I'm negotiating this pickup at the moment. It obviously needs a little work. First question is that if I get it I'll definitely replace the engine (currently has a 3 cyl Suzuki in it and he bent out the front to do it): Where is the best place in the US, preferably near Tulsa, to get a decent used engine?
Wow did he get creative with the front end!
Good luck. it looks like a huge job if you get it. nice front bumper. did he use it as a snow plow? :D
Oh my!!! Danotje, watch this one. One advantage here is selling the front bumper as scrap metal should pay for the restoration.
:D
I didn't think about the scrap value until after I told him he could keep it.
It's mine now. Full sets of pictures on my new site under "progress". I'll update it as I go, but I'll have lots of questions before I get too far. In the morning I should finish pulling the Suzuki engine.
http://widman.biz/Mini/Mini/index.html (http://widman.biz/Mini/Mini/index.html)
I just like the fact it looks like it might be in worse shape than my pickup ;D
Quote from: 94touring on March 10, 2011, 08:29:10 AM
I just like the fact it looks like it might be in worse shape than my pickup ;D
Wait til I post the pictures of what the PO did to the subframe and suspension and you will have a definite answer to that.
Take a look at how he cut up the sub-frame and added pieces.
(http://widman.biz/Mini/English/progress/strippping_files/page8-1001-full.jpg)
(http://widman.biz/Mini/English/progress/strippping_files/page8-1005-full.jpg)
(http://widman.biz/Mini/English/progress/strippping_files/page8-1009-full.jpg)
That's pretty amazing, can't wait to see what you do with it.
Project is underway. Here is one of the first pictures after I bought it. I let him keep his bumper. I didn't think about selling it as scrap.
I haven't had a lot of time to play with it because of business, and because I also ended up buying a Renault Ondine.
I'll be updating my site with all the progress as it comes, but here are a few shots.
(http://www.widman.biz/Mini/English/progress/body_files/page2-1006-full.jpg)
here is the inside
(http://www.widman.biz/Mini/English/progress/body_files/page2-1018-full.jpg)
(http://www.widman.biz/Mini/English/progress/body_files/page2-1022-full.jpg)
The original engine is pretty much useless. I've ordered a 1275cc from Chile. Just having trouble getting it here.
(http://www.widman.biz/Mini/English/progress/motor_files/page5-1004-full.jpg)
Pulled the Suzuki engine out with my environmentally friendly hoist.
(http://www.widman.biz/Mini/English/progress/stripping_files/page8-1000-full.jpg)
and saw how badly cut up the sub frame is (one is also coming from Chile)
(http://www.widman.biz/Mini/English/progress/stripping_files/page8-1004-full.jpg)
New brakes, wheels, steering, dash and much more has come from the UK
(http://www.widman.biz/Mini/English/progress/m5_files/page11-1001-full.jpg)
After patching the rear corner, it was time to measure for the fender flares
(http://www.widman.biz/Mini/English/progress/m5_files/page11-1003-full.jpg)
A little more patching
(http://www.widman.biz/Mini/English/progress/m5_files/page11-1005-full.jpg)
Rolled it over to pull the rear sub-frame to clean and paint, and start replacing the floor with panels from a donor Toyota minivan.
(http://www.widman.biz/Mini/English/progress/m5_files/page11-1010-full.jpg)
A 15 hp water hose will get it ready to sandblast
(http://www.widman.biz/Mini/English/progress/m5_files/page11-1012-full.jpg)
Now all I need is time. Hopefully I'll get back next month and not have to spend all my time on the renault (but I have to get it to where it passes inspection)
Good to see you working on it!
Not much happening. Project was stalled for a few months as my body guy had found a car he could use as a donor for panels. after wasting 3 months negotiating and actually traveling a long way to get it, the guy backed out.
So this will be my new floor, donated from a toyota minivan
(http://www.widman.biz/Mini/English/progress/m8_files/page13-1000-full.jpg)
Is that going to work? Tunnel might be a little big?
While I was waiting on the body shop and trying to get him moving on it, I got a lot done on my Renault Dauphine. Those pictures are posted on my site.
I finally told my body guy that it looked like I would need another body shop for the Renault, since he had had the Mini for a year. Next day he called me to come see the progress.
First was cutting out the entire floor and the modified front sub-frame.
(http://www.widman.biz/Mini/English/progress/m12_files/page14-1007-full.jpg)
Then forming and tacking the Toyota floor in place with the side panel he had formed from a donor car.
