mirror then? :lol:

[Vtec Steve]

I spy a car I recognise in the background of this pic.....

http://tom.billingham.com/albums/MLmotorsport/Hpim0766.jpg

[Tom]

Are u using glass windows?
When u're putting gas in it u shouldn't drop the hose. :lol:

The rear screen is made from PETG which should stand up to the petrol.

Not planning on using the rear view mirror then?

Nope!

I spy a car I recognise in the background of this pic.....

Who's car is it then???

[Tom]

http://i353.photobucket.com/albums/r383/krangsbucket/Ml%20Motorsport/Hpim0799-1.jpg

[XEValver]

nice 8)

[Tom]

Just heard that the mini's ready to be picked up. Should be heading my way over the next few days.

http://i353.photobucket.com/albums/r383/krangsbucket/Ml%20Motorsport/jan07011.jpg

More pics here

http://s353.photobucket.com/albums/r383/krangsbucket/Ml%20Motorsport/?start=20

[XEValver]

*drool*
8) 8) 8)

[Tom]

Well, the moment has arrived or should I say my mini has arrived! The pic's a bit dark but then it was dark so...

http://i353.photobucket.com/albums/r383/krangsbucket/Back%20in%20the%20garage/Img_1383_sized.jpg

Not sure what to think.Looks real good in the dark. Carbon fibre dashboards are a lot lighter than I thought they were :lol: . Even gf laughed at me for saying it was light :oops: .Technology!Minis are bloody small. I forgot how small they are. Plenty more work to be done to finish it off, I think I've got most of the bits I need.

Will be going round first thing to have a proper look at it in daylight!

[XEValver]

wow! you must be well excited! gonna be awesome when finished!

and ye, carbon fibre is light...its one of its many drawbacks :shock:

[Tom]

Yeah, it's a lot different to the last time I saw it. Doesn't feel like it's my car!

[Tom]

After a half arsed job at tidying up we managed to squeeze the mini in.

http://i353.photobucket.com/albums/r383/krangsbucket/Back%20in%20the%20garage/Img_1397_sized.jpg

Now for the work to begin(slowly of course). Got to fit the radiator in and a dashboard plus digidash. A bit of carpet plus loads of other jobs.

[Tom]

Well, I've decided that it's about time I started making a move on the mini so the front came off ready for the radiator to be fitted.

http://i353.photobucket.com/albums/r383/krangsbucket/Back%20in%20the%20garage/0001_G_sized.jpg

The old fan fitted the new radiator...just.

http://i353.photobucket.com/albums/r383/krangsbucket/Back%20in%20the%20garage/0002_G_sized.jpg

http://i353.photobucket.com/albums/r383/krangsbucket/Back%20in%20the%20garage/0008_G_sized.jpg

It's all as tight as a nunn's apple, but what else can be expected...

http://i353.photobucket.com/albums/r383/krangsbucket/Back%20in%20the%20garage/0011_G_sized.jpg

Also made up a replacement alternator bracket to replace the one that got 'lost' while it was away being painted.

http://i353.photobucket.com/albums/r383/krangsbucket/Back%20in%20the%20garage/Img_1510_sized.jpg

[Tom]

Started mocking up the new position for the oil cooler.

http://i353.photobucket.com/albums/r383/krangsbucket/Back%20in%20the%20garage/Img_1546_sized.jpg

[JoeT]

Looking good man nice work 8)

Good idea on the mounting place for the oil cooler too, didn't think of that, and I'll probably steal your idea if or when I get one! :D

[Tom]

Cheers Joe, I'll let you steal my mounting point idea, if it is my idea? I might have seen someone else do the same.

Got the oil cooler mounted up today.

http://i353.photobucket.com/albums/r383/krangsbucket/Back%20in%20the%20garage/Img_1570_sized.jpg

http://i353.photobucket.com/albums/r383/krangsbucket/Back%20in%20the%20garage/Img_1572_sized.jpg

Also started looking into the mess that is the wiring :shock:

[XEValver]

its the oil cooler solid mounted :?:

nice looking car tho! bet you cant wait! :D

[Tom]

its the oil cooler solid mounted :?:

It is at the moment, I hadn't thought about that. I can always add some rubber if it's needed.

nice looking car tho! bet you cant wait! :D

It's taken so long to get this far that I put driving it to the back of my mind many years ago! But yeah I'm starting to think 'not long now'...

