2.0 8v GRP Mini

[andyhot]

Hi,
Thought i would finaly start a build diary.
Have been looking and searching around this site for ideas and advice for a while, and after nearly selling up before i even started i decided to pull my finger out and give it a shot.
I will upload some pictures in a while and keep you all updated as i go along as without this site and other peoples builds i wouldnt of even attempted this, So hopefully my build can be of help to people who are in my position in the future.
thanks andy

[andyhot]

here is a few pics of my mini.
http://i423.photobucket.com/albums/pp313/andyhot1983/mini1002.jpg
http://i423.photobucket.com/albums/pp313/andyhot1983/mini1003.jpg
This i pretty much how i got it.
there is gonna be a few changes to it, change of colour and i want to get rid of the zeemax kit, i like the kits but i think they look better on show cars and i want a stripped out racer look so i think it will be much better with a solid colour and miglia arches.

[andyhot]

Is there a way to make the pics smaller?
think ive done it by changing the size in photobucket.

[andyhot]

i will put up some pics of my engine and frame later after i have uploaded them.
the previous owner who fitted the kit decided to cut the bottom of the front panel off behind the bumper, If i get rid of the kit i have got to repair this, I am thinking of buying a damaged fiberglass flip front and cutting the bottom off and joining that on.
Can anyone see any problems doing this?
Also the body tub is moulded without a rear valance, i was thinking of getting a curley fiberglass rear valance and bonding that on, but i have seen a few minis with the valance removed.
Is this just cosmetic or does it really cause much drag as i do think they look better with a rear valance but if there is a benefit to leaving it off it will save me some cash and probably add to the motorsport look.

[jiminwatford]

that looks good for a GRP shell. have you got some (slightly) bigger pics?

[andyhot]

they did fill the whole screen so i shrunk them abit.
i can make them bigger if you want or have a look at www.photobucket.com/andyhotmini
there is a few chips and a bit of grazing in places but overall its not to bad.

[andyhot]

Heres a couple of pics of my engine sat on some wood in my subframe.
The subframe still need bit of trimming around the driveshaft holes, the engine mounts making, lower arm mounts, and a bit of gussetting and a couple of braces.
http://i423.photobucket.com/albums/pp313/andyhot1983/engine%20frame/SDC10100.jpg
http://i423.photobucket.com/albums/pp313/andyhot1983/engine%20frame/SDC10085.jpg
I didnt paint the gearbox that colour, Its a F16W 355 that has been converted to a hydraulic clutch,
http://i423.photobucket.com/albums/pp313/andyhot1983/engine%20frame/SDC10094.jpg
Heres a janspeed manifold that i got a thought it might be easier to modify that than make one from scratch, but ive pretty much got to remake it anyway :( .

Also just purchased a complete metro 4 pot setup and a lotus elise fuel tank and pump.

[mini_mayfair]

nice build mate liking it so far

keep up the good work it will be worth it in the end

and being a grp it will be fast as fook 8) 8)

[andyhot]

I hope its worth it in the end,
Aint to sure what it'll be like speed wise,
But even if it aint mind blowing. i will still have the satisfaction of knowing i built it. :D
Ive only got the 115bhp c20ne but hopefully with the wr box i should be able to make the most of the power without just spinning the wheels.
I dont really think there will be much difference in the weight of the shell between steel and grp (I think i read some where that the grp shells weigh around 100kg), My main reason for wanting grp was to save having to deal with and worry about rust.

[Andy_S]

My main reason for wanting grp was to save having to deal with and worry about rust.

And they look really good with the smooth lines too. No nasty seams to look at. :wink:

[Pete_H]

How you getting on andy? got any updates

[Boulton6868]

Looking good mate im doing the same conversion.
Was than car forsale on the mini forum a little while ago?

[andyhot]

Hi mate,
Not really done much to it since.
The main problem has been working 6 days a week and not having a usable garage. Plus the weather and dark nights make it hard to make any progress. Now i am on 3 day weeks hopefully i should have a shelter built out the back in a few weeks so i can get a proper move on. How you getting on with your supercharger conversion?

Hi boulton my mini was for sale on here about 6 months ago as i was very close to selling it due to the lack of time to do what is needed but in the end i came to my senses and decided to keep it.