(http://www.widman.biz/Mini/English/progress/m12_files/page14-1009-full.jpg)
Meanwhile I took the rear sub-frame, sandblasted it and painted it and the rear brake drums that I will use. I also ordered a set of bushings and knuckles. I found out that my HS6 SU carb is from a 1800cc Chrysler Avenger, so I;ll have to see how it fits the 1275cc engine when it gets here.
(http://www.widman.biz/Mini/English/progress/m12_files/page14-1000-full.jpg)
(http://www.widman.biz/Mini/English/progress/m12_files/page14-1002-full.jpg)
(http://www.widman.biz/Mini/English/progress/m12_files/page14-1003-full.jpg)
(http://www.widman.biz/Mini/English/progress/m12_files/page14-1005-full.jpg)
Wow, what a job!!
Love the Judas Priest sticker... 4.gif
Love the rotiserie... 4.gif
I just noticed the link to my progress was broken. Fixed now so you can follow.
Got a couple of hours free this afternoon so I polished up the trumpets, put in the new knuckles and put things together. Going fine til I realized I hadn't ordered wheel bearings. Then realized my wheel bearings aren't like the ones in catalogs. (see other post for questions)
(http://www.widman.biz/Mini/English/progress/photos/files/page15-1001-full.jpg)
(http://www.widman.biz/Mini/English/progress/photos/files/page15-1002-full.jpg)
(http://www.widman.biz/Mini/English/progress/photos/files/page15-1004-full.jpg)
I finally got what might be a straight answer from the seller of the engine. Actually, from his partner. He says he took it to a mechanic to make sure it was good, and the mechanic took the engine and skipped town, that the police report is filed, etc.
So he is refunding me half my money and sending another engine, in pieces, to be rebuilt. That in itself is no real problem, except it will take a little longer, since I'll have to wait for the engine, measure, order, etc. Once I have the parts I can easily assemble an engine in a morning.
It would still need alternator, carb, etc.
Meanwhile, last night a friend told me of a 1300 engine with fuel injection from 1993 with an automatic transmission that is for sale about 300 miles from here, that he has seen running.
He is going to give me the guy's number this week so I can find out more. I understand the automatic transmission is not the longest living thing in the world, but I'll never put more than 5000 miles a year on it once it's finished, having the Corvair, BMW, and Renault to share my classic driving (and who knows what else later on).
Can a normal sub-frame be modified to fit the auto trans?
What are the questions I need to ask?
Yeah different subframes. I can take a look at the auto at the shop and try to figure out major differences if you don't get a quick answer.
That guy decided not to sell, so found a front clip in Chile and my body guy went and got it. I've had a chance to clean up and paint the subframe and a few parts, then the rest of it got here, so we will fuse the front of a 94 Rover Mini to the rear of the 75 pickup, giving me the 1300cc engine, auto trans, AC, roll-up windows, etc.
I'll sell the 8.4" brakes and put on the Cooper-S with the 10" wheels.
Also located some comfortable Toyota seats locally that I'll upholster along with the door panels.
(http://www.widman.biz/mini_pics/m25/alternator.jpg)
(http://www.widman.biz/mini_pics/m25/headlights.jpg)
(http://www.widman.biz/mini_pics/m25/drive_shafts-brakes.jpg)
(http://www.widman.biz/mini_pics/m25/front_sub-frame_bottom.jpg)
(http://www.widman.biz/mini_pics/m25/front_sub-frame.jpg)
(http://www.widman.biz/mini_pics/m25/front_suspension.jpg)
(http://www.widman.biz/mini_pics/m25/Polishing_alternator.jpg)
(http://www.widman.biz/mini_pics/m25/front_adjusta-ride.jpg)
(http://www.widman.biz/mini_pics/m25/Painting_bottom_sub-frame.jpg)
(http://www.widman.biz/mini_pics/m25/painting_sub-frame.jpg)
(http://www.widman.biz/mini_pics/m25/alternator_finished.jpg)
(http://www.widman.biz/mini_pics/m25/front_subframe_finished.jpg)
(http://www.widman.biz/mini_pics/m25/New_floor.jpg)
(http://www.widman.biz/mini_pics/m25/Door_panels.jpg)
(http://www.widman.biz/mini_pics/m25/New_doors_and_windows.jpg)
(http://www.widman.biz/mini_pics/m25/New_front_clip.jpg)
(http://www.widman.biz/mini_pics/m25/New_engine.jpg)
(http://www.widman.biz/mini_pics/m25/Left_side_of%20engine.jpg)
(http://www.widman.biz/mini_pics/m25/New_seats%20to%20be%20upholstered.jpg)
Wow, the before/after of those parts is incredible. If you hadn't included that pic of you buffing the alternator I would have asked what paint you used.