[Tom]

Got the mirrors mounted today.

http://i353.photobucket.com/albums/r383/krangsbucket/Back%20in%20the%20garage/Img_1576_sized.jpg

Also rubberized the oil cooler mount.

http://i353.photobucket.com/albums/r383/krangsbucket/Back%20in%20the%20garage/Img_1577_sized.jpg

Made up a couple of aluminium straps for the petrol tank.

http://i353.photobucket.com/albums/r383/krangsbucket/Back%20in%20the%20garage/Img_1578_sized.jpg

[Pandora]

Looking great i must say. Do you really need an oil cooler or is it just for show? If your just driving around as a daily i wouldn't have thought you'd need one. So are you planning on taking to the race track?

[Tom]

Looking great i must say. Do you really need an oil cooler or is it just for show? If your just driving around as a daily i wouldn't have thought you'd need one. So are you planning on taking to the race track?

The engine originally came with an oil cooler of a similar size. I've been told I could run it without but after paying for it, I decided it's going on! Do I need one? I don't know. I don't think you need a 2.0L engine in a mini for just a daily driver but that's what I've gone for. I am planning to do a few track days as I've ended up builing a race car.

Got the fuel tank mounted in securely today.

http://i353.photobucket.com/albums/r383/krangsbucket/Back%20in%20the%20garage/Img_1587_sized.jpg

[mikie]

Does the oil cooler clear the front tyre on hard lock under full suspension travel? Unlikley to ever happen but just in case.
Car is looking good with a shiney black finish!

[Tom]

Does the oil cooler clear the front tyre on hard lock under full suspension travel? Unlikley to ever happen but just in case.

I think so. I did turn the wheel full lock before mounting it and there seemed to be plenty of room.

[MarkLD]

Does the oil cooler clear the front tyre on hard lock under full suspension travel? Unlikley to ever happen but just in case.

I think so. I did turn the wheel full lock before mounting it and there seemed to be plenty of room.

Remember to check it on full bump just to make sure.

[BassAddict]

Looking good Tom - you'll have to let us know how long it took from start to finish when its done - I'll see if I can beat you !!! :oops: :lol:

[Tom]

you'll have to let us know how long it took from start to finish when its done - I'll see if I can beat you !!! :oops: :lol:

Will do! I got the car on the 1st December 1997 and we started stripping it that day :oops: :oops:


http://i353.photobucket.com/albums/r383/krangsbucket/early%20days/11_01_2006_05_15_26PM.jpg

[Tom]

Had a few bits turn up off the bay, a grille(at last!).

http://i353.photobucket.com/albums/r383/krangsbucket/Back%20in%20the%20garage/2007_0418Slides0069_sized.jpg

Some vulco-flex and a thermostat adaptor to hook the radiator up. I think I'm going to get a couple of more sections of vulco-flex for the lower hose just to get the mini on the road before I swap for silicon hoses.

http://i353.photobucket.com/albums/r383/krangsbucket/Back%20in%20the%20garage/2007_0418Slides0070_sized.jpg

Also had a look at fitting the carbon dash and decided it might be best to mock up the sections out of card before cutting up the real thing so as not to make any mistakes. I'm quite pleased how the card one has turned out so I might just use that!

http://i353.photobucket.com/albums/r383/krangsbucket/Back%20in%20the%20garage/2007_0420Slides0072_sized.jpg

Just need some more of the folding stuff now so I can buy all the last little bits n bobs I need to get it on the road.

[bodgeit]

looking sweet! just out of interest where did you get that fan switch adaptor?

Matt

[Tom]

looking sweet! just out of interest where did you get that fan switch adaptor?

Matt

Hi Matt, I got the adaptor from a private sale on ebay, but if I had not won I think I would have got it from Rally Nuts >

http://rallynuts.com/motorsport/PACET_Fans_1844/Pacet_Thermostat_Adaptors_2254.asp

[bodgeit]

thanks mate thats brilliant!

