Restoration-Mini

Technical Forums => Restorations => Topic started by: MtyMous on April 01, 2013, 08:44:41 PM

Title: Tink: My '89 Mini
Post by: MtyMous on April 01, 2013, 08:44:41 PM
Well... I've owned Tink since 2009. And there has been no shortage of work done to her. I've been back and forth on building just a 1380 and dropping it in, and doing a full restoration. Well... My brother convinced me to just dive in. I'm stationed in Oklahoma City for at least 4 years, so what better time. I'll be posting updates as much as I can. It's a lot of work but I'm excited.

Here's what she looked like before I started the resto.

(http://i52.photobucket.com/albums/g17/texasguy524/Minis/YOUR%20MINI/DrivewayTink4.jpg)

Got that wild hair to pull the motor and replace the head gasket. While I was in there, I needed to repair some of the pieces and I decided that I would just refurbish some pieces.... and that's where it started.

Decided I couldn't stand the little rust bubble anymore... haha. That mushroomed into a full on restoration.

(http://i1249.photobucket.com/albums/hh518/Cameron_Dale/Your%20Cars/Tink/Tink%20Work/20130312_215942.jpg)

(http://i1249.photobucket.com/albums/hh518/Cameron_Dale/Your%20Cars/Tink/Tink%20Work/20130312_215928.jpg)

I don't know if you can tell by the picture, but the bondo is about 1/16th of an inch thick, and on top of the original paint and primer... wow.
(http://i1249.photobucket.com/albums/hh518/Cameron_Dale/20130313_202149.jpg)

And to cover up the rust hole from underneath, they just PACKED in the bondo into a large clump.
Here's just some parts of the nasty tumor clump
(http://i1249.photobucket.com/albums/hh518/Cameron_Dale/20130313_202621.jpg)

And then I did this.
(http://i1249.photobucket.com/albums/hh518/Cameron_Dale/20130313_210558.jpg)

(http://i1249.photobucket.com/albums/hh518/Cameron_Dale/Your%20Cars/Tink/Tink%20Work/20130316_195456.jpg)

Found this gem under a panel that i thought was solid. some resin based filler was gooped into it.

(http://i1249.photobucket.com/albums/hh518/Cameron_Dale/Your%20Cars/Tink/Tink%20Work/20130316_195443.jpg)



This is just the beginning. Trying to find a local media blaster to see what the cost will be. Gonna need someone to take care of the hard to reach interior places.
Title: Re: Tink: My '89 Mini
Post by: MtyMous on April 01, 2013, 08:45:43 PM
I think I've decided on a color. Just gonna go with this color

(http://www.automobilesreview.com/img/cadillac-cts-v-geneva-2013/cadillac-cts-v-geneva-2013-04.jpg)

Then black stripes and wheels. Then I'll keep the interior entirely black and charcoal. Possibly a dark grey suede headliner, black and dark grey suede seats.
Title: Re: Tink: My '89 Mini
Post by: Mudhen on April 02, 2013, 02:20:46 AM
AWESOME!!  Looked rawkin' before...like the proposed color scheme, too.

That's a tough spot to get to, under the scuttle, like you said.  I just welded in the closing pieces on my project and I sandblasted and POR'd the daylights inside first.  Should buy me several months...  50.gif

Welcome aboard!

Pat
Title: TInk update 7/4/13
Post by: MtyMous on April 07, 2013, 08:38:55 PM
So this weekend was a blasty blast. haha... I made a serious mess, but she's getting ready to get stripped to bare metal.


See.. I told you I made a mess
(http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8108/8629412001_d6720f2df5_c.jpg)

(http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8253/8629413523_c7ffc9cfb3_b.jpg)

The wiring in a classic mini is a nightmare anyway. Throw in a couple previous owners and you've got a serious headache on your hands.

(http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8255/8629413867_f3df10b2ea_c.jpg)

And here's how you organize a completely torn apart car. Lots of little totes for specific categories of stuff, and a lot of blue painters tape to label everything.
(http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8530/8629412643_7e43ff4d2e_c.jpg)

Anyone want some retro seats that need a little lovin?
(http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8118/8630520164_06a8a1e419_c.jpg)

Title: Re: Tink: My '89 Mini
Post by: MtyMous on April 07, 2013, 08:40:32 PM
And here's a couple strippers sitting on top of my mini

(http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8118/8630519264_2f43cc31ba_c.jpg)

Title: Re: Tink: My '89 Mini
Post by: 94touring on April 08, 2013, 02:54:57 AM
You can keep the strippers and I'll take the seats!  Which reminds me, I was suppose to order some seat covers for a car.
Title: Re: Tink: My '89 Mini
Post by: Mudhen on April 08, 2013, 03:01:47 AM
Quote from: MtyMous on April 07, 2013, 08:40:32 PM
And here's a couple strippers sitting on top of my mini

(http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8118/8630519264_2f43cc31ba_c.jpg)

;D

Man those are some wide tires!  Don't think I've ever seen them other than inside flared fenders...
Title: Re: Tink: My '89 Mini
Post by: wevebeenhad on April 08, 2013, 08:45:04 PM
Progress looks great, those strippers look dirty.
And I have the same two eels they look great
Title: Re: Tink: My '89 Mini
Post by: MtyMous on April 09, 2013, 08:00:39 PM
I'm thinking I might go with this color instead.

Easier to get a consistent paint job because the Cadillac has a second layer of pure aluminum flake... not so easy to lay down consistently... unless you're a robot. haha.

So I think this looks just as good. And might actaully be closer to what I'm looking for anyway.

(http://www.clublexus.com/forums/attachments/wheels-and-tires-classifieds/118740d1202683689-fs-avs-advan-model-7-19x8-gunmetal-wheels-car1.jpg)

(http://farm1.staticflickr.com/25/55863340_a0d62c1f35.jpg)

Or even the Smoky Granive Mica from the IS350

(http://images.gtcarlot.com/pictures/65225244.jpg)

(http://img193.imageshack.us/img193/7454/dsc4759copy.jpg)
Title: Re: Tink: My '89 Mini
Post by: 94touring on April 10, 2013, 09:43:17 AM
Looks good to me!
Title: Re: Tink: My '89 Mini
Post by: Mudhen on April 10, 2013, 11:28:02 AM
Quote from: MtyMous on April 09, 2013, 08:00:39 PM
I'm thinking I might go with this color instead.

Easier to get a consistent paint job because the Cadillac has a second layer of pure aluminum flake... not so easy to lay down consistently... unless you're a robot. haha.

If you'd like to duplicate it just paint it gray...then drive around on wet, salted roads.  Especially the mirrors....easy.

Bada bing!
Title: Re: Tink: My '89 Mini
Post by: MtyMous on April 13, 2013, 11:19:05 PM
More progress

(http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8115/8646550031_fcccfeb819_z.jpg)

And unfortunately... more rust. Directly in front of the rear wheel, and above that on the rear window sill.

Are you taking notes, dan? haha.


But I've been seriously contemplating the idea of a steel flip front, though.

I really like the idea of something like this.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U0jIVofhNXE (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U0jIVofhNXE)

Title: Re: Tink: My '89 Mini
Post by: 94touring on April 14, 2013, 02:45:30 AM
More rust, check.   ;D
Title: Re: Tink: My '89 Mini
Post by: 94touring on April 14, 2013, 08:48:35 AM
I will say its a good feeling knowing I will have all the panels in the shop ready to go on. 
Title: Re: Tink: My '89 Mini
Post by: MtyMous on April 15, 2013, 08:53:34 PM
Alright... the roof is almost completely stripped.
Title: Re: Tink: My '89 Mini
Post by: 94touring on April 15, 2013, 09:22:43 PM
Are you using a lot of chemical strippers or a DA?
Title: Re: Tink: My '89 Mini
Post by: MtyMous on April 16, 2013, 05:58:21 AM
chemical stripper on the large flat areas, but not on any seams. And the paint and bondo is so thick that I have to strip with the DA after chemical stripping anyway. And I plan on finding a media blaster for the interior and hard to reach areas. So a good wash and clean eventually before any body work is done anyway. It's your concern bleedback? I'm trying as much as possible to avoid this.
Title: Re: Tink: My '89 Mini
Post by: 94touring on April 16, 2013, 06:02:42 AM
Nah just curious what your method is.
Title: Re: Tink: My '89 Mini
Post by: MtyMous on April 16, 2013, 08:00:16 AM
Well I don't really like chemical if I can avoid it. It's messy. but with so much paint and bondo, it's a necessary evil. but a medium grit on a DA gives you no paint, and a sanded surface for paint. ein win.
Title: Re: Tink: My '89 Mini
Post by: MtyMous on April 17, 2013, 07:41:23 PM
Bought some parts this week. Gaskets, small little pieces for when it gets buttoned back up, but then another larger item.. Kind of the direction I'm going with the interior.

Upper dash rail.

(http://i.ebayimg.com/t/Austin-Classic-Mini-Carbon-Fiber-Top-Dash-Rail-/00/s/MTIwMFgxNjAw/z/drMAAMXQ9qpRXHTM/$T2eC16V,!)kE9s4Z+z48BR(HTL(+Ow~~60_57.JPG)

(http://i.ebayimg.com/t/Austin-Classic-Mini-Carbon-Fiber-Top-Dash-Rail-/00/s/MTIwMFgxNjAw/z/7KkAAMXQvJVRXHTG/$T2eC16R,!zEE9s3!(YhsBR(HTGLhqg~~60_57.JPG)
Title: Re: Tink: My '89 Mini
Post by: 94touring on April 17, 2013, 07:44:10 PM
Sweet.
Title: Re: Tink: My '89 Mini
Post by: MtyMous on June 08, 2013, 09:29:14 AM
Well things slowed down when work really picked up. I'm still trying to find as much time as I can to sand it down. I'm about 3/4 done sanding the exterior. Then I'll put a coat of epoxy primer on it to seal it up. But there are some more small rusted areas that I've discovered. I've gotta get some pictures when I get back in town.

I've also put together a parts list of all the things I'm going to need. So now I know roughly what I'm gonna be spending in parts.
Title: Re: Tink: My '89 Mini
Post by: 94touring on June 08, 2013, 09:31:29 AM
Thanks for the update man.  Glad you didn't get blown away!
Title: Re: Tink: My '89 Mini
Post by: MtyMous on June 20, 2013, 10:03:56 PM
Well... I've been working to get things as stripped as possible... and I think I'm just about to that point with what I can do to the body in my own garage. I'm still going to try to take the sound deadening off of the floor inside, and remove a few more parts.. Then it's time to get her over to a certain someone to start working on the body.

Anyway... Here's the carnage as it sits right now. There is a lot of good metal on the car. Just... not the stuff I'm showing you. haha. Oh, and the entire front lower nose panel probably needs to be replaced.

I think I've decided on keeping all bumpers and seams. Anyway, here's the massive photo dump.