Do you put anything on it to keep it that way? or does it last a long time?
(and I have a box of stuff here I'll ship down...no rush ;D )
My current product to keep it shiny is Meguair's Mag & Aluminum Polish. But it seems to have been discontinued in its present formulation so I'm not sure where I'll go for the future.
I had used a clear plastic paint on the Corvair headlight rims, but they aren't as shiny as I like to keep them.
This is how the Renault grills came out.
(http://www.widman.biz/Renault/M10b/Rejilla_antes.jpg)
(http://www.widman.biz/Renault/M10b/Both_rear_grills_polished.jpg)
Now we are getting somewhere. No welds yet, but it is aligning nicely.
(http://www.widman.biz/mini_pics/m27/left_side_aligned.jpg)
(http://www.widman.biz/mini_pics/m27/right_side_aligned.jpg)
(http://www.widman.biz/mini_pics/m27/floor_aligned.jpg)
Finally got back to Tarija for a few days to start on the engine. Need to figure out what to order to rebuild in next month. Parts need to go from the UK to the US for me to bring to Bolivia when I go.
After soaking everything with diesel, I pressure washed the engine, then started stripping it and cleaning up the parts.
(http://www.widman.biz/mini_pics/m27/cleaning_engine.jpg)
Manifolds before and after
(http://www.widman.biz/mini_pics/m27/exhaust_manifold.jpg)
(http://www.widman.biz/mini_pics/m27/manifolds_polished_painted.jpg)
Someone did not believe in using coolant
(http://www.widman.biz/mini_pics/m27/water_pump.jpg)
(http://www.widman.biz/mini_pics/m27/thermostat.jpg)
This is the hard part. So far I'm bending extractors trying to get the converter off the crandshaft
(http://www.widman.biz/mini_pics/m27/pulling_converter.jpg)
Since the new front has adjusta rides, I bought some for the back and put them on
(http://www.widman.biz/mini_pics/m27/rear_adjusta-rides_installed.jpg)
Removal of the exterior corrosion on the aluminum thermostat housing, filter housing, etc.
(http://www.widman.biz/mini_pics/m27/Thermostat_housing.jpg)
(http://www.widman.biz/mini_pics/m27/thermostat_housing_polished.jpg)
(http://www.widman.biz/mini_pics/m27/oil_filter_housing.jpg)
Top half of the injector body cleaned up. Need to rig a soda blaster for the lower part.
(http://www.widman.biz/mini_pics/m27/injector_body_half_cleaned.jpg)
(http://www.widman.biz/mini_pics/m27/cylinder_head_cleaned.jpg)
Wish I had that rear subby ready to go on my truck.
All disassembled and measured. I'll be replacing the timing chain with a double one and tensioner, plus a complete set of rings and bearings from Mini Sport.
(http://www.widman.biz/mini_pics/m27/timing_chain.jpg)
(http://www.widman.biz/mini_pics/m27/underside_of_engine.jpg)
(http://www.widman.biz/mini_pics/m27/main_bearing.jpg)
(http://www.widman.biz/mini_pics/m27/Plastigage_main_bearing.jpg)
The body shop has the windshield posts welded and is welding the floor. He is having fun with making the pieces fit together.
(http://www.widman.biz/mini_pics/m27/windshield_pillar.jpg)
(http://www.widman.biz/mini_pics/m27/cross_bracing.jpg)
(http://www.widman.biz/mini_pics/m27/joining_rocker_panel.jpg)
(http://www.widman.biz/mini_pics/m27/welding_rocker_panel_and_floor.jpg)
Moving right along, the front clip is now firmly in place and we are patching panels
(http://www.widman.biz/mini_pics/m30/floors_joined.jpg)
(http://www.widman.biz/mini_pics/m30/rear_cabin_panel.jpg)
(http://www.widman.biz/mini_pics/m30/Door_post_modifications.jpg)
(http://www.widman.biz/mini_pics/m30/right_side_door_fitted.jpg)
(http://www.widman.biz/mini_pics/m30/right_side.jpg)
(http://www.widman.biz/mini_pics/m30/rear_sanded.jpg)
(http://www.widman.biz/mini_pics/m30/Tailgate_patched.jpg)
I painted most of the engine parts to prepare them
(http://www.widman.biz/mini_pics/m28/painting_block.jpg)
(http://www.widman.biz/mini_pics/m28/engine_parts_painted.jpg)
(http://www.widman.biz/mini_pics/m28/painting_black.jpg)
(http://www.widman.biz/mini_pics/m30/seats_upholstered.jpg)
I don't know if anyone has ever done this, but I decided I wanted Stainless Steel trim on the rocker panel seams between the wheel wells, so I commissioned the guy who built my BBQ to make me two pieces 1.5 meters long. Obviously the jaws of his machinery weren't great, but it sanded out fine. Now when I get to Tarija I'll give them the final buffing.