Matt

[PaulC]

Any more updates on this one??

Also where did you get the hose that goes from your fuel filler to tank?

Ta

Paul

[Tom]

Any more updates on this one??

Also where did you get the hose that goes from your fuel filler to tank?

Ta

Paul

Nothing much going on. I'm absolutely skint at the moment and I'm waiting for a new job to start. Good bloody question about the hose, I'll have to get back to you on that one. I ended up buying quite a few lengths of fller hose until I came across the right type for my application. How much do you need and how bendy does it need to be as I've got some other filler hoses.

[PaulC]

Its for my escort, need to be about half a metre and bendy!!

If you can have a look that will be great. Thanks

Paul

[Tom]

Its for my escort, need to be about half a metre and bendy!!

If you can have a look that will be great. Thanks

Paul

Paul,
I've had a look and I can't find the receipt for the hose I'm using. I can tell you that if you want very bendy hose stay clear of Demon tweeks MOCNH51 and Gates 23936 fill hose. I'll keep looking. If you want slightly bendy hose I've got 800mm lengths of both of these hoses in 2" for the Demon and 2-1/4" for the Gates.

[Tom]

Had a few parts turn up, a new radiator, headlight bowls and the side/indicator lights. Still waiting for a new smaller radiator fan and some other bits.

http://i353.photobucket.com/albums/r383/krangsbucket/Back%20in%20the%20garage/Picture_006_sized.jpg

[Tom]

Had my new fan turn up, fits a lot better than the last one.

http://i353.photobucket.com/albums/r383/krangsbucket/Back%20in%20the%20garage/16vmini_001_sized.jpg

http://i353.photobucket.com/albums/r383/krangsbucket/Back%20in%20the%20garage/16vmini_002_sized.jpg

Moved onto the wiring which should just be a matter of connecting everything up as we've had it all running once. No such luck, something's amiss :?

[Tom]

Dodgy earth strap seemed to be the problem. Had her turning over tonight but not starting. It was getting late and dark so I'll have another crack at it tomorrow.

[BassAddict]

Hope you get it fired up today Tom ! Good luck :D

[Tom]

Hope you get it fired up today Tom ! Good luck :D

Cheers, me too. I'll be popping round a bit later to see if I can.

[Tom]

Got the engine started today! Not sure what the problem was in the end. Got some new plugs for it and after lots of try's the engine fired up. 8) Next thing is sorting out all the odds n ends so I can get the MOT.

[Tom]

Got a makeshift dash in to get it through the MOT and test everything out. Still need to wire up the switches. I think the carbon dash will have to wait as everything will need moving back.

http://i353.photobucket.com/albums/r383/krangsbucket/Back%20in%20the%20garage/16vmini_004_sized.jpg

[XEValver]

thats cool, me likey! i so want a digi dash like that!

[BassAddict]

Lookin' good Tom - when are you hoping to have it mot'd then !? :)

[Allan McD]

Best check that oil level :wink:
Allan

[Tom]

Lookin' good Tom - when are you hoping to have it mot'd then !? :)

I'm hoping to get it MOT'd in a month or so but the truth is I have no idea, only it's getting closer. Got lots to do like check the oil! etc.

[Tom]

Bit more progress over the weekend. Wired up the headlights but I've had to order some flasher units for the indicators(I was wandering why they weren't working :oops: )

Also fitted the accelerator pedal and cable which ment for the the first time in over ten years (well the first time ever) I drove the mini. Not very far, only a couple of foot back into the garage! but it saved me pushing it back in :lol: This feels like a big step forward. I would have liked to give it a go up and down the road but a skip on the drive stopped me, which is good as the brakes wouldn't (they need bleeding).

Just spent more money buying some more electrical parts from VWP so I can get the dash wiring finished off.

Still got the alternator wiring and belt to sort out, washer bottle, radiator brackets at the top, speed sensor, oil pressure and temp, fan wiring, number plates, plus lots of other little jobs before the MOT but it can't be long now!

[BassAddict]

first time in over ten years (well the first time ever) I drove the mini. Not very far, only a couple of foot back into the garage!