Inside Left Door:
(http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2822/9098349296_dccb7f4dab_c.jpg)
(http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7420/9096118679_e2db6b66c8_c.jpg)
(http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5328/9096119447_1ea1b51aa3_c.jpg)

Left Door Jamb and behind dash:
(http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5328/9096119447_1ea1b51aa3_c.jpg)
(http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5513/9096121815_b7f90ae721_c.jpg)

Right door:
(http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3696/9098373648_b837ab6a51_c.jpg)
(http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7419/9098374338_88a2af5e1a_c.jpg)
(http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3678/9098375096_a655188584_c.jpg)


Left Floor (sound deadening still on):
(http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2879/9098352548_1d0a2724a6_c.jpg)

Left rear bin:
(http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5518/9098356286_5a919afe82_c.jpg)

Left rear quarter rust on sill:
(http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7441/9096126229_e09336eafa_c.jpg)

Right rear quarter rust on sill:
(http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7282/9096132127_97ce7e74a4_c.jpg)
(http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7425/9098362820_3fd799a85b_c.jpg)

Right rear quarter rust lower:
(http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7425/9098362820_3fd799a85b_c.jpg)
(http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3741/9096130191_8becd623cb_c.jpg)

Right rear bin inside:
(http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5447/9098379980_5b6fb578ee_c.jpg)
(http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5335/9098381600_0c7d19c1bd_c.jpg)

Right boot floor:
(http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3749/9096134993_ab83e321b2_c.jpg)
(http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7420/9096133027_4f629877b1_c.jpg)

Right boot seam:
(http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7289/9098368804_a8b1850775_c.jpg)
(http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3698/9098369280_a5957740bf_z.jpg)

Left boot floor:
(http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7298/9098367170_24b838fcfe_c.jpg)
(http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3784/9096136777_1f4b62bcd5_c.jpg)

Left boot seam:
(http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7289/9096147723_ae6370fd91_c.jpg)

Under boot floor:
(http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7299/9098370000_eb43e8bc0e_c.jpg)
(http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5517/9096139073_9593a12ea2_c.jpg)
(http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5537/9096139911_6e06878237_c.jpg)
(http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5349/9096140737_38aaa9393a_c.jpg)

Front sill:
(http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3767/9098376144_7a9de08840_c.jpg)
(http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5529/9096145173_801608638b_c.jpg)
(http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5340/9098377432_ac5a59d6b1_c.jpg)

Top drip rail left rear:
(http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7361/9098378586_bd853670f5_c.jpg)

Top drip rail left front:
(http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3702/9098378090_b6337087ba_c.jpg)



Oh.. and getting some measurements on my new calipers.
(http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7331/9098360446_bcd8d4e837_c.jpg)
(http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7331/9098360446_bcd8d4e837_c.jpg)

Title: Re: Tink: My '89 Mini
Post by: Mudhen on June 21, 2013, 03:13:58 AM
That thing is suweet!

My dad was an engineer so I have all sorts of calipers.

Not one of which I can figure out how to read.  50.gif
Title: Re: Tink: My '89 Mini
Post by: Willie_B on June 21, 2013, 04:21:59 AM
So, that looks like about 30 minutes of body work the way Dan seems to do it.  :o
Title: Re: Tink: My '89 Mini
Post by: 94touring on June 21, 2013, 07:10:55 AM
So a little more rust, but not too bad.   Start making a list!
Title: Re: Tink: My '89 Mini
Post by: MtyMous on June 21, 2013, 08:30:28 AM
I've got a list going.  I honestly think thats it for the rust though. Should be just paint stripping after this.
Title: Re: Tink: My '89 Mini
Post by: MtyMous on July 09, 2013, 09:56:15 PM
I've decided that I want to use

"Sparkling Graphite Metallic" for the grey paint. Code 1C6

DuPont lists them as:
Paint Code      Formula    Cromax Pro Chip
BMW A22         777101       A.40.3093
BMW A22         773067       A.40.3094
BMW A22         786636       A.40.3095
BMW A22         805329       A.40.3096
BMW A22         746649       A.40.3097
BMW A22         828279       A.40.3098
BMW A22         849689       A.40.3099

(http://img40.imageshack.us/img40/3189/e39006.jpg)

(http://www.e90post.com/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=63864&stc=1&d=1174079408)
Title: Re: Tink: My '89 Mini
Post by: MtyMous on July 12, 2013, 09:25:47 PM
Well, Tink is at "Summer Camp" haha. Dropped her off at mini heaven to get the repairs done. Pretty excited about it. Can't wait to see the good work Dan does on her.

Here's some pictures before I dropped her off.

(http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3693/9271835077_fbe131eeb8_c.jpg)

(http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7360/9271835457_01b7dc0e35_c.jpg)

(http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3743/9271836189_9248232001_c.jpg)

(http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3742/9274622884_2a556f1bd6_c.jpg)

(http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5334/9271836559_d45fd2f8fd_c.jpg)


By the way, removing the Dynamat (butyl rubber and aluminum sound deadening material) is a GIGANTIC pain in the butt.

(http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3830/9271835845_e2b51cf336_c.jpg)
Title: Re: Tink: My '89 Mini
Post by: MtyMous on July 12, 2013, 09:44:28 PM
Dan, I meant to tell you. I talked with my buddy who owns a pro paint shop back home. He's the one that recommended I put the WD-40 on the bare metal. He said before you prime it, you should just use some laquer thinner. One wipe to clean all the muck off, and two more to clean all the residue. Not sure if you were gonna sand blast off the rest of the seams and areas that I couldn't sand before you coat it, or just prime it and then sand through it later.

Anyway, just thought I'd give you that tip if you didn't already know it.
Title: Re: Tink: My '89 Mini
Post by: 94touring on July 13, 2013, 04:37:33 AM
Cool thanks.  Yeah I haved degreaser that will get the job done.
Title: Re: Tink: My '89 Mini
Post by: MtyMous on July 13, 2013, 08:38:38 AM
Awesome. My guy was giving me advice based on being in my garage without the real proper space and tools. haha. You've got the space and cool stuff to play with.
Title: Re: Tink: My '89 Mini
Post by: 94touring on July 13, 2013, 10:02:42 AM
Its nice that you have it greased up to keep it from surface rusting.  It sucks when you have to resand a car that's already been sanded. 
Title: Re: Tink: My '89 Mini
Post by: dutchy1978 on July 13, 2013, 03:19:13 PM
Nice truck you have to tow Tink with. It will be back in your hands in no time.
Nice work so far.
Title: Re: Tink: My '89 Mini
Post by: MtyMous on July 13, 2013, 11:13:03 PM
Quote from: dutchy1978 on July 13, 2013, 03:19:13 PM
Nice truck you have to tow Tink with. It will be back in your hands in no time.
Nice work so far.

Thanks Dutchy.  The truck was my first love. haha. Used  to be quite fast. Now  it's my daily driver.
Title: Re: Tink: My '89 Mini
Post by: dutchy1978 on July 14, 2013, 05:19:31 AM
Quote from: MtyMous on July 13, 2013, 11:13:03 PM
Quote from: dutchy1978 on July 13, 2013, 03:19:13 PM
Nice truck you have to tow Tink with. It will be back in your hands in no time.
Nice work so far.

Thanks Dutchy.  The truck was my first love. haha. Used  to be quite fast. Now  it's my daily driver.

Looks fast and tough! My other love outside my mini is my boat. unfortunately my towing vehicle isn't quite as cool as yours. does the job though.

(http://i237.photobucket.com/albums/ff234/dutchy1978/8daaeb0cc3956ba0ffdea8c8932b120a_zps2266cfbc.jpg)
Title: Re: Tink: My '89 Mini
Post by: MtyMous on July 14, 2013, 07:43:20 AM
I like the boat. Been thinking about getting a boat lately, but I think I'd rather just get Tink in the best shape I can. Then go from there. Besides, hauling a boat around in the Air Force is kind of a pain.
Title: Re: Tink: My '89 Mini
Post by: MtyMous on July 24, 2013, 09:31:02 PM
I'm thinking of going with a paintable undercoating. Been looking around, and it seems like it's the best option.

Dan, I'm also trying to track down the exact formula for the paint. Which of the following paints are you using? I thought you were using the ChromaBase for basecoat. If this isn't right, let me know. If it is correct, then the paint info is in the photo I've attached.


Title: Re: Tink: My '89 Mini
Post by: 94touring on July 24, 2013, 09:39:04 PM
That's it.  Put a few pieces we need on order to get this front end redone.
Title: Re: Tink: My '89 Mini
Post by: MtyMous on July 24, 2013, 09:49:15 PM
awesome. Were you able to find that brake hose/clutch hose piece on the firewall?
Title: Re: Tink: My '89 Mini
Post by: 94touring on July 25, 2013, 04:04:04 AM
Sure wasn't but I think I can salvage yours.
Title: Re: Tink: My '89 Mini
Post by: 94touring on July 26, 2013, 12:39:20 PM
Took your front end panels off today, sealer primed, and filler primed.  I was surprised at how weak the welds were on the side that was redone!  It was almost too easy to remove. 

(http://www.restorationmini.com/forum/MGalleryItem.php?id=1645)

Title: Re: Tink: My '89 Mini
Post by: MtyMous on July 26, 2013, 11:58:07 PM
Well, I'm glad they were easy to take off. It's disheartening to hear that they were bad in the first place though. The work that was done previously is NOT up to my level of satisfaction. It was done by a "professional" shop... or at least that's what they are calling themselves.

Anyway, thanks for the update. Love having pictures of the whole process.

4.gif 71.gif
Title: Re: Tink: My '89 Mini
Post by: 94touring on August 15, 2013, 08:40:32 PM
Got the windscreen scuttle and a couple of the other odds and ends I needed.  The scuttle got beat up during shipping but looks like its gona be ok.   :-[
Title: Re: Tink: My '89 Mini
Post by: 94touring on August 16, 2013, 05:09:24 PM
Figured I'd test fit while I was waiting for primer to dry on the Tahiti blue car.  Front end was dead on with the mounts that screw into it and everything else fell into place from there. 

(http://www.restorationmini.com/forum/MGalleryItem.php?id=1654)
Title: Re: Tink: My '89 Mini
Post by: Mudhen on August 17, 2013, 01:18:40 AM
Damn you with those new panels.  Damn you.
Title: Re: Tink: My '89 Mini
Post by: MtyMous on August 17, 2013, 07:21:22 AM
That looks freaking awesome man. I'm so pumped to see progress on this. Can't wait to see more on this. I know you're pretty busy with the other projects right now. I have a couple things I'll talk to you about off channel.

But that looks AWESOME!
Title: Re: Tink: My '89 Mini
Post by: 94touring on August 17, 2013, 03:34:22 PM
Quote from: Mudhen on August 17, 2013, 01:18:40 AM
Damn you with those new panels.  Damn you.

I just added a battery box to the store for you, pretty sure I remember you saying you needed one.
Title: Re: Tink: My '89 Mini
Post by: Mudhen on August 18, 2013, 04:40:44 AM
Quote from: 94touring on August 17, 2013, 03:34:22 PM
Quote from: Mudhen on August 17, 2013, 01:18:40 AM
Damn you with those new panels.  Damn you.

I just added a battery box to the store for you, pretty sure I remember you saying you needed one.

I think I'm going to use some sort of small race battery...so my plan is to get a measurement and chop the battery box in half/quarter to just fit.  Now leave me alone with your high pressure sales tactics!   ;D
Title: Re: Tink: My '89 Mini
Post by: MPlayle on August 18, 2013, 07:05:43 AM
Just partition a full size battery box and use the other half for tool storage.

Title: Re: Tink: My '89 Mini
Post by: 94touring on August 18, 2013, 08:27:54 AM
Or beer storage.
Title: Re: Tink: My '89 Mini
Post by: MtyMous on September 07, 2013, 03:27:18 PM
Lets see how this turns out.