(http://www.widman.biz/mini_pics/m31/stainless_rocker_trim-rough.jpg)
(http://www.widman.biz/mini_pics/m31/sanding_rocker_trim.jpg)
To avoid having more rust forming on the new tailgate, this one goes together with an anti-rust coating.
(http://www.widman.biz/mini_pics/m31/anti-rust_inside_tailgate_panel.jpg)
Progressing a bit now, taking an afternoon off to assemble the engine
(http://www.widman.biz/mini_pics/m31/piston_complete.jpg)
(http://www.widman.biz/mini_pics/m31/inserting_piston.jpg)
(http://www.widman.biz/mini_pics/m31/bellhousing_on_engine.jpg)
(http://www.widman.biz/mini_pics/m31/motor_assembled.jpg)
Also polished my trim pieces for the rocker
(http://www.widman.biz/mini_pics/m31/rocker_trim_finished.jpg)
Body guy got busy and formed the cabin to the new door shape, cutting it and moving the frame over to the door.
(http://www.widman.biz/mini_pics/m31/door-panel_gap.jpg)
(http://www.widman.biz/mini_pics/m31/cabin_cut_partial_widen.jpg)
(http://www.widman.biz/mini_pics/m31/heating_to_stretch.jpg)
(http://www.widman.biz/mini_pics/m31/left_side_closeup.jpg)
(http://www.widman.biz/mini_pics/m31/left_side_finished.jpg)
Tested the seat positions, and will put them 3 cm lower than this position.
(http://www.widman.biz/mini_pics/m31/seat_almost_positioned.jpg)
(http://www.widman.biz/mini_pics/m31/seated_in_car.jpg)
Tested the windshield and rear window in their new frames. (still have to make the new windshield)
(http://www.widman.biz/mini_pics/m33/rear_window_tested.jpg)
(http://www.widman.biz/mini_pics/m33/windshield_tested.jpg)
I like the door conversion, the way you moved the frame looks relatively easy.
Getting a little closer, fabbing the fender flares and straightening panels
(http://www.widman.biz/mini_pics/m33/fender_flares.jpg)
(http://www.widman.biz/mini_pics/m33/straightening_fender.jpg)
Hello Richard,
That is really fine metal work. Your body man is very good!
Keep up the photos. We all enjoy them and look forward to your progress.
Regards
Joe
AKA towjoe
In the weekend I just spent in Tarija I got a few things done.
First put the rear wheels with 3/4" spacers on. From there we could see what needed to happen to finish the design of the flares, bringing the rear in closer to the wheel well and narrowing it a bit so it just passes the tire position. What you see here is the final design (except it is missing a little tail piece in the front.
Then the front discs. They will set the track 6 cm wider in front than the rears with the spacers, so the flares needed to be 3 cm wider than the rears on each side.
So a little forming, welding, forming, etc. In these pics the front one still needs some rounding, plus forming of the ends. But you get the idea. Then we will add the inner liner, welded to the inner wheel well.
Final design
(http://www.widman.biz/mini_pics/m33/final_flare_design.jpg)
(http://www.widman.biz/mini_pics/m33/starting_flare.jpg)
(http://www.widman.biz/mini_pics/m33/forming_flare.jpg)
(http://www.widman.biz/mini_pics/m33/starting_front_flare.jpg)
heating to bend to wheel well
(http://www.widman.biz/mini_pics/m33/heating_to_bend.jpg)
(http://www.widman.biz/mini_pics/m33/side_view_front_flare_started.jpg)
I love seeing these pics. 4.gif
After finishing thereat of the fenders
(http://www.widman.biz/mini_pics/m33/right_front_flare.jpg)
(http://www.widman.biz/mini_pics/m33/left_front_flare.jpg)
(http://www.widman.biz/mini_pics/m33/right_rear_flare.jpg)
This week I've stolen a few hours away from work to get into details, as we approach the painting stage. Putting in the seats I found that the steering wheel is too far inboard to center on the ones I bought with the arm rests, so I went to the used auto parts store and picked up a couple of u-joints, relocating the steering column a few inches to the outside.
(http://www.widman.biz/mini_pics/m33/u-joints_steering_column.jpg)
(http://www.widman.biz/mini_pics/m33/steering_installed.jpg)
Also decided that the little chain and pin on the tailgate were not of the quality I wanted on the finished truck, so I bought some plastic coated stainless cable and a couple of stainless bolts, chopped off the threads, inserted the cable, etc.