Excellent !!!! Doesn't matter how far it went, just that it did !! Bet that was a good feeling after 10 years !!!! :) Congrats :beer:
Rich

[Tom]

Well, I took Thursday and Friday off work with the intention of a 4 day blitz on the mini. I was hoping that by sunday the car would be at a stage where I could ring up for an MOT. Not got that far but still closer to the goal.

I've moved the oil coller 90 degrees just incase it was going to foul the wheel.

The radiator brackets are now welded.

All the electrics are now done, the only problem I have is that the indicators flash for a while and then stay on. After a mooch on the net it seems a 3 pin flasher unit might be the answer so I'll have to get one and give it a try. Oh and I need to hook up the brake light switch. Oh and I still need to get a belt the right length for the alternator(did I say the electrics were done?)

The switches on the steering wheel now control the didgital dash via a coiled cable.(not going to matter for the MOT but I wanted to see it working)

Got some smaller jobs done like mounting the washer bottle and sorting out the pipes for it.

The main event of the weekend was having a blast up and down the road after giving the brakes a bleed :twisted:. Seemed a bit simple after reading about all the problems people have had with their brakes. I was expecting loads of problems as the pedal had no resistance before I bled them. Might need a bit more looking at but they were good enough for a quick go.

Not taken any pics as my gallery is down at the mo.

[Tom]

Steering wheel sorted.

http://i353.photobucket.com/albums/r383/krangsbucket/Back%20in%20the%20garage/16vmin_002_sized.jpg

Turned the oil cooler 90 degrees. Also mounted it on rubber bobbins which are not in the picture.

http://i353.photobucket.com/albums/r383/krangsbucket/Back%20in%20the%20garage/16vmini_003_sized.jpg

Radiator mounts.

http://i353.photobucket.com/albums/r383/krangsbucket/Back%20in%20the%20garage/16vmini_006_sized.jpg

Got the mini insured now, just waiting for the MOT which should be next week. I was right to be suspicious about the brakes being so easy. The next day the pedal was as soft as a soft thing. Found a leak in the rear T piece but after bleeding the brakes again the pedal is still a bit soft so it needs looking at again.

[Tom]

Still not got the brakes sorted, I managed to shear off the banjo bolt on the rear caliper so I'm waiting for a new one to turn up, doh!

Got the engine bay mainly sorted now.

http://i353.photobucket.com/albums/r383/krangsbucket/Back%20in%20the%20garage/16vmini_011_sized.jpg

and the front...

http://i353.photobucket.com/albums/r383/krangsbucket/Back%20in%20the%20garage/16vmini_013_sized.jpg

I was also going to have my alarm fitted on Sat but the guy was a no show. The other thing I did was add a breather to the petrol tank, until now it's been blocked off so it was about time.

http://i353.photobucket.com/albums/r383/krangsbucket/Back%20in%20the%20garage/16vmini_015_sized.jpg

[Tom]

After changing the master on the brakes to a 0.875 ( 7/8 ) form a .625 I have a much better pedal. I've got the mini booked in for an MOT on Saturday morning 8). I wander what it will fail on?

[strudel]

Curious about this bit of set up you have? Plus how difficult to cut the glass. Why would you mount a filler in this location? Your reasoning would be interesting to hear. Not dissing it, just unusual. JS

http://tom.billingham.com/albums/BackInTheGarage/16vmini_015.sized.jpg

[Tom]

[quote="strudel"]Curious about this bit of set up you have? Plus how difficult to cut the glass. Why would you mount a filler in this location? Your reasoning would be interesting to hear. Not dissing it, just unusual. JS

I must admit it's not my idea, I have seen it on a couple of other minis and thought it looked like a good idea. When it came time to fit the tank in the back, access to the filler neck was tight, so I went ahead and stuck a filler in the rear screen which is actually now made from PTGE a chemicaly resistant plastic which should stand up to any erroneous petrol(and very easy to cut!). The smaller hole is a breather from the tank I had to mount it higher than the filler so it ended up there.

[pob]

Are worried about foreign bodies or water getting into the breather pipe.
Or the petrol fumes?