(http://www.lizardskin.com/assets/images/car-insulation-products2013.png)
Title: Re: Tink: My '89 Mini
Post by: 94touring on September 07, 2013, 04:04:15 PM
Very cool.  I'm interested to see how well it works.
Title: Re: Tink: My '89 Mini
Post by: MtyMous on September 07, 2013, 10:03:59 PM
Dan, Most of the reviews on the install seems like it's pretty straight forward if you get a good gun. I opted for the professional series gun... go big or go home I guess. haha. I'll probably use the gun in the future to buy more product and do any parts that you aren't able to do with the 2 gallons of each product that I'm sending to you.
Title: Re: Tink: My '89 Mini
Post by: MtyMous on September 17, 2013, 06:20:56 PM
Sent that "boxing panel" we talked about. Should be there tomorrow.
Title: Re: Tink: My '89 Mini
Post by: 94touring on September 17, 2013, 07:23:39 PM
Cool I'll be in town.
Title: Re: Tink: My '89 Mini
Post by: MtyMous on September 19, 2013, 05:19:26 PM
Did you get all of the shipments?
Title: Re: Tink: My '89 Mini
Post by: 94touring on September 19, 2013, 05:59:41 PM
I'll swing by where my mail gets delivered tomorrow.  I was already half way home today when I thought to get it.
Title: Re: Tink: My '89 Mini
Post by: 94touring on September 20, 2013, 07:55:12 AM
Lizard skin and box panel are here.
Title: Re: Tink: My '89 Mini
Post by: MtyMous on October 20, 2013, 08:52:24 PM
Hey, I forgot what you said about how you were going to repair the inner wing on the left side where the fan grid is rusted. Did you get an entire sill, or just parts?
Title: Re: Tink: My '89 Mini
Post by: 94touring on October 21, 2013, 02:57:22 AM
That will get some cleaning up to determine how much more rust is actually there.  Otherwise I can simply fab the one obvious section, leaving in as much of the original as possible.   Getting pretty close to getting to your car though.
Title: Re: Tink: My '89 Mini
Post by: MtyMous on October 21, 2013, 12:35:11 PM
Cool deal. Just wanted to check in. Couldn't remember if we had talked about it or not.
Title: Re: Tink: My '89 Mini
Post by: 94touring on December 12, 2013, 07:23:24 PM
Your car gets hauled into the shop tomorrow to get block sanding on whats been primered thus far.  Planning on having a shell primer party this week if I can ever get Flur done.   
Title: Re: Tink: My '89 Mini
Post by: MtyMous on December 12, 2013, 10:27:00 PM
Rock on!. I plan on having some group 5 race arches delivered to your place soon. Decided I don't want to have the sportspack arches on there if I end up going with 10" wheels.
Title: Re: Tink: My '89 Mini
Post by: MtyMous on January 16, 2014, 10:51:38 PM
So I may not have a mini to drive around at this moment, but it doesn't mean I'm not doing anything.

Building a set of LED tail lights. Brake, Turn, and Reverse. It's still on the bench and need to purchase components. I'll keep you guys updated as that build comes along. There's also a lot of things on the interior (small pieces) that I'm considering doing. Modulated LED strips for interior lighting. Something in a soft white and pretty subtle just to light up the car a bit. I want it to fade in and out when the doors are opened.

Then there's the matter of all the trim pieces. They are all chrome. And it will look a bit off with my new color/accent scheme. So what's a guy to do? Well... here's what I'm doing to all of my chrome trim. It is VERY labor intensive and irreversible. haha.

(http://i1249.photobucket.com/albums/hh518/Cameron_Dale/Your%20Cars/Tink/Tink%20Work/20140116_221457.jpg)

(http://i1249.photobucket.com/albums/hh518/Cameron_Dale/Your%20Cars/Tink/Tink%20Work/20140116_220929.jpg)

(http://i1249.photobucket.com/albums/hh518/Cameron_Dale/Your%20Cars/Tink/Tink%20Work/20140116_220912.jpg)

(http://i1249.photobucket.com/albums/hh518/Cameron_Dale/Your%20Cars/Tink/Tink%20Work/20140116_220907.jpg)

I'm really digging the way it's turning out. This was just half of one bumper. haha. It took me almost an hour. Still gotta do the door handles, boot handle, grille, headlight rings, side skirt trim piece, tail lights, and I'm sure I'm missing something here. haha.
Title: Re: Tink: My '89 Mini
Post by: wevebeenhad on January 17, 2014, 12:49:15 AM
What's your process, I've thought of doing the same thing.
Title: Re: Tink: My '89 Mini
Post by: Mudhen on January 17, 2014, 04:32:10 AM
That looks incredible!   4.gif
Title: Re: Tink: My '89 Mini
Post by: MtyMous on January 17, 2014, 05:52:09 AM
Process is tedious and irreversible. Lol. Scotch brite pad and a lot of elbow grease. Took me about an hour to do half a bumper. You can use a dremel to do some of the work, but it is very easy to screw up the grain and burn through the chrome. I haven't seen this done before on a mini, so I figured I would give it a try. What's the worst that could happen? Haha. Have to buy all brand new trim, handles, bumpers, headlight rings..... haha
Title: Re: Tink: My '89 Mini
Post by: 94touring on January 17, 2014, 06:03:10 AM
I know a guy who sells anything you screw up lol.
Title: Re: Tink: My '89 Mini
Post by: MtyMous on January 17, 2014, 09:55:30 AM
Haha. Dan, I might have to grab some stuff from you anyway. My chrome is old, tired, and pitted. (Sounds like a lot of guys on other mini forums. Haha) So what i'm doing is a last ditch effort to save some money and metal. I'm trying to go deep enough to get the pits out, but some of it is into the nickel plate so there may be a slight color difference. We'll just have to see what I find. Can't wait to see it on the new paint scheme.
Title: Re: Tink: My '89 Mini
Post by: MtyMous on January 23, 2014, 08:48:19 PM
Dan, how much of a hassle would it be to chop the front license plate brackets off before you weld everything up and paint it?
Title: Re: Tink: My '89 Mini
Post by: 94touring on January 23, 2014, 10:15:29 PM
License plate removal, two minutes. 
Title: Re: Tink: My '89 Mini
Post by: MtyMous on January 24, 2014, 01:05:31 PM
I was expecting a "2 minutes... But it'll cost ya." Haha
Title: Re: Tink: My '89 Mini
Post by: 94touring on January 24, 2014, 07:59:14 PM
2 minutes and 200 dollars!   If I charged for every little thing all my rebuilds would cost 50k plus.
Title: Re: Tink: My '89 Mini
Post by: 94touring on February 15, 2014, 03:45:43 PM
Ok I cleaned up the shop and paint booth.  Rolling this car back in Next week.  I'm ready to get my body work on.  It will be refreshing to do metal work instead of upholstery and car reassembly!
Title: Re: Tink: My '89 Mini
Post by: MtyMous on February 15, 2014, 11:18:27 PM
Best news EVER!
Title: Re: Tink: My '89 Mini
Post by: 94touring on February 21, 2014, 06:59:29 PM
Ok started the metal work.  Removed the rear subby also to get in the knooks and crannies. 

(http://www.restorationmini.com/forum/MGalleryItem.php?id=1807)

(http://www.restorationmini.com/forum/MGalleryItem.php?id=1808)

(http://www.restorationmini.com/forum/MGalleryItem.php?id=1809)

(http://www.restorationmini.com/forum/MGalleryItem.php?id=1814)

(http://www.restorationmini.com/forum/MGalleryItem.php?id=1812)

(http://www.restorationmini.com/forum/MGalleryItem.php?id=1810)
Title: Re: Tink: My '89 Mini
Post by: MtyMous on February 22, 2014, 12:24:59 AM
(http://img.pandawhale.com/54838-Waynes-World-Excellent-gif-1Hbv.gif)

Awesome man. Did the subframe put up any fights?
Title: Re: Tink: My '89 Mini
Post by: 94touring on February 22, 2014, 06:13:54 AM
For the most part no, but the bracketry used for adjustments blocked the lower bolt on the front trunions. 
Title: Re: Tink: My '89 Mini
Post by: MtyMous on February 22, 2014, 10:11:28 AM
Hmm. I'll have to take a look at that. The PO installed them and I've never dropped the subframes. So I'm sure I'll have the same problem when I take them out to paint the subframes myself. lol
Title: Re: Tink: My '89 Mini
Post by: 94touring on February 22, 2014, 10:21:58 AM
Yeah I had to trim the one tab to get a wrench in there.  It's doable just tight.  The bracket is welded to the main piece, which can't just be taken off with the subby in place.   One bolt is inacessable.    Was going to do rear end work today but my throat is killing me.  Back next week.  5 days off to get tons done.  Last half of March off too.  Painted in no time.   Sold out of my last set of door jamb panels yesterday and need a set to do your front end.  So ordered that and doing various other errands.  Will you want the sub frames left off?  Figured you'd want to clean them up. 
Title: Re: Tink: My '89 Mini
Post by: MtyMous on February 22, 2014, 12:40:22 PM
Nah. You can pop the subframes back on. I will need to remove them, but that will be a little ways down the road once I get her home. They will likely be completely refinished, but for now I've gotta be able to wheel it into the garage and wheel it around to work on it. haha. I don't have the luxury of a barn.
Title: Re: Tink: My '89 Mini
Post by: MPlayle on February 22, 2014, 01:29:08 PM
(http://www.harborfreight.com/media/catalog/product/cache/1/image/9df78eab33525d08d6e5fb8d27136e95/i/m/image_20471.jpg)
Title: Re: Tink: My '89 Mini
Post by: 94touring on February 22, 2014, 02:29:59 PM
I was going to suggest a dolly.  I can make you one for cheap.  I just carried the automatic shell into the shop by hand with a helper.   Then set it on the cart.
Title: Re: Tink: My '89 Mini
Post by: MtyMous on February 22, 2014, 07:59:21 PM
Hmm. You may be on to something. how would one go about safely transporting that on a trailer then?
Title: Re: Tink: My '89 Mini
Post by: 94touring on February 23, 2014, 06:55:26 AM
Put down something soft for it to sit on, then strap it down.  Could use a few different points that would keep the straps free of the new paint.
Title: Re: Tink: My '89 Mini
Post by: 94touring on February 23, 2014, 06:57:33 AM
Oh...you still want the license plate brackets removed right?
Title: Re: Tink: My '89 Mini
Post by: MtyMous on February 23, 2014, 12:56:18 PM
correctamundo.
Title: Re: Tink: My '89 Mini
Post by: 94touring on February 24, 2014, 08:17:41 AM
The inner door jam and wing I'm out of stock on to do your front shipped this morning.   Should be perfect timing for when I get back.
Title: Re: Tink: My '89 Mini
Post by: MtyMous on February 24, 2014, 06:30:57 PM
Sounds great. I've made up a list just so I can keep tack of everything. haha. I'll send it to you in an e-mail so you can see it and let me know what I'm missing. haha.
Title: Re: Tink: My '89 Mini
Post by: 94touring on February 25, 2014, 07:09:22 AM
Ok sounds good. 
Title: Re: Tink: My '89 Mini
Post by: 94touring on March 01, 2014, 08:44:56 AM
Did a little work on the rear end yesterday.  I'm still under the weather and the actual weather is suppose to get down to freezing ass cold again, so we'll see how much I actually get done this week.  But here are some pics.  I noticed you have an oversill on the right side, can't remember if you told me that before or not, but I'm taking that off and putting on a sill that will have open vents.  I ordered two heritage inner wings on the vent side thinking it was the whole wing forward of the shock mount with the lip on the top channel...of course not.  Just the vent section minus the gutter.  But will work fine to repair your side.  Was just hoping to replace the whole inner wing in one shot to save some extra welding. 

Left side corner forward of the wheel well cut out and fabbed back in. 

(http://www.restorationmini.com/forum/MGalleryItem.php?id=1815)

(http://www.restorationmini.com/forum/MGalleryItem.php?id=1819)

(http://www.restorationmini.com/forum/MGalleryItem.php?id=1817)

Welded up the plethora of holes back there too!