(http://www.widman.biz/mini_pics/m33/Tailgate_pins.jpg)
And painted all the little parts that would need it. Here is the brake booster.
(http://www.widman.biz/mini_pics/m33/brake_booster.jpg)
Finally I got the wooden dash from MiniSport out and modified it to receive the dash cluster from the 94 Rover, adding a tach, oil temp, and oil pressure gauges.
(http://www.widman.biz/mini_pics/m33/dash_assembled.jpg)
The sub frame that came with my engine and front clip turned out to be for a manual transmission car, while my motor is automatic.
Now I have to borrow a Mini with an automatic to modify mine.
yesterday I found a Mini with an automatic and got all the measurements I need to cut the manual frame down and make an automatic frame, so back to action again.
Every time I look at this thread it makes me want to convert my doors over.
I've taken some criticism for it since it will no longer be "original" but I've done various other things that take it out of the stock class as well. I remember the sliding windows I had on my Bugeye, and had been trying to invent a better way long before coming up with the idea of replacing the doors with ones that had roll up windows.
It was a little more work than originally thought, since the lower part is wider and the upper part is narrower, but you can see that it is possible, and I'm very glad I did it.
Body shop is caught up and back to work on my pickup. Hopefully business will be slow for the next week or two.
(http://www.widman.biz/mini_pics/m36/right_rear_fender_primed.jpg)
(http://www.widman.biz/mini_pics/m36/right_side_fender_primed.jpg)
(http://www.widman.biz/mini_pics/m36/left_rear_fender_primed.jpg)
(http://www.widman.biz/mini_pics/m36/cowl_straightened.jpg)
(http://www.widman.biz/mini_pics/m36/roof.jpg)
Getting closer. Mirror holes in fenders and doors, plus light rust in doors are filled, cowl is fixed, and windshield frame now has final touches.
(http://www.widman.biz/mini_pics/m36/right_side.jpg)
(http://www.widman.biz/mini_pics/m36/left_side.jpg)
(http://www.widman.biz/mini_pics/m36/front_left.jpg)
(http://www.widman.biz/mini_pics/m36/right_front-cowl.jpg)
Wow this inspires me to work on ours. Just the difference in working conditions amazes me.
I had taken the subframe to Santa Cruz where with a friend we measured what we could and modified the manual subframe to fit the automatic. It took cutting a little out of the sides and about 2 cm from the front. When I tried to put the engine in, it still needed a little grinding on the transmission control side, and it turned out the auto transmission is about 1 cm wider, so we heated and hammered a half cm on each side, and things fit together.
(http://www.widman.biz/mini_pics/m36/engine_installed.jpg)
Glad you were able to get that sorted.
Finally got my body guy working again, and went to spend some time in Tarija. Stopped by the shop 4 to 6 times a day keeping on top of things, got several details worked out, and finally progressed on to the paint, although I had to come back to Santa Cruz for the weekend.
First was installing the seat belts that he had forgotten. These came with a delivery van I bought 18 months ago, but had no use for in the rear, so he made steel boxes and welded them into the side panels.
(http://www.widman.biz/mini_pics/m44/seat_belt_box.jpg)
(http://www.widman.biz/mini_pics/m44/welding_box.jpg)
(http://www.widman.biz/mini_pics/m44/grinding_box.jpg)
(http://www.widman.biz/mini_pics/m44/seat_belt_installed.jpg)
While he was doing that I took off the padded dash pieces and took them to an upholsterer to recover.
(http://www.widman.biz/mini_pics/m44/torpedo_antes-despues.jpg)
Then we sealed the bed to the fenders with foam I got in Santa Cruz
(http://www.widman.biz/mini_pics/m44/bed_sealed.jpg)
and finally the paint, Sikkens poliester. 2 liters of base, two liters of top, and two liters of clear. Rover/Austin/Morris Color: COF, sometimes called BLVC 818, called (from what I can determine) "Signal Red" from 69 to 77, "Flame Red" from 88 to 99, and in some models "Modena Red" in 88 and 89.
Base coat
(http://www.widman.biz/mini_pics/m44/base_coat_applied.jpg)
Final (not yet polished)
(http://www.widman.biz/mini_pics/m44/top_left_painted.jpg)
(http://www.widman.biz/mini_pics/m44/hood_painted.jpg)
This is way cool I have been following this build for about three years now.
Thank you for taking the time to post.
Jeff
Yes, Jeff, I wasn't in a hurry to do it, but it has taken a lot longer than planned. In the end it will be a better car (truck).