[strudel]

Thanks for the explanation. I had a quick look into your gallery and saw this http://tom.billingham.com/albums/garage/6_G.jpg Could you not add the breather onto the inside of the filler on the angled area so that the rear screen is more aesthetically pleasing and it hides the breather from any water entry. Just a thought. Is there enough room inside the filler cap to accomodate this? JS

[Tom]

Are worried about foreign bodies or water getting into the breather pipe.
Or the petrol fumes?

I've got a small inline fuel filter in the boot to stop this from happening. Not sure what you mean about the fumes as they will be headed outside the car?

[Tom]

Thanks for the explanation. I had a quick look into your gallery and saw this http://tom.billingham.com/albums/garage/6_G.jpg Could you not add the breather onto the inside of the filler on the angled area so that the rear screen is more aesthetically pleasing and it hides the breather from any water entry. Just a thought. Is there enough room inside the filler cap to accomodate this? JS

I did look into this. The filler cap is sealed so adding the breather there would stop it from breathing. I did wander about replacing one of the fixing bolts with a hollow one and connecting the pipe to that but in the end I thought I had found a neat solution using these...

http://www.revotec.com/Self-Seal.htm

It does change the aesthetics but it's functional so that makes it OK with me(for now).

[Tom]

:D PASSED :D

[Allan McD]

Passed what :?: A Honda Vtec mini thats easy :lol:
or is it an MOT thats not so easy.
Allan

[Tom]

Passed what :?: A Honda Vtec mini thats easy :lol:
or is it an MOT thats not so easy.
Allan

LOL. MOT!

[BassAddict]

EXCELLENT !!!!!! Congratulations Tom - hope it lives up to all expectations and was worth the wait !!! :) :beer: :beer: :beer: :beer:

[Andy_S]

Woo Hooo!

Congratulations Tom. :D

[XEValver]

congrats dude!!!


i'm not at all envious!! :evil: :evil: :evil: :lol: :lol: :lol:

[Tom]

Cheers Chaps! It's only taken me 9 years, 11 months and 16 days or 314,323,200 seconds (if that makes it any better?) from start to finish!
If someone had told me it would take the best part of 20 grand and that amount of time I might not have started! But now it's done I'm glad I did(I think?)

I'm not 100% sure what I was expecting. Saturday was the first time I've ever driven a mini further than up and down the road. I would call it interesting to say the least. Certainly puts a smile on your face :shock: I have to ask myself 'what have I done?'

I drove it to work for the first time today and of course to help out, God decided to sprinkle a bit of snow on the ground last night, GREAT!

Probably not the best time of year to finish it off and I guess the hard work starts now sorting out all the little problems and gremlins.

I must admit I've been taking it easy just to get to grips with it. I think I'm getting too old for all this though, by the time I've climbed in over the roll cage, sorted out all the harness, attached the steering wheel etc five minutes goes by.

I took it to Chemix on Sunday morning to have it aligned. The bloke had a bit of a tweek but said he could do with spending and hour or two on it during a weekday so I'll have to go back at some point. The main problem at the moment is the amount of toe on the back. He mentioned making up some shims for the rear radius arms/subframe but I'm not sure if I'm going to leave the shuddersfield beam on there after all the problems others have had.

I'll report back once it's all sunk in, I think I'm in shock.

[MarkLD]

Well done Tom, glad you have finally made it :D
I've spent the last few years of mine being on the road thinking its going to break and then taking stuff off and changing bits, its a never ending cycle :lol: :lol: All good fun though

[evolotion]

congrats :D

[Pete_H]

saw your car today...had a nose round it. looks really nice!! like the filler cap on the rear window....must be hard to see out the back tho.
Is where it was parked today where you live? I'm just up the road opposite aldi.

Fancy taking me for a spin in it when its dry?

Pete

[Tom]

Hi Pete,
Yeah where you saw it today is where I live. I would take you out in it but I'm not driving it at the moment. Could be off the road for a while which is a pain as it was my only transport. I'll take you for a spin when it's back on the road.
The filler cap in the rear window is about the same height as the 'X' on the rollcage so yes, I can't see much out the back but the cap's not making too much difference.