(http://www.restorationmini.com/forum/MGalleryItem.php?id=1818)

Need to do a little more wire wheeling on the closing panel but the majority of it was solid.  One minor rotten area above it, nothing crazy.

(http://www.restorationmini.com/forum/MGalleryItem.php?id=1820)

(http://www.restorationmini.com/forum/MGalleryItem.php?id=1821)

For the other side however, its trashed out.  This will take a lot of work.  Essentially lopped off the whole corner. 

(http://www.restorationmini.com/forum/MGalleryItem.php?id=1822)

(http://www.restorationmini.com/forum/MGalleryItem.php?id=1823)

Other corner forward of the wheel well fixed up easily.

(http://www.restorationmini.com/forum/MGalleryItem.php?id=1824)

(http://www.restorationmini.com/forum/MGalleryItem.php?id=1825)



 

 

Title: Re: Tink: My '89 Mini
Post by: MtyMous on March 01, 2014, 10:49:36 AM
Wow. Really making some progress on such a crappy day. I got out a bit today here in OKC and it's drizzling and just plain miserable. It's awesome to see the progress as it happens. I really appreciate you taking pictures and documenting this. It's going to be in a scrap book that I'll keep with the car.

I honestly didn't know about the oversill. Not too happy about it, as it was probably installed by the crappy shop that did some repair work from an accident. I truly appreciate the depth of effort you put into this and all of your restorations.

I think I've had more people ask me when I'm gonna get my mini back in the last month than the entire time it's been gone. My answer is "I'm not too worried about what day I get it back. I'm sure I'll get it back when it's done right."
Title: Re: Tink: My '89 Mini
Post by: 94touring on March 01, 2014, 04:19:26 PM
Yeah threw me off when I saw one normal sill and one over sill.  I made the dolly for it today and got it on that and rolled it out of the booth.  I ended up having to paint a cowling and some other panels for a tractor today.  Ice storm tonight I guess?
Title: Re: Tink: My '89 Mini
Post by: Mudhen on March 01, 2014, 06:57:42 PM
Quote from: 94touring on March 01, 2014, 04:19:26 PM
I ended up having to paint a cowling and some other panels for a tractor today.

Restorationtractor forum now!

I love tractors... 4.gif
Title: Re: Tink: My '89 Mini
Post by: 94touring on March 01, 2014, 07:10:49 PM
John deer green!
Title: Re: Tink: My '89 Mini
Post by: 94touring on March 02, 2014, 08:57:43 PM
Yeah it's cold.   Been sleeting and snowing all day here.  Zero degrees forcast for tomorrow morning. 
Title: Re: Tink: My '89 Mini
Post by: MtyMous on March 02, 2014, 09:12:04 PM
Yeah. It's ridiculous here in OKC as well. -10° wind chill as we speak, and you're just up the road.
Title: Re: Tink: My '89 Mini
Post by: 94touring on March 03, 2014, 09:14:21 AM
Well I stayed at my girlfriends last night and got stuck on the way home this morning.  Luckily 4 ladies working at the state farm at the end of the road where I got hung up in snow came and pushed me out.  They were singing like a good neighbor state farm is there while they pushed.  It was pretty funny.  Then I saw a guy spin out on the highway a few moments later.  Took me a couple tries to get into my parking garage due to the incline into the upper deck.   47.gif 
Title: Re: Tink: My '89 Mini
Post by: MtyMous on March 06, 2014, 07:55:58 PM
I eluded to a possible mod that I'm going to be doing on the mini. Interior lights!! Not that big of a deal, right? A few wires and it's all done... right? WRONG! I'm going a step further. I want my new classic to have some modern features. I'm not a huge shop or a professional restorer, so it's all baby steps.


Here's the interior lights I'm installing. I put them in my truck and made the interior lights fade in and out. LED light strip in the footwell to add some more visibility. And it's all warm colored LED's so it has a more luxurious feel to it. Watch the video all the way to the end to see them fade off. It's only like 30 seconds but it feels like a year. Sorry.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TMoNOxlqaMQ&list=UUp5tKTYadZXlvsz-rxpKEIw (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TMoNOxlqaMQ&list=UUp5tKTYadZXlvsz-rxpKEIw)


I hope they turn out just as good on the mini. Might try different locations.
Title: Re: Tink: My '89 Mini
Post by: 94touring on March 07, 2014, 10:23:12 AM
That's cool.  So they don't tap into the door sensor for the interior light?
Title: Re: Tink: My '89 Mini
Post by: Jims5543 on March 07, 2014, 01:30:44 PM
Those LED's are pretty trick. Nice touch.

I had a 2001 Audi A6 that has floor lighting that could be adjusted. It was a neat feature.

Title: Re: Tink: My '89 Mini
Post by: MtyMous on March 07, 2014, 03:07:13 PM
These ones that I made for my truck in the video don't. They tap into a signal wire from doors, a dash switch, door locks, alarm, and a couple other things. So they were significantly more complex. I had to built a PWM circuit that would allow them to fade and also turn on at full brightness if I chose to do so with the dash. I wanted dash control not just the doors as a trigger. There are instances at night when it's nice to use them for extra light without having to open the door.

Now on Tink it will be interesting. I will probably have to use more than one trigger source. But I will also still want a dash switch of some kind. And might take the dash lighting a bit further as well.
Title: Re: Tink: My '89 Mini
Post by: 94touring on March 07, 2014, 03:15:24 PM
I'm just glad you're doing it and not asking me to lol.  Wiring up the spot lamps with variable positions was hard enough for me. 
Title: Re: Tink: My '89 Mini
Post by: Mudhen on March 07, 2014, 03:27:02 PM
Mood lighting...a little Barry playing...hanging with your girl at Make-Out Point...I get it.

Can't get enough of your love, baby.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x0I6mhZ5wMw (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x0I6mhZ5wMw)
Title: Re: Tink: My '89 Mini
Post by: MtyMous on March 11, 2014, 03:47:23 PM
So... would you be able to fill the hole where the current antenna is (front center of the roof) if I promised to bring a 6 pack of your favorite beer when I get the car? I currently have no plans to have a radio in the car, and if I do want one later, I've found some pretty trick digital interior antennas that wouldn't require an outside antenna.
Title: Re: Tink: My '89 Mini
Post by: 94touring on March 11, 2014, 06:12:50 PM
Plug all holes,  got it.  I put an interior antenna behind the dash on flur too.
Title: Re: Tink: My '89 Mini
Post by: MtyMous on March 11, 2014, 07:12:18 PM
Well, not ALL holes. I still need windows and stuff. lol.

How did that in dash antenna work? I'm really not looking to use a radio at all. I enjoyed 4 years in that car with no radio, and I think I could keep on that course. But if I did something in the future it would be a hidden system that only has aux input. That's it. So I need to find something that fits that bill.
Title: Re: Tink: My '89 Mini
Post by: joltfreak on March 11, 2014, 07:55:31 PM
Nether of my minis have radios. If I wanted music, I just listened to my iPhone with some earbuds on
Title: Re: Tink: My '89 Mini
Post by: 94touring on March 11, 2014, 08:12:08 PM
Worked really simple.   Just stuff it behind the dash lol.
Title: Re: Tink: My '89 Mini
Post by: Mudhen on March 12, 2014, 02:27:45 AM
Back in high school when I put a radio in my '65 is how I learned the true meaning of positive ground. :-[
Title: Re: Tink: My '89 Mini
Post by: MtyMous on March 12, 2014, 07:19:22 AM
Haha. Yeah, I hardly listen to the really nice sound system in my truck. Plus Tink will likely have SC gears and a throaty exhaust venting a 1380. Probably won't be able to hear it anyway.
Title: Re: Tink: My '89 Mini
Post by: 94touring on March 12, 2014, 08:16:07 AM
I had the stereo blasting in flur on my drive.  I like a nice stereo system.   I loved those torpedo style tweeters I found too. 
Title: Re: Tink: My '89 Mini
Post by: Chase on March 12, 2014, 08:22:35 PM
Hey buddy, Thanks so much introducing me to this place. Well you and Andrew haha. I always love your progress. I cant wait to see more. We shall talk soon.
Title: Re: Tink: My '89 Mini
Post by: MtyMous on March 13, 2014, 05:39:14 AM
No problem. I'm all about getting the word out about this place. Dan does awesome work. I try to share a lot of what's going on with Tink, but this is the best source here. Haha. Hopefully Dan can help you out with parts/panels as much as he helped out Andrew.
Title: Re: Tink: My '89 Mini
Post by: 94touring on March 13, 2014, 05:52:20 AM
Thanks.  I have another crate on the way panels, let me know what you need. There will be lots done next week.   I'm finally better and I have lots of time off. 
Title: Re: Tink: My '89 Mini
Post by: 94touring on March 16, 2014, 04:52:24 PM
Right rear corner repair completed.  Did a ton of fab. 

The setup to make the repair piece.

(http://www.restorationmini.com/forum/MGalleryItem.php?id=1828)

Then I made this. 

(http://www.restorationmini.com/forum/MGalleryItem.php?id=1829)

(http://www.restorationmini.com/forum/MGalleryItem.php?id=1830)

Welded into place.

(http://www.restorationmini.com/forum/MGalleryItem.php?id=1831)

(http://www.restorationmini.com/forum/MGalleryItem.php?id=1833)

(http://www.restorationmini.com/forum/MGalleryItem.php?id=1834)



Title: Re: Tink: My '89 Mini
Post by: Mudhen on March 16, 2014, 05:16:41 PM
 4.gif

Wicked.
Title: Re: Tink: My '89 Mini
Post by: MtyMous on March 16, 2014, 09:59:02 PM
Fantastic
Title: Re: Tink: My '89 Mini
Post by: 94touring on March 17, 2014, 06:41:52 PM
Got the rear end done.  Fixed the other corner since it had a touch of rot too, and found an area in the center I didn't like so redid that.  Won't have a big nasty patch to look at now.  Started in on the front too with this grill.  Sure would have been nice if it had come with the gutter, but oh well.  Works but more grinding and welding than I would have preferred. 

(http://www.restorationmini.com/forum/MGalleryItem.php?id=1839)

(http://www.restorationmini.com/forum/MGalleryItem.php?id=1836)

(http://www.restorationmini.com/forum/MGalleryItem.php?id=1837)

(http://www.restorationmini.com/forum/MGalleryItem.php?id=1838)

(http://www.restorationmini.com/forum/MGalleryItem.php?id=1841)

(http://www.restorationmini.com/forum/MGalleryItem.php?id=1842)
Title: Re: Tink: My '89 Mini
Post by: MtyMous on March 17, 2014, 09:46:40 PM
This is looking really awesome, Dan. I'm really glad you're working on this. You do great work and you really go the extra mile. I'm confident that when I get my car back it will be rust free, straight, and done the right way. You really have an eye for the details.
Title: Re: Tink: My '89 Mini
Post by: 94touring on March 18, 2014, 07:20:51 AM
Thanks man.  I try lol.  Now's the time to fix the little things like that boot patch or the overcill. 
Title: Re: Tink: My '89 Mini
Post by: 94touring on March 19, 2014, 06:09:28 PM
I took yesterday off so I could put tires on my car and change the oil.  Got a lot tackled on the front today though.  Had to remove the whole corner and up into the door frame.  Cleaned out the inside, primed and painted, then put back together.  The cills had been replaced at one time and there were a couple layers of lip.  I removed all the excess metal in the process on the area I replaced.   

(http://www.restorationmini.com/forum/MGalleryItem.php?id=1853)

(http://www.restorationmini.com/forum/MGalleryItem.php?id=1859)

(http://www.restorationmini.com/forum/MGalleryItem.php?id=1856)

(http://www.restorationmini.com/forum/MGalleryItem.php?id=1860)

(http://www.restorationmini.com/forum/MGalleryItem.php?id=1862)

Title: Re: Tink: My '89 Mini
Post by: MtyMous on March 19, 2014, 06:50:54 PM
This makes me happy...