Earlier this month I stole away to Tarija for a week to work on it. Got to tackle a lot of the little things that shouldn't take long, but do.
Here is the final paint on the load bed.
(http://www.widman.biz/mini_pics/m44/bed_painted.jpg)
Then I tackled the brakes, installing the braided hoses and the steel lines, but having to modify them and make an adapter to metric, since the 90 body and brake system is metric while all the other parts are inches. Also had to make a bar to activate the brake booster on the right-hand side of the car.
(http://www.widman.biz/mini_pics/m44/fabricating_brake_rod.jpg)
(http://www.widman.biz/mini_pics/m44/brake_pedal_painted.jpg)
I was also missing an alternator bracket, and the radiator bracket was for the wrong engine, so I modified it and made one for the alternator
(http://www.widman.biz/mini_pics/m44/brackets_fabricated.jpg)
(http://www.widman.biz/mini_pics/m44/radiator_alternator_installed.jpg)
(http://www.widman.biz/mini_pics/m44/brake_booster_connected.jpg)
(http://www.widman.biz/mini_pics/m44/brakes_steering_connected.jpg)
And then the adapter plate for the in-tank fuel pump.
(http://www.widman.biz/mini_pics/m44/adapter_plate_fuel_pump.jpg)
Very impressive 4.gif
When I win the lottery I'm going to pay you to do my car... 77.gif
Can't wait for the next installment!
I'm very impressed with the quality of the workmanship of your body guy , once you got him moving he did well for you.
Home at last. Brought it home on a trailer while I await the missing module for the engine. Washed it and polished it with Meguiars Ultimate. Tomorrow I work on the interior and make/install the gas lines.
(http://www.widman.biz/mini_pics/m47/front_finished.jpg)
(http://www.widman.biz/mini_pics/m47/right_front_finished.jpg)
(http://www.widman.biz/mini_pics/m47/left_front_finished.jpg)
(http://www.widman.biz/mini_pics/m47/left_rear_finished.jpg)
(http://www.widman.biz/mini_pics/m47/tailgate_down.jpg)
Congrats! 4.gif
Lets recap for a moment.
You have come a long way baby!! She looks stunning!!
From this:
(http://www.restorationmini.com/forum/index.php?action=dlattach;topic=286.0;attach=365;image)
To this:
(http://www.widman.biz/mini_pics/m47/right_front_finished.jpg)
Absolutely incredible!!! 4.gif
I'm currently stumped in getting the right wires to the control relay terminals and on to the computer. I have the diagrams in the Haynes manual, but my wires are different colors than those shown. I've read where there are several different setups. I don not have the alarm that apparently is on some.
Anyone have SPI drawings to share?
These might be helpful. Inculdes pics of connectors.
http://home.comcast.net/~bimmer100/site/?/page/Useful_Links/&PHPSESSID=3b4e8cf97a16c4da02a08949d3cb6340 (http://home.comcast.net/~bimmer100/site/?/page/Useful_Links/&PHPSESSID=3b4e8cf97a16c4da02a08949d3cb6340)
Jeff
Thanks. a lot of those links are dead, but there is a lot to read that should help.
Engine now runs. Had an oil leak on the tube to the trans, so have to fabricate something. As soon as I get that sorted out, I'll post a video. Meanwhile, I did the headliner. Since I had already put Fatmat on the roof, just had to cut some foam-baked fabric, add glue, and attach.
Also added a third brake light (LED) and rear-view mirror.
(http://www.widman.biz/mini_pics/m51/cutting_fabric.jpg)
(http://www.widman.biz/mini_pics/m51/spraying_glue_on_fabric.jpg)
(http://www.widman.biz/mini_pics/m51/spraying_glue_on_roof.jpg)
(http://www.widman.biz/mini_pics/m51/headliner_finished.jpg)
(http://www.widman.biz/mini_pics/m51/LED_brake_light.jpg)
Good idea on the 3rd brake light.
Quote from: richard1 on May 02, 2015, 04:43:34 PM
Engine now runs. Had an oil leak on the tube to the trans, so have to fabricate something. As soon as I get that sorted out, I'll post a video. Meanwhile, I did the headliner. Since I had already put Fatmat on the roof, just had to cut some foam-baked fabric, add glue, and attach.
Also added a third brake light (LED) and rear-view mirror.
(http://www.widman.biz/mini_pics/m51/cutting_fabric.jpg)
That white workbench with the roundel sure beats the heck out of the plywood one I use.
Engine runs nicely, but not the transmission. No movement of the wheels in D, but R spits out oil from the filter seal.