[Pete_H]

There is a really nice TVR on your road too!! i'm livin in aberystwyth for another month..so not around anyway. Let me know when its all sorted....looks like its a beast to drive!

[Tom]

Yes that TVR is sweet, sounds real nice but I'm sure the owner gets a bit damp when he hears my beast fire up! 8)

[Tom]

Just got my mini back after lending it to my mate (who helped me build it)for a year. The idea was that he'd drive it a bit, keep the cobwebs off, maybe do a bit of work on it. What happened was that he ran out of time and ended up driving it about 3 times, oh well, no harm done.

First thing was to get rid of the cobwebs! I sprayed one of the bonnet pins with WD40 and the biggest fuck off spider came rushing out from under the scuttle to see what the fuck was going on I nearly had a stroke and spiders don't bother me. Sprayed a couple more times and it'd come back out really aggressive, I've left it alone for now, too scared, no pics.

Had some 10x6 wellers sitting round for a while and I've been meaning to stick them on my mini. I know the related problems with running 10's so this is a bit of an experiment and I can always go back to 13's. Decided to run the fiesta brake mod with mintex pads and yoko A032R's.

When I got the car back my mate mentioned the starter motor was playing up so I've replaced that while I've got the mini apart.

I never had the oil temp and pressure probes in place so I've fitted those.

Replaced the huddersfield rear 'beam' with a standard subfame running hi-lo's and a KAD ARB.

Fitted some adjustabe bottom arms.

I'm headed back at the weekend to do more.

http://i353.photobucket.com/albums/r383/krangsbucket/Back%20in%20the%20garage/miniupdate1.jpg

http://i353.photobucket.com/albums/r383/krangsbucket/Back%20in%20the%20garage/IMG_1778.jpg

http://i353.photobucket.com/albums/r383/krangsbucket/Back%20in%20the%20garage/IMG_1779.jpg

[MattG]

looks good tom.

Matt

[MiniMadGreg.]

Yeah looks great Tom, at first i didnt really like the clubbys but there growing on me when i see ones like yours, great looking mini you got there.

[Pete_H]

looks tidy with the new wheels. Is it in stourbridge or plymouth now? Might see it out and about if its in stourbridge.

[Tom]

To be honest the wheels are a bit old and tatty under all that gold paint, as far as I'm concerned though, they've only got to last as long as the tyres. I'll either go back to 13's or get a newer set of 10's.

The car's still in stourbridge at the moment Peter but over the other side of town from where you saw it last. I'm back up on friday and I'm spending next week up there if you want to pop round some time pm me for my address and phone number.

[Pete_H]

I like the wheels because they are a bit different. Better than boring 13x7 deepdish superlights (like mine).
Ive got some 13x7 100+ alloys in the shed if you wanna try them.

Are you any good at bodywork? Ive got a bit to do but i'm useless! could make it worth your while :D.

yeah pm me your address. I'm living in kiddy but work on the car in my parents garage opposite the aldi some weekends. so might pop round and have a look.

[Tom]

Started sorting out the interior. I decided to dynamat the mini so I got a bulk pack, thinking it would be plenty. Foose came round to give me a hand but there was only enough to do the floor and the doors.

http://i353.photobucket.com/albums/r383/krangsbucket/Back%20in%20the%20garage/IMG_1863.jpg

http://i353.photobucket.com/albums/r383/krangsbucket/Back%20in%20the%20garage/IMG_1849.jpg

http://i353.photobucket.com/albums/r383/krangsbucket/Back%20in%20the%20garage/IMG_1853.jpg

http://i353.photobucket.com/albums/r383/krangsbucket/Back%20in%20the%20garage/IMG_1851.jpg


Made up a prototype gaitor for the gear selector.

http://i353.photobucket.com/albums/r383/krangsbucket/Back%20in%20the%20garage/IMG_1860.jpg

Also wanted the roll cage foam covered so I've started making up the parts I need.

http://i353.photobucket.com/albums/r383/krangsbucket/Back%20in%20the%20garage/IMG_1868.jpg

http://i353.photobucket.com/albums/r383/krangsbucket/Back%20in%20the%20garage/IMG_1867.jpg