That inner panel on the A pillar (has 2 holes, 1 large and 1 small one right above the other) it looks pretty torn up. Was that replaced, or is there enough meat still on it to work with?
Title: Re: Tink: My '89 Mini
Post by: 94touring on March 19, 2014, 07:45:27 PM
Oh it was fine.  The bigger one was a little bent from breaking welds but no rust.  Its welded to the top of the kick panel and sturdy now.
Title: Re: Tink: My '89 Mini
Post by: MtyMous on March 19, 2014, 08:47:55 PM
Awesome. It's been a while since I've been beating panels and tearing things out of the car so I really couldn't remember. That's good though. I really do look forward to these updates. I feel like a kid that gets to watch his birthday present being built. haha
Title: Re: Tink: My '89 Mini
Post by: 94touring on March 19, 2014, 09:10:59 PM
Ha.  Yeah coming along pretty good.  I'll get the front end on soon and get it on the rotisserie to do that cill and clean up the underside.
Title: Re: Tink: My '89 Mini
Post by: 94touring on March 20, 2014, 04:09:32 PM
Random patch day. 


These things always rot out on every car. 

(http://www.restorationmini.com/forum/MGalleryItem.php?id=1868)

Fitted it with a thick gauge piece of steel rather than the double layer of thin crap that never last.  The grill is in too. 

(http://www.restorationmini.com/forum/MGalleryItem.php?id=1869)

Rotten areas along the windscreen.

(http://www.restorationmini.com/forum/MGalleryItem.php?id=1864)

(http://www.restorationmini.com/forum/MGalleryItem.php?id=1865)

Back together again.  I'll run a bead of filler along the corner where the welds are to clean it up and it will be flawless looking. 

(http://www.restorationmini.com/forum/MGalleryItem.php?id=1866)

(http://www.restorationmini.com/forum/MGalleryItem.php?id=1867)
Title: Re: Tink: My '89 Mini
Post by: Mudhen on March 20, 2014, 05:10:36 PM
I had to go back and look at this thing before...hard to imagine what was lying below the surface - it was so gorgeous on page 1!

I'll never have 94 touch one of my cars...somehow he magically creates rust as he works.   :(
Title: Re: Tink: My '89 Mini
Post by: MtyMous on March 20, 2014, 06:50:03 PM
Haha. Well I know how much crap was on there, and I know he's uncovered more than I ever would have.

Wouldn't even have thought about those shock perches. And that's awesome that you've replaced them with something stronger. Just another thing that I really like about your work. And the fact that you take time to clean up welds , smooth things over even if they won't really be seen, etc. That's awesome.
Title: Re: Tink: My '89 Mini
Post by: Jims5543 on March 20, 2014, 09:21:00 PM
These threads give me anxiety......
Title: Re: Tink: My '89 Mini
Post by: 94touring on March 21, 2014, 04:23:16 PM
This car isn't even that bad.  Its like a walk in the park lol. 

Pics for the day.  Front end is on.  I need to tidy up the welds, but otherwise fits like a glove.  Also fit a hood and the gaps are great.   

(http://www.restorationmini.com/forum/MGalleryItem.php?id=1870)

(http://www.restorationmini.com/forum/MGalleryItem.php?id=1871)

(http://www.restorationmini.com/forum/MGalleryItem.php?id=1872)

(http://www.restorationmini.com/forum/MGalleryItem.php?id=1873)
Title: Re: Tink: My '89 Mini
Post by: MtyMous on March 21, 2014, 10:57:58 PM
Yay!! It's a car again. haha.

THOSE GAPS!! I am in complete disbelief how well those panels line up. I know you make it look easy but that couldn't have been easy.

After looking at this, I realized I don't remember asking about the seam covers. I just sort of assumed I guess. :/
Title: Re: Tink: My '89 Mini
Post by: 94touring on March 22, 2014, 12:57:23 AM
Knockoff panels work just fine.  You can't get a better fit than what you got.  Only issue I ran into was the left A panel was mega tight to get on.  Otherwise it all went right together pretty quickly. 
Title: Re: Tink: My '89 Mini
Post by: Mudhen on March 22, 2014, 03:49:26 AM
Quote from: 94touring on March 20, 2014, 04:09:32 PM
Random patch day. 


These things always rot out on every car. 

(http://www.restorationmini.com/forum/MGalleryItem.php?id=1868)

Fitted it with a thick gauge piece of steel rather than the double layer of thin crap that never last.  The grill is in too. 

(http://www.restorationmini.com/forum/MGalleryItem.php?id=1869)

I need some specifics on this repair...I know I asked about it before but it's not clear in my head how I'm going to go about fixing it.

I like the idea of using a thicker gauge of steel, especially if my car ever really does get out in the dirt...but how thick can I go and how will I get a good weld to the...whatever I need to weld it to...
Title: Re: Tink: My '89 Mini
Post by: 94touring on March 22, 2014, 05:58:23 AM
No secrets to it really.  Cut out beyond the rotten areas and fit a piece back it.  The scrap metal I used was probably 16 gauge.   On the bottom you can get welds from both sides, and the left and top you'll hit into the metal that backs it. 
Title: Re: Tink: My '89 Mini
Post by: Mudhen on March 22, 2014, 06:21:58 AM
Quote from: 94touring on March 22, 2014, 05:58:23 AM
No secrets to it really.  Cut out beyond the rotten areas and fit a piece back it.  The scrap metal I used was probably 16 gauge.   On the bottom you can get welds from both sides, and the left and top you'll hit into the metal that backs it.

Thanks.  I wish I could figure out a way to get around the captive nut thing...

16ga.  I can work with that.
Title: Re: Tink: My '89 Mini
Post by: 94touring on March 25, 2014, 08:10:47 PM
Took the front end down to metal to sealer primer and began block sanding the body.  Found one minor low area on the roof and a handful of minor dings on both sides.  Nothing crazy. 

(http://www.restorationmini.com/forum/MGalleryItem.php?id=1880)


(http://www.restorationmini.com/forum/MGalleryItem.php?id=1881)


(http://www.restorationmini.com/forum/MGalleryItem.php?id=1882)

Title: Re: Tink: My '89 Mini
Post by: MtyMous on March 25, 2014, 09:21:31 PM
Looks great. I can't wait to see the next stages.

And who would ever say this wasn't a highly skilled task? :D
Title: Re: Tink: My '89 Mini
Post by: 94touring on March 25, 2014, 09:39:20 PM
Ha that guy...he was something.   :-[ 8.gif
Title: Re: Tink: My '89 Mini
Post by: 94touring on March 26, 2014, 01:55:00 PM
Front subby was dropped today and you're all set to go on the rotissier.  Did a bunch of sanding today. 
Title: Re: Tink: My '89 Mini
Post by: MtyMous on March 26, 2014, 04:04:55 PM
Awesome. How does the subframe look? Should be pretty solid. And those Poly bushings are brand new.
Title: Re: Tink: My '89 Mini
Post by: 94touring on March 26, 2014, 06:19:49 PM
Yeah solid.  I noticed the bushings! 
Title: Re: Tink: My '89 Mini
Post by: 94touring on March 27, 2014, 02:21:46 PM
Why has though forsaken me.   :-[  Got that overcill off and there was double layers of metal.  I got it cleaned up though. 

Do you want the screw holes that held the battery cable welded up?  Or were you going to keep using that conduit?  There is the channel the cable fits in that's available down there now. 

(http://www.restorationmini.com/forum/MGalleryItem.php?id=1890)

(http://www.restorationmini.com/forum/MGalleryItem.php?id=1892)

(http://www.restorationmini.com/forum/MGalleryItem.php?id=1891)

(http://www.restorationmini.com/forum/MGalleryItem.php?id=1893)
Title: Re: Tink: My '89 Mini
Post by: MtyMous on March 27, 2014, 02:54:29 PM
You can weld them up. I'm going to find a different route for the cables. Where's the channel you were referring to?
Title: Re: Tink: My '89 Mini
Post by: MtyMous on March 27, 2014, 05:40:57 PM
And boy am I glad you found that crap. Like I said, I had no idea that crap was under there. The work was done by British Leyland in Lewisville, TX. I would never go back there. They really cut a lot of corners. And now it's apparent they cut WAY more corners than I even knew about. Terrible...
Title: Re: Tink: My '89 Mini
Post by: 94touring on March 27, 2014, 10:16:30 PM
Yeah double layering metal is no beano.  I did like their bad spot welds though, makes it easy to take old panels off, lol.  The channel for the cable runs along side the tunnel.  The old cable was still in it, just chopped off on both ends. 
Title: Re: Tink: My '89 Mini
Post by: MtyMous on March 28, 2014, 07:11:35 AM
Ah. Got it. Yeah. That was an old repair. I'm so ready to start fresh on this car and do it right.
Title: Re: Tink: My '89 Mini
Post by: 94touring on March 28, 2014, 07:45:58 PM
Well I was looking at this and thought, meh that looks bad.  So took it out and put together a new bracket with captive nuts.  Used thick gauge steel as well.  The sill is on and the underside is being cleaned up. 

(http://www.restorationmini.com/forum/MGalleryItem.php?id=1894)

(http://www.restorationmini.com/forum/MGalleryItem.php?id=1895)

(http://www.restorationmini.com/forum/MGalleryItem.php?id=1896)

(http://www.restorationmini.com/forum/MGalleryItem.php?id=1897)
Title: Re: Tink: My '89 Mini
Post by: MtyMous on March 28, 2014, 08:29:33 PM
Well that bracket looks fantastic. And WOW. What freaking color is the bely of the beast? Haha. Wonder if that was the original color at some point...
Title: Re: Tink: My '89 Mini
Post by: 94touring on March 28, 2014, 08:40:21 PM
Yeah just some kind of gray.   8.gif
Title: Re: Tink: My '89 Mini
Post by: 94touring on March 31, 2014, 04:35:27 PM
Still cleaning this underside.  Found a few holes in the wheel arches to patch. 
Title: Re: Tink: My '89 Mini
Post by: MtyMous on March 31, 2014, 05:56:23 PM
hiding under a few inches of gunk and body filler I'm sure.
Title: Re: Tink: My '89 Mini
Post by: 94touring on April 01, 2014, 06:36:40 PM
The needle scaler broke today but my minion has been grinding away at rust spots for a couple days back here.  I went ahead and epoxy sealer primered it to prevent surface rust from showing up while we continue the cleaning process.  I have a few patches to attend to before I can prime the rest anyways.  Here are just a couple of a handful. 

(http://www.restorationmini.com/forum/MGalleryItem.php?id=1903)

(http://www.restorationmini.com/forum/MGalleryItem.php?id=1904)

(http://www.restorationmini.com/forum/MGalleryItem.php?id=1905)
Title: Re: Tink: My '89 Mini
Post by: 94touring on April 02, 2014, 10:10:37 PM
Ended up cutting a large area out, but was able to redo the lip that runs along the wheel arch in the process to clean up several large drilled out holes.  Need to add in the one metal plate but had to head out for the day.  Back to my day job tomorrow. 

(http://www.restorationmini.com/forum/MGalleryItem.php?id=1908)

(http://www.restorationmini.com/forum/MGalleryItem.php?id=1909)
Title: Re: Tink: My '89 Mini
Post by: 94touring on April 08, 2014, 03:55:56 PM
Did some welding today.  Got the left rear wheel arch patched up where it was rotten.  Filled in the hole for the antenna.  Did some minor patch work on the left floor pan corner.  Finished welding the front end to the inner wing. 
Title: Re: Tink: My '89 Mini
Post by: MtyMous on April 08, 2014, 07:11:59 PM
That's great.