Looks like I need to set aside a couple of days to pull the engine, repair the transmission, and put it all back.
That's a bummer. Good luck with the fix.
Updating a bit. I pulled the sub frame and engine, checked all the valves that could have been sticking, but nothing there. Then pulled the clutch pack and found a hairline crack in the cover and the discs bent, pressure plate broken
(http://www.widman.biz/mini_pics/m51/Cracked_transmission_cover.jpg)
(http://www.widman.biz/mini_pics/m51/clutch_plate.jpg)
(http://www.widman.biz/mini_pics/m51/Clutch_plates.jpg)
(http://www.widman.biz/mini_pics/m51/cracked_disc.jpg)
(http://www.widman.biz/mini_pics/m51/broken_plate.jpg)
So back to the internet, where with the help of forums and emails, found KMP Engineering in the UK, where they make the pressure plates. He assembled a complete clutch pack and cover with the pump and sent it, so now I just need to find time to install it, assemble everything, and DRIVE.
(http://www.widman.biz/mini_pics/m54/clutch_pack_with_pump.jpg)
While I had the frame out, I modified it a bit more for easier fitting of the transmission, repainted it, and installed a set of springs instead of the old cones.
(http://www.widman.biz/mini_pics/m51/frame_repainted.jpg)
(http://www.widman.biz/mini_pics/m51/repainted_and_springs_installed.jpg)
(http://www.widman.biz/mini_pics/m51/new_signal_switch.jpg)
(http://www.widman.biz/mini_pics/m51/rear_spring_installed.jpg)
(http://www.widman.biz/mini_pics/m51/left_rear_spring_installed.jpg)
Richard I'll be curious to see what you think of the springs, I've had mine on for over a year now and I have mixed feelings. I've had to reset the height several times, although I think this last time should do it. Sometimes I think the rubbers with their rising rate stiffness are better suited, other times I like the ride quality of the springs.
It'll be interesting to hear your thoughts once you have some miles on them -are the roads in your area smooth or rough - or both?
At 8 am tomorrow I will start assembling the transmission and hopefully be driving a little tomorrow or Thursday. We have a few asphalt roads that are smooth, but a lot of speed bumps and potholes. The concrete roads and bridges are terrible. I ended up changing out the stiffer shocks on my Corvair to put in originals.
I don't have a fair frame of reference - the rubbers in my car were absolute rock hard, so when I went over a sharp bump it tried to break my back - now with the springs it's so much more composed and comfortable, but I understand the rising rate nature of new, good rubbers makes them pretty comfortable too.
Our roads are mostly smooth, although I do dodge the potholes so it may not be a fair comparison to what you drive on everyday either.
Glad to see you making progress, look forward to an in-car vid of your first drive!
No drive today, but assembled the transmission (a job for people with tiny hands and long fingers - or the right tools) and put the power train back in. Tomorrow will finish connecting everything, add oil, and hopefully drive.
You have to be looking forward to this!
I still had problems with the transmission after installing the clutch pack, so the engine and sub-frame came out again, making a total of three installs. At least I have it down to 70 minutes for two people to pull the radiator, starter, filter, wires, exhaust, fuel, brake lines, steering, etc. and get the complete unit out through the bottom.
Along with not moving the wheels, I checked the oil pressure and found it marginally low.
I also had to improvise a motor mount that detached itself in the process, adding glue and stainless screws into the rubber.
Aside from some dry o-rings, I was missing the tube that feeds the converter. I also adjusted the bands while I had it apart, so with that fixed, I replaced everything and finished the wiring, set the timing, etc. Runs nicely in and out of the garage, but need to put stronger spring on the brake and accelerator returns to drive safely. Also need to move the muffler to a place where it does not scrape my driveway.
Filled it with 10W-40 Motorcycle JASO MA2 oil to help the AT discs.
Dash and new switches are now installed and wired. Haven't found a practical solution to adding the oil temp gauge, so I'll get something else for that hole. It was easy to put a T for the oil pressure gauge. And of course the Tach is just some wires.
Next month I'll get back to it and get it on the road.