[Tom]

Started sorting out what will become the dash. I'm not going to put the Curley ASAD dash in that I've got and in the end the mini clocks modded to fit the stack dash was a no no. I've decided to go for something simple using a bit of roll cage padding and a section of gutter :shock:. Just need to make some mounts for it and cover in material.

http://i353.photobucket.com/albums/r383/krangsbucket/Back%20in%20the%20garage/IMG_1871.jpg

http://i353.photobucket.com/albums/r383/krangsbucket/Back%20in%20the%20garage/IMG_1880.jpg

http://i353.photobucket.com/albums/r383/krangsbucket/Back%20in%20the%20garage/IMG_1883.jpg

http://i353.photobucket.com/albums/r383/krangsbucket/Back%20in%20the%20garage/IMG_1884.jpg

[tinxy]

tom can i ask what management your running with those webbers as in your earlier pics you have a standard xe dizzy how are you controlling advance cheers james

[Tom]

Tinxy I'm running a weber/alpha blue ignition ecu with the carbs.


Dash in.

http://i353.photobucket.com/albums/r383/krangsbucket/Back%20in%20the%20garage/IMG_1890.jpg


http://i353.photobucket.com/albums/r383/krangsbucket/Back%20in%20the%20garage/IMG_1895.jpg

Go the car almost ready for the MOT but I've got a lot of things to sort out first. I've added a fuel sender to my tank but I'm getting a switching voltage each time the ignition is turned on and therefore two different tank readings. Suspension needs setting up, brakes need bleeding etc etc.

[ad53ggz]

where you get you filler cap and neck from looking very nice!

[Tom]

Think I got the filler cap from Merlin, never could remember where I got the bendy pipe from. I've just taken it out and replaced it with the original glass in an attempt to tone the car down a bit. It does look good but just not what I'm after any more. I'll be sticking the 'filler window' up for sale at some point.

[ad53ggz]

what was the id of the pipe or the external diameter of the fuel neck i bought a second hand fuel tank and came with pipe just struggling to fing 2inch ed fuel neck that make any sense? could you not mount the neck at the front of the boot thats what im planning to do using pipe?

cheers

[Tom]

Can't remember off the top of my head what the diameter is, if you read through my build diary it's mentioned somewhere I'm sure. I've got a filler cap on my tank in the boot, the pipe just extended off that. I'm not sure what you mean about not being able to find a 2" filler neck, do you mean something like this?

http://www.merlinmotorsport.co.uk/p1778/FLUSH-FITTING-FUEL-CAP-FUNNEL-FOR-2%22-HOSE/product_info.html

[ad53ggz]

yeah thanks spot on!

[ad53ggz]

ok one more question for the venting what valve did you use? cheers

[Mintegra]

Where did you get the Dynamat from??.... and how much was it??...

cheers
Chris

[Tom]

I got the Dynamat from caraudiosecurity.com cost 170 for the bulk pack but you could easily use two packs on a mini. For the cost it's not even that nice a product, it comes folded up with creases, I was hoping to use a section on the baulkhead but it would look shit.

[ad53ggz]

what sort of weight it it?

[Tom]

what sort of weight it it?

The Dynamat? or the mini? The matting must have been around 10kg maybe. I never put it on the scales before fitting it so not 100% sure

[ad53ggz]

hmmm... yeah was on about the deading im trying to decide what to do want a light mini but not sure if will need this deading... well be better with it but hmmm....

[ad53ggz]

oh and thanks for the replies that you driving about now then? how is it?

[Tom]

Not driving about yet, I've made a lot of changes and still got a few problems to sort out before the MOT. I did have one booked for last Saturday but I ran out of time, not sure when I'm going to get it sorted now as I'm back at uni next week.

[ad53ggz]

ah best of luck with it mate, do you think the dynamat makes enough of a sound deading to warrant the extra weight?

[Tom]

If it's sound deadening you want then maybe, but the amount I've put in is not enough to stop all the rattles. I'd like to do the roof which is a major culprit and also the outer door skins at some point but I can't afford to at the moment though. So that's prob 20-25Kg extra. I think a drive on the road is going to be the real test.