I know I keep saying this, but from seeing some of the other builds on the internet, I know that there is no way they have the level of detail you put into your work. I was looking at a "full resto" and the guy didn't even look under the car. Not to say this is horrible, but there are things that you just can't find as you found when you put it on the rotisserie. And I've been browsing through the pics of your paint lately. The detail on your wet sanding is great. I can see that you take the time to wet sand right up to the seams. Some will wet sand to a mirror finish everywhere, but then don't take the time to really get into the hard to reach parts like the panel seams and door jambs.

Just wanted to take the time to say thanks for taking the time to get to this level of detail.
Title: Re: Tink: My '89 Mini
Post by: 94touring on April 08, 2014, 10:26:18 PM
Thanks man.  The rotisserie is a great tool.  I just can't imagine doing it without one at this point.  Takes no time to put on and take off but makes working 100x easier.  Oh I forgot to ask, are we leaving the factory floor sound deadening material in?  I removed an area on the drivers pan where I was working today but wasn't going to remove the rest unless you wanted it gone.  And refresh my memory on the bonnet and boot lid.  I have both of them but can't remember which one's you're replacing.     
Title: Re: Tink: My '89 Mini
Post by: Jims5543 on April 09, 2014, 10:41:52 AM
I want to send my truck to you.

There, I said it.

Title: Re: Tink: My '89 Mini
Post by: 94touring on April 09, 2014, 11:28:22 AM
Quote from: Jims5543 on April 09, 2014, 10:41:52 AM
I want to send my truck to you.

There, I said it.

I triple dog dare you!
Title: Re: Tink: My '89 Mini
Post by: MtyMous on April 09, 2014, 11:56:32 AM
Yes on removal of the sound deadening. I thought we mentioned it and you had said you have a "needler" or something like that you would use. I'm gonna re-apply my own material later.

Yes on the bonnet and boot. If you remember when we talked in person, I need then done but eventually I'll be replacing them with some Carbon Fiber pieces. I was toying with just buying those and having you paint them but that won't happen now.

Thanks for following up.
Title: Re: Tink: My '89 Mini
Post by: 94touring on April 09, 2014, 12:04:46 PM
Perfect.   Yeah I have a needle scaler to take that stuff out with. 
Title: Re: Tink: My '89 Mini
Post by: 94touring on April 09, 2014, 03:17:47 PM
Finished with all the welding.  Back in a few days to continue cleaning up floors. 
Title: Re: Tink: My '89 Mini
Post by: MtyMous on April 09, 2014, 07:47:36 PM
Fantastic. I love seeing progress on this and all of the builds on here.
Title: Re: Tink: My '89 Mini
Post by: 94touring on April 16, 2014, 03:31:09 PM
Floor cleanup day.  Got all the factory sound deadening up. 

(http://www.restorationmini.com/forum/MGalleryItem.php?id=1912)
Title: Re: Tink: My '89 Mini
Post by: MtyMous on April 16, 2014, 06:32:09 PM
I feel kind of dumb asking, but... what's next? haha. I haven't seen it in so long that I've kinda lost scope. Any more welding to do?
Title: Re: Tink: My '89 Mini
Post by: 94touring on April 16, 2014, 10:07:35 PM
I have a few screw holes on the floor I need to weld.   Seam seal a few areas on the underside and start painting.   There is still some exterior prep to be done too.  Just lots of sanding here on out.
Title: Re: Tink: My '89 Mini
Post by: MtyMous on April 17, 2014, 08:13:44 PM
I spoke with the guys at Lizard Skin about the product, and they said that what I ordered/sent to you should be enough to do the whole belly of the car, under the boot floor, the firewall, and inside all 4 fender wells. But he said it does have a tendency to splatter a bit, so he recommends taping off and putting plastic over anything you don't want it to get on. haha. I'll have to remember that when I get it home and do the interior myself.

Another great point is that he said you can paint right over it with automotive paint. just prime and paint. The beautiful part is that you don't have to sand or worry about any kind of prep. haha. Just needs color.

Here's a couple videos I found online of the actual application.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gWEtrHOsV1s (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gWEtrHOsV1s)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LLpodkoC4lQ (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LLpodkoC4lQ)
Title: Re: Tink: My '89 Mini
Post by: 94touring on April 17, 2014, 08:18:50 PM
Ok cool.  You want it silver? 
Title: Re: Tink: My '89 Mini
Post by: Mudhen on April 18, 2014, 03:18:39 AM
20 years from now when 94Jr has taken over the family business and the restorationmini2.0 site, there will be some dude on here complaining about the person who owned the Mini before him and why did they have to put all that junk on that they can't get off in order to get to the rust...

It does look cool, though!

Pat
Title: Re: Tink: My '89 Mini
Post by: MtyMous on April 18, 2014, 12:38:50 PM
Yeah. Same color as the body would be great. Mudhen, the next guy that has to remove it will either be me or my kid when I have one.
Title: Re: Tink: My '89 Mini
Post by: 94touring on April 18, 2014, 12:45:16 PM
Kids, gross. 

Ok great.   Silver it is.  You'll have epoxy sealer primer, lizard skin, expoxy sealer primer, base coat/clear coat.  Talk about impenetrable.   I will be buying the silver soon then.  I just dropped a big chunk of change on other paint materials but still need to get that silver mixed.
Title: Re: Tink: My '89 Mini
Post by: 94touring on April 18, 2014, 12:50:57 PM
You mentioned doing interior floors yourself.   If that's the case, shall I just seal them and let you do your thing?
Title: Re: Tink: My '89 Mini
Post by: MtyMous on April 18, 2014, 02:04:09 PM
Yeah. I wouldn't worry about paint matching the floor. Haha. Seal it and don't worry about it. I mean, if you get paint on the interior floor while you're painting the rest of the interior, it won't really matter. I intend to mask everything off with plastic inside there when I do it, but I'll be spraying over anything that's on the floor.
Title: Re: Tink: My '89 Mini
Post by: 94touring on April 18, 2014, 02:31:08 PM
Excellent.  Yeah I don't want to use more paint materials than I have to.
Title: Re: Tink: My '89 Mini
Post by: MtyMous on April 19, 2014, 08:46:45 PM
So those super sweet bumpers I was working on? Well they sat on the shelf for a while. But I just recently got back at them and put in some work. I actually like the finished product, but the problem is that these bumpers had issues before like pitting, a bit of surface rust, and some deeper scratches. So they aren't perfect. If I end up liking this look, I might just go ahead and buy some new chrome ones and doing the same thing to the new product.

Here's what I came up with tonight.

(https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5102/13920562326_56d350a198_b.jpg)

(https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7295/13944114214_59f3ed9442_b.jpg)

(https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7251/13920558092_d734143109_b.jpg)

(https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3681/13920547211_0c59ceb0e0_b.jpg)

Let me know what you think. I'm really digging this look. Might go with it on all the shiny bits like door handles and headlight rings. We'll see.
Title: Re: Tink: My '89 Mini
Post by: 94touring on April 19, 2014, 09:17:30 PM
I think it looks cool.  Would like to see it in person.   Nice gun btw!
Title: Re: Tink: My '89 Mini
Post by: MtyMous on April 19, 2014, 09:24:22 PM
Thanks and thanks! haha. I like it, but if you get reeally close (less than 2 feet), you can see some of the old marks and scratches. I'm gonna experiment with other finishes. Matte clears, etc.

Oh.. and the gun is a USP.40. I like to have a "friend" with me in the garage at all times when I have my back turned and working late. Nice neighborhood and all, but you never know. And that "friend" is always willing to help if it gets thick.
Title: Re: Tink: My '89 Mini
Post by: pbraun on April 20, 2014, 06:07:45 AM
That's a sharp look! Nice. Good friend, too!
Title: Re: Tink: My '89 Mini
Post by: MtyMous on April 20, 2014, 10:53:00 AM
Thanks, Peter.  And yeah... good friend. Always by my side.
Title: Re: Tink: My '89 Mini
Post by: 94touring on April 22, 2014, 03:25:46 PM
Pretty much ready to spray the bottom but the paint booth is filled with cabinets again.   50.gif
Title: Re: Tink: My '89 Mini
Post by: MtyMous on April 22, 2014, 08:04:04 PM
Dang. I HATE when my paint booth grows cabinets while I'm away.
Title: Re: Tink: My '89 Mini
Post by: 94touring on April 29, 2014, 08:38:53 PM
As I mentioned in another thread my intrawebs is down so can't post pics.  But I have phase 1 of undercoat on.  Tomorrow is phase 2.  Then paint it. 
Title: Re: Tink: My '89 Mini
Post by: MtyMous on April 29, 2014, 10:03:01 PM
That's awesome news!. I'm not home for the next 2 weeks, so I really only get limited internet access. Training/work all day, then I still have to do my real job at night, so just hearing about this is awesome. I'm super excited to see the finished product. How did it go on? Was it easy/difficult? Messy? Would you do this in your home garage, or should I go full on "Dexter" and have a plastic kill room set up when I spray the interior? haha

I'm pumped to see pictures whenever you get internet again. Glad to see this stage finally here.
Title: Re: Tink: My '89 Mini
Post by: 94touring on April 29, 2014, 10:23:24 PM
It was fairly messy.  It does splatter a fair amount.  It really goes on thick but I'm not sure I could have sprayed it any thinner.   I still have some left over to do the firewall too once I get the rotisserie out of the way. 
Title: Re: Tink: My '89 Mini
Post by: 94touring on April 30, 2014, 09:12:52 AM
The 2nd half which is ceramic insulation sprays on much better.  Not nearly as thick.
Title: Re: Tink: My '89 Mini
Post by: 94touring on April 30, 2014, 09:19:03 AM
From my phone.
Title: Re: Tink: My '89 Mini
Post by: MtyMous on April 30, 2014, 10:12:27 AM
That looks freaking awesome. I'm assuming it's probably still a bit wet. Can't wait to see it. When do you think you'll get to the firewall?
Title: Re: Tink: My '89 Mini
Post by: 94touring on April 30, 2014, 10:24:37 AM
That's partially dry, it starts looking grey as it dries.   Once I get the underside painted and take the rotisserie mounts off the firewall I'll get it. 
Title: Re: Tink: My '89 Mini
Post by: MtyMous on April 30, 2014, 02:11:01 PM
That's cool. I hope we don't have the same issue with it hardening in the bucket between now and then.
Title: Re: Tink: My '89 Mini
Post by: 94touring on April 30, 2014, 02:49:25 PM
It won't be long so I think we'll be fine.
Title: Re: Tink: My '89 Mini
Post by: sparetimetoys on April 30, 2014, 03:11:44 PM
Is that the Lizzard Skin stuff?  I thought the stuff was supposed to go on the inside?  That's how the guy in the booth at Pate told me to put it on. We talked about sound deadening on the floor and heat reflecting on roof and floor.
Title: Re: Tink: My '89 Mini
Post by: MtyMous on April 30, 2014, 03:53:11 PM
SpareTimeToys, You can apply it however you like. It's a hard rubber coating. Most people will simply use it on the inside of the car and call it good. That's for sound deadening purposes only. If you use the Ceramic coating, you get sound deadening and heat shielding. But by using it under the car, I've also added a protective layer of skin that I know is pretty uniformly covering the bottom, wheel wells, and other areas. It's probably not 100% as good as say Linex, but it's as close as you can get in my opinion and has 3 uses.

I'll also be spraying a layer on the floor inside, possibly on the inside of the rear quarters, and the roof. If you study up on sound deadening, it's mostly about mass loading and vibration dampening. This product takes care of both of those. I'll have a dense pad between the floor coating and my carpet, and that should keep it significantly quieter in the car. Yes I'm adding a few pounds, but really... I could care less. This isn't a race car, and it's weight that has a HUGE purpose.
Title: Re: Tink: My '89 Mini
Post by: sparetimetoys on April 30, 2014, 07:33:24 PM
Are you just doing the ceramic on the roof?  Im looking at radiant heat coming in more than sound hear in texas.  I work on jets all day sound isnt that bad anymore after 32 years of them, other than the TV for some reason loud TVs bug the heck out of me.
Title: Re: Tink: My '89 Mini
Post by: MtyMous on May 01, 2014, 04:57:32 AM
Well the ceramic won't be on the roof. I've got a black roof, so I don't think there's going to be much that I can do here. Haha. It will get heat soaked and eventually bleed in. Putting the ceramic on will probably do very little to stop the heat soak in that instance.

Title: Re: Tink: My '89 Mini
Post by: 94touring on May 01, 2014, 08:38:49 AM
At the paint store.   You picked the most complex metallic available apparently lol.  Equally expensive!
Title: Re: Tink: My '89 Mini
Post by: MtyMous on May 01, 2014, 09:03:14 AM
Yikes. Does it seem like it can be sprayed easily/evenly?
Title: Re: Tink: My '89 Mini
Post by: 94touring on May 01, 2014, 09:09:45 AM
I'll know in a few hours.  Headed home to change then out to the shop.
Title: Re: Tink: My '89 Mini
Post by: 94touring on May 01, 2014, 07:07:23 PM
Ok onto painting your car.  Underside is done.  Paint lays out really nice.  It's thicker than normal, but they added a lot of stuff in it.  Thins out nicely and no issues. 

(http://www.restorationmini.com/forum/MGalleryItem.php?id=1928)

(http://www.restorationmini.com/forum/MGalleryItem.php?id=1929)

(http://www.restorationmini.com/forum/MGalleryItem.php?id=1930)

(http://www.restorationmini.com/forum/MGalleryItem.php?id=1931)
Title: Re: Tink: My '89 Mini
Post by: 94touring on May 01, 2014, 07:09:44 PM
Hey I was re-reading this thread, and do you want the interior black and black stripes on the bonnet still? 
Title: Re: Tink: My '89 Mini
Post by: MtyMous on May 01, 2014, 07:26:51 PM
Wow.. that is way better than I thought it would be. I freaking love this. The coating looks really great, and the paint looks even better. Just seeing this little bit of paint on the bottom of that sill gets me super pumped. I LOVE the color already.

Thanks for posting this up, Dan. I'm getting really motivated by all of this. Can't wait to get it back into my garage.

On a side bar. I've been thinking about how the heck I'm gonna get it back home. Should I try to find some way to make up a cart or something that can be strapped to a trailer? Do you have any ideas or designs? I'm concerned about damaging it and all that awesome work you've put into it now. haha.
Title: Re: Tink: My '89 Mini
Post by: 94touring on May 01, 2014, 07:32:49 PM
Well it goes back on the dolly tomorrow or day after.  I need to mask the bottom first.  So you can use that cart and pay me 50 bucks for supplies if you're interested in that.  As far as strapping it down goes,  I'm thinking maybe using the rear subby bolt holes and fabbing up something from those to use as tie down points.  Up front you could use the shock tower brackets and eye bolt holes off the front end. 

Title: Re: Tink: My '89 Mini
Post by: MtyMous on May 01, 2014, 08:34:18 PM
I'll absolutely buy the dolly from you if you think it will work for the transport back to OKC. That would be ideal, too so I can wheel it into the garage as well. Let me know what kind of wheels are on the dolly so I can plan to have ramps that it can go up. Thanks.

Quote from: 94touring on May 01, 2014, 07:09:44 PM
Hey I was re-reading this thread, and do you want the interior black and black stripes on the bonnet still?

All the same color as the exterior still. No need to spend time on the bonnet stripes. If I put some one (not likely) they will be vinyl and I'll cut them myself like I did the last ones. haha. Easier, cheaper, and removable. Thanks for checking though. Just a black roof.
Title: Re: Tink: My '89 Mini
Post by: 94touring on May 01, 2014, 08:37:11 PM
Cool. 

The dolly wheels are inflatable 6 inch tires.  I'll grab a width for you.
Title: Re: Tink: My '89 Mini
Post by: 94touring on May 03, 2014, 03:41:21 PM
Back on the dolly.  Of course I forgot to grab dimensions of the dolly. 

(http://www.restorationmini.com/forum/MGalleryItem.php?id=1945)
Title: Re: Tink: My '89 Mini
Post by: MtyMous on May 03, 2014, 04:01:18 PM
haha. No worries. track width is really all that i think I need. maybe length and clearance height.

Excited to see it on the Dolly. This means good things are very near.
Title: Re: Tink: My '89 Mini
Post by: 94touring on May 08, 2014, 04:57:04 PM
Did some block sanding today, getting the roof about ready for black paint.
Title: Re: Tink: My '89 Mini
Post by: MtyMous on May 08, 2014, 07:21:04 PM
Awesome. Can't wait to see that. Love the updates. I hang on like a kid waiting for Christmas. haha
Title: Re: Tink: My '89 Mini
Post by: 94touring on May 09, 2014, 05:23:48 PM
One black roof done. 

(http://www.restorationmini.com/forum/MGalleryItem.php?id=1949)
Title: Re: Tink: My '89 Mini
Post by: MtyMous on May 09, 2014, 05:39:17 PM
Aaand I have a half chub. Looks awesome man.
Title: Re: Tink: My '89 Mini
Post by: 94touring on May 09, 2014, 05:41:09 PM
Ignore the couple random dust particles.  It's not in the paint.  I will say my new inline block sander makes this much more enjoyable to sand. 
Title: Re: Tink: My '89 Mini
Post by: MtyMous on May 09, 2014, 09:34:45 PM
I trust you. What stage is it at? I know you mentioned 2 base coats and 3 coats clear.
Title: Re: Tink: My '89 Mini
Post by: 94touring on May 09, 2014, 09:59:33 PM
Stage as in what's left to do?  And yes 2 base coats 3 clear coats.
Title: Re: Tink: My '89 Mini
Post by: MtyMous on May 10, 2014, 07:20:11 AM
My bad. I meant what stage were you at with paint as in was this the final stage of painting the roof (already did the 3 clear coats). It looks awesome so I was going to be surprised if you said you still had another stage of clear or something. haha.
Title: Re: Tink: My '89 Mini
Post by: 94touring on May 10, 2014, 07:46:35 AM
Oh no it's done.  Yeah it had been done for about a half hour after I snapped that photo.  I open the doors and dust was flying everywhere, hence why I said ignore the dust particles.  I've gotten pretty good with this new gun I've been spraying cars with, the amount of color sanding will be very minimal. 
Title: Re: Tink: My '89 Mini
Post by: MtyMous on May 10, 2014, 09:26:24 AM
That's awesome. Looks great. BTW, I got confirmation from JEGS that the other product was received back yesterday. Thanks.
Title: Re: Tink: My '89 Mini
Post by: 94touring on May 10, 2014, 10:13:07 AM
Oh good.  Yeah I boxed it up awhile back, probably forgot to tell you.  Pics later of a color sanded roof.
Title: Re: Tink: My '89 Mini
Post by: 94touring on May 10, 2014, 01:44:05 PM
Color sanding and then the aftermath of buffing.  I need to hit a few spots in the gutter a little more, but otherwise I'm very pleased.  Black is a biatch. 

(http://www.restorationmini.com/forum/MGalleryItem.php?id=1950)

(http://www.restorationmini.com/forum/MGalleryItem.php?id=1951)

(http://www.restorationmini.com/forum/MGalleryItem.php?id=1952)
Title: Re: Tink: My '89 Mini
Post by: MtyMous on May 10, 2014, 07:42:08 PM
Looks amazing. There's no orange peel  to speak of. Maybe a little bit of swirling in the really sunny pictures, but that's nothing that I couldn't remove with a bit of compounding in the garage.

Brilliant work, Dan.
Title: Re: Tink: My '89 Mini
Post by: 94touring on May 10, 2014, 08:41:00 PM
I need to hand glaze it yet, or maybe just wipe it down better.   
Title: Re: Tink: My '89 Mini
Post by: MtyMous on May 10, 2014, 10:27:30 PM
either way, there's no denying that the paint work and post paint work is awesome quality.
Title: Re: Tink: My '89 Mini
Post by: 94touring on May 11, 2014, 07:06:50 AM
I'll knock out the interior next week.  Its just about done in the prep department.   
Title: Re: Tink: My '89 Mini
Post by: 94touring on May 15, 2014, 03:27:58 PM
Got the interior sealed and color on the visible spots, though I'm aware you'll be covering the dash rails. 

(http://www.restorationmini.com/forum/MGalleryItem.php?id=1955)

(http://www.restorationmini.com/forum/MGalleryItem.php?id=1956)
Title: Re: Tink: My '89 Mini
Post by: MtyMous on May 15, 2014, 03:57:35 PM
Looking awesome. I'm hanging on like a little kid with every post. haha.
Title: Re: Tink: My '89 Mini
Post by: 94touring on May 15, 2014, 08:03:23 PM
Spraying the inside is pretty boring for me.  Plus it's really hard to bend up and twist in there to do it.  Never enough light and the boot gets very misty as you spray.  I guess what I'm saying is it's not my favorite job, lol.  I'm more excited to spray the exterior and get this thing done.  Block sanding extravaganza coming up. 
Title: Re: Tink: My '89 Mini
Post by: 94touring on May 16, 2014, 04:51:03 PM
Masked it off. 

(http://www.restorationmini.com/forum/MGalleryItem.php?id=1957)
Title: Re: Tink: My '89 Mini
Post by: MtyMous on May 16, 2014, 04:55:27 PM
Awesome. Did you already get the firewall sprayed with the lizard skin?
Title: Re: Tink: My '89 Mini
Post by: 94touring on May 16, 2014, 04:58:49 PM
I did not.  I actually planned on a quick rear brake job on my bini but had two stuck caliper pistons which took up most of my day.  But next week it will get the remainder of lizard skin on the firewall and on to body prep.  Probably paint the week after that and buff job if I had to guess.   
Title: Re: Tink: My '89 Mini
Post by: MtyMous on May 16, 2014, 05:47:42 PM
Sounds awesome. I'm taking leave May 27-30. That would be perfect timeframe if it was finished up for me to come grab it.
Title: Re: Tink: My '89 Mini
Post by: MtyMous on May 20, 2014, 09:48:34 PM
Spending some much needed time in the garage enjoying the awesome weather. making some progress. Completely disassembled the grille. Drilled out all the rivets and then riveted it back together.

Sorry for the crappy quality on these pics. I was in the garage and taking pics one handed with a potato.

From behind before
(https://farm3.staticflickr.com/2899/14023044153_b7f867b19f_b.jpg)

The frame all cleaned, sanded, and re-painted
(https://farm3.staticflickr.com/2938/14231463591_2395989f07_b.jpg)

Slats laid on there loosely to make sure everything was still peachy
(https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5536/14048110229_3228257071_b.jpg)

Brushed, finished, riveted, and feeling good about it. Of course it's not perfect, but this is the grille that came with the car and it had pitting and some scratches/blemishes that were just too deep to get out without completely killing the finish.
(https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5235/14048173767_8f56c9ca31_b.jpg)

Still sexier than the chrome finish though IMO
(https://farm3.staticflickr.com/2930/14211615886_887603fb96_b.jpg)

And now that it's done, it's gonna have to be wall art until I get the car back and start putting it all back together.
(https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5039/14048106628_15a45be6dd_b.jpg)

Time to start on the next piece... This one could get interesting. Not sure if I'm leaving it bare metal or not yet. Time shall tell.
(https://farm3.staticflickr.com/2898/14234507644_4807caeb1f_b.jpg)

Title: Re: Tink: My '89 Mini
Post by: 94touring on May 21, 2014, 01:39:17 AM
Looks cool. 
Title: Re: Tink: My '89 Mini
Post by: Willie_B on May 21, 2014, 02:02:35 AM
Grille looks great. Garage time well spent.
Title: Re: Tink: My '89 Mini
Post by: sparetimetoys on May 21, 2014, 02:30:20 PM
This may give you an idea for the valve cover. These were for a 928 engine that I was working on installing in a 914. I had them powder coated in wrinkle red then buffed off the lettering.
Title: Re: Tink: My '89 Mini
Post by: MtyMous on May 21, 2014, 06:31:51 PM
Funny you posted that. If the brushed finish doesn't give the results I want, I've already decided it will get wrinkle coated in black and polished fins.
Title: Re: Tink: My '89 Mini
Post by: MtyMous on May 21, 2014, 06:40:06 PM
I'll be driving up to St. Louis this weekend and getting a car hauler with flat ramps, a beaver tail, and a flat diamond plate bed so I can roll the car up on the dolly and strap it down. Getting really pumped that I'm close enough to even need this trailer. haha
Title: Re: Tink: My '89 Mini
Post by: 94touring on May 21, 2014, 08:58:21 PM
Pics of trailer when you get a chance.
Title: Re: Tink: My '89 Mini
Post by: MtyMous on May 21, 2014, 10:21:11 PM
definitely.
Title: Re: Tink: My '89 Mini
Post by: tsumini on May 22, 2014, 05:21:45 PM
Nice job on the grille. I've been looking at my '60 Austin 850 grille and it looks like it would be better to de-rivet and clean up rather than try to work between the slats. I presume the rivets are the ordinary semi tubular rivets readily available. Could you tell me what rivet is the correct one? and maybe source. I may have different length requirements but I can measure that.
Title: Re: Tink: My '89 Mini
Post by: 94touring on May 22, 2014, 05:25:18 PM
Well I began messing with the boot lid to get it prepped.  Saw a bunch of rust down low, so peeled back the lip and cleaned it up with the sand blaster.  A few spots were rotten all the way through on the back section, not the skin.  Then I thought, maybe I should ask if he wants this dynomat taken off, to which he replied with yes.  I spent about 5 minutes and decided to crawl up top of the paint booth and grab a new boot lid.  So fitted a new lid, currently it's been stripped of the black primer it comes with, and the bare metal will be sealed off tomorrow.  These lids fit good, but darned if the latch plate is off about a 1/4 inch on them.  But 2 days of trying to remove the dynomat and fixing some rust verses 30 minutes of cutting the plate section and moving it over a 1/4 inch...I went with the new lid. 

(http://www.restorationmini.com/forum/MGalleryItem.php?id=1958)

(http://www.restorationmini.com/forum/MGalleryItem.php?id=1959)

(http://www.restorationmini.com/forum/MGalleryItem.php?id=1960)
Title: Re: Tink: My '89 Mini
Post by: MtyMous on May 22, 2014, 09:40:11 PM
Thanks again, Dan. Really hate that that Dynomat is such a pain in the butt. I really do appreciate you going above and beyond on this whole project.

This is why I send everyone I know over to you. Your customer service is by far the best. I wait on pins and needles for updates to this. haha.
Title: Re: Tink: My '89 Mini
Post by: 94touring on May 22, 2014, 09:46:25 PM
The adhesive that holds it on is unbelievable stuff.  The thought of scraping and cleaning it up for hours on end was not appealing lol.  All I needed was a small rust excuse and I was sold.   ;D  The benefit of importing panels. 
Title: Re: Tink: My '89 Mini
Post by: MtyMous on May 22, 2014, 10:03:06 PM
No joke. I'm going to have to contain myself and really coach myself daily that I don't need to buy a million things from you at the same time that I pick up my car. haha. But I'm sure I'll cave in to the temptation.
Title: Re: Tink: My '89 Mini
Post by: 94touring on May 22, 2014, 10:18:42 PM
Lucky for you most all the mechanical parts are in stock across the Atlantic.  Though I am nearly done putting together a massive order for the maroon car. 
Title: Re: Tink: My '89 Mini
Post by: 94touring on May 23, 2014, 04:03:03 PM
Boot lid stripped, hung, and sealed. 

Then I pulled in the doors...  First door was fine, I think it's been repaired at some point in the past, I need to look closer.  2nd door had all kinds of issues.  However the skin itself was solid.  The lip of the skin and bottom of the door frame itself was not so good.   First pic is how bad it was, 2nd pic is actually with the lower back side lip of the door removed, the cleaned area is the skin.  I put a new bottom area on, 2 part seam sealer, and need to sand it up and it will be good to go.

(http://www.restorationmini.com/forum/MGalleryItem.php?id=1961)

(http://www.restorationmini.com/forum/MGalleryItem.php?id=1962)

(http://www.restorationmini.com/forum/MGalleryItem.php?id=1963)

(http://www.restorationmini.com/forum/MGalleryItem.php?id=1964)
Title: Re: Tink: My '89 Mini
Post by: MtyMous on May 23, 2014, 06:55:09 PM
Wow... never would have found that. I'm glad you're on the case.
Title: Re: Tink: My '89 Mini
Post by: Mudhen on May 23, 2014, 06:58:13 PM
Every couple of days I have to go back to page one and look at how awesome this thing looked BEFORE!

Wicked cool on the grill, MtyMous.  Gorgeous.

(94, is something wrong with the forum?  I'm not getting any notifications anymore...or was I being too obnoxious?   11.gif )
Title: Re: Tink: My '89 Mini
Post by: MtyMous on May 23, 2014, 07:01:09 PM
Quote from: Mudhen on May 23, 2014, 06:58:13 PM
Every couple of days I have to go back to page one and look at how awesome this thing looked BEFORE!

Wicked cool on the grill, MtyMous.  Gorgeous.

Yeah. Starting to look more and more like it was just a polished turd. haha. Not any more though.
Title: Re: Tink: My '89 Mini
Post by: 94touring on May 23, 2014, 07:23:27 PM
Quote from: Mudhen on May 23, 2014, 06:58:13 PM
Every couple of days I have to go back to page one and look at how awesome this thing looked BEFORE!

Wicked cool on the grill, MtyMous.  Gorgeous.

(94, is something wrong with the forum?  I'm not getting any notifications anymore...or was I being too obnoxious?   11.gif )

hmm I dunno.  Are they still turned on?   I haven't touched anything.
Title: Re: Tink: My '89 Mini
Post by: Mudhen on May 24, 2014, 03:11:07 PM
Quote from: 94touring on May 23, 2014, 07:23:27 PM
Quote from: Mudhen on May 23, 2014, 06:58:13 PM
Every couple of days I have to go back to page one and look at how awesome this thing looked BEFORE!

Wicked cool on the grill, MtyMous.  Gorgeous.

(94, is something wrong with the forum?  I'm not getting any notifications anymore...or was I being too obnoxious?   11.gif )

hmm I dunno.  Are they still turned on?   I haven't touched anything.

Yes...I did get an email on the 'cell phone pics' thread...but no longer on this one.  I'll try turning notifications off and then back on...
Title: Re: Tink: My '89 Mini
Post by: 94touring on May 25, 2014, 07:42:30 AM
Pic of the other door bottom.  It had a fair amount of surface rust under some sealer I removed.  A pic of the other door bottom pretty much prepped up, I want to sand it a little more and get it more uniform before the paint job...though not like you'll be looking down there.  I also poured my left over primers in the back side of the door to leak into the seams and my patch work.  Ideally with a full skin job you can lay a bead of sealer back there to keep water from settling between the skin and the frame.  Even though there are drain holes, they always seem to rust on the bottom from where water sits.  Boot lid is ready for paint, bonnet is 90% ready, car is 70% ready, and doors are about 50% now.   

(http://www.restorationmini.com/forum/MGalleryItem.php?id=1965)

(http://www.restorationmini.com/forum/MGalleryItem.php?id=1966)

(http://www.restorationmini.com/forum/MGalleryItem.php?id=1967)
Title: Re: Tink: My '89 Mini
Post by: 94touring on May 29, 2014, 12:50:15 PM
These are half way painted.

(http://www.restorationmini.com/forum/MGalleryItem.php?id=1972)
Title: Re: Tink: My '89 Mini
Post by: MtyMous on May 29, 2014, 06:57:06 PM
Looks fantastic. Definitely satisfied with my color choice. Can't wait to see the car painted. I'm getting so pumped.
Title: Re: Tink: My '89 Mini
Post by: 94touring on May 29, 2014, 07:16:26 PM
Tomorrow is more door prep.  Have a bit of block sanding to do on the one.  The other I applied rust mort on the back side of the skin to infiltrate any surface rust between the seams.   
Title: Re: Tink: My '89 Mini
Post by: Nicholasupton on May 30, 2014, 01:48:28 PM
Quote from: 94touring on May 29, 2014, 07:16:26 PM
Tomorrow is more door prep.  Have a bit of block sanding to do on the one.  The other I applied rust mort on the back side of the skin to infiltrate any surface rust between the seams.

I started using a long rubber tube and syringe to do this after cars came back from the blaster, just fill from the inside of the door until it weaps out the folded side of the skin.  Then after paint I use the same type of setup to apply 3M rust fighter inside the doors.
Title: Re: Tink: My '89 Mini
Post by: sparetimetoys on May 30, 2014, 02:49:18 PM
What's rust mort? 
Title: Re: Tink: My '89 Mini
Post by: 94touring on May 30, 2014, 02:54:53 PM
I like the syringe idea.  I just pour and tilt back and forth.   Larry,  rust mort is a rust converter/destroyer.   About the only time I use it is for cases like this.
Title: Re: Tink: My '89 Mini
Post by: 94touring on May 30, 2014, 04:59:04 PM
First coat of lizard skin on the firewall.  I'll do the 2nd one tomorrow.  And a couple different angles of the rest of the boot and bonnet paint job.

(http://www.restorationmini.com/forum/MGalleryItem.php?id=1973)

(http://www.restorationmini.com/forum/MGalleryItem.php?id=1974)

(http://www.restorationmini.com/forum/MGalleryItem.php?id=1975)
Title: Re: Tink: My '89 Mini
Post by: MtyMous on May 30, 2014, 09:22:07 PM
I'm officially in love.

It's gonna be interesting peeling off small sections of the lizard skin in order to plug things in/screw stuff in, but I still think it's going to be worth it.
Title: Re: Tink: My '89 Mini
Post by: 94touring on May 30, 2014, 10:19:30 PM
You know I've been thinking the same thing with the lizard skin.  I left a few screws and grommets in place to help out in the future.  It goes on thick.
Title: Re: Tink: My '89 Mini
Post by: MtyMous on May 31, 2014, 07:22:41 AM
We will see how it works on the firewall. I've seen people do it before, so I'm not overly concerned with it. But I do know that it's going to be kind of a pain to get around some of it. Even if I spend a few hours carefully cutting and peeling little pieces off, I still feel like the benefits will be well worth it. Noise reduction is a huge plus, but the heat reduction will be well worth it.
Title: Re: Tink: My '89 Mini
Post by: wevebeenhad on May 31, 2014, 03:