(http://www.widman.biz/mini_pics/m54/clutch_pack_with_pump.jpg)
(http://www.widman.biz/mini_pics/m54/clutch_pack_governor.jpg)
(http://www.widman.biz/mini_pics/m54/assembling_pack_and_governor.jpg)
(http://www.widman.biz/mini_pics/m54/oil_pressure_forward-neutral.jpg)
(http://www.widman.biz/mini_pics/m54/oil_pressure_reverse.jpg)
(http://www.widman.biz/mini_pics/m54/disassembling_valve_block.jpg)
(http://www.widman.biz/mini_pics/m54/checking_band_adjustment.jpg)
(http://www.widman.biz/mini_pics/m54/motor_mount.jpg)
(http://www.widman.biz/mini_pics/m54/dropping_motor_to_frame.jpg)
(http://www.widman.biz/mini_pics/m54/pulling_motor-frame_into_body.jpg)
(http://www.widman.biz/mini_pics/m54/filling_oil.jpg)
(http://www.widman.biz/mini_pics/m54/Engine_installed_wired.jpg)
(http://www.widman.biz/mini_pics/m54/engine_installed_running.jpg)
(http://www.widman.biz/mini_pics/m54/Dash_wired_assembled.jpg)
So, you got to drive it at least up the driveway? 4.gif
Back and forth about 20 times.
Just to add a few shots from my drives earlier this month (probably about 120 km over three days)
(http://www.widman.biz/Mini/English/progress/outings_files/stacks-image-de2a4e3.jpg)
(http://www.widman.biz/Mini/English/progress/outings_files/stacks-image-26e0fd0.jpg)
(http://www.widman.biz/Mini/English/progress/outings_files/stacks-image-3d269e0.jpg)
(http://www.widman.biz/Mini/English/progress/outings_files/stacks-image-2186114.jpg)
(http://www.widman.biz/Mini/English/progress/outings_files/stacks-image-0897ddd.jpg)
Fantastic you're enjoying it 4.gif
It looks like a lot of love went into this truck....I am impressed with all the front end splicing and reshaping door areas and that minivan floor, ....very ingenious ideas to fix things up
4.gif
Looks like I forgot to include finished pics of the interior.
(http://www.widman.biz/mini_pics/m57/interior.jpg)
(http://www.widman.biz/mini_pics/m57/interior-belts.jpg)
and the back, with the thinner license plate, mini script, backup lights, and 3rd brake light
(http://www.widman.biz/mini_pics/m57/Mini-rear-badge.jpg)
(http://www.widman.biz/mini_pics/m57/backup-corner.jpg)
And of course the day I taught my 10 year old granddaughter how to drive it!
Very clean, very nice indeed! Love it! 4.gif
Richard, good to hear from you again, been too long!
How many miles have you done in the Mini now?
I haven't been keeping track. Probably about 300 or so, maybe as much as 500 with teaching the grandkids how to drive. I've filled the tank twice.
I still have it at my second home 450 miles from here, and need it there til I get the Renault running (painted, but waiting on me to wire it and upholster it, connect the brakes, etc.). I just haven't had much time these last few months. I should have been there 2 weeks ago, but it will be another 10 days before I can get away.
When I get there I will make a vinyl cover for the bed. I bought the snaps in the states a few weeks ago.
Great to see an update and, what a cool vehicle to learn to drive in that's great as well.
What part of Bolivia are you in?
Quote from: jeff10049 on November 30, 2016, 10:08:01 PM
Great to see an update and, what a cool vehicle to learn to drive in that's great as well.
What part of Bolivia are you in?
I have built the pup in Tarija. I have my main office in Santa Cruz and a regional office in Tarija, so two cities, two houses. My garage is at the Tarija house (25 km south of the city in a small town).
Update: I notice the exhaust was pretty thick, and it was using quite a bit of gas, so I measured the fuel pressure of the pump I bought that was supposed to be 15 psi. It was 50 psi. So I ordered a pressure regulator that should arrive this week and will let me drop it down to 15.
Got a chance to make my cover for the bed. Marine Vinyl.
(http://www.widman.biz/mini_pics/small/bed_cover.jpg)
And added Dynamat Hoodliner to the hood/bonnet
(http://www.widman.biz/mini_pics/small/Dynamat-Hoodliner-installed.jpg)
looks great, how's it running with the fuel pressure regulator installed?
Ah, yes. Forgot to mention that. Now it runs great. Fortunately there was a nice spot for it next to the fuel lines. All the on-line instructions said to install on the return line, but of course that can't reduce pressure, so I put it on the supply line, cranked the pressure down to 15 psi, and bingo.
(http://www.widman.biz/mini_pics/small/fuel_pressure_regulator.jpg)
Which brand regulator is that?
JDM
https://www.ebay.com/p/?iid=252222684988&lpid=82&&&ul_noapp=true&chn=ps (https://www.ebay.com/p/?iid=252222684988&lpid=82&&&ul_noapp=true&chn=ps)
Hard to believe it has such a large functional range.
Jdm Universal Adjustable 1 To 140 Psi Fuel Pressure Regulator With Gauge Red
Wow! The interior looks really nice and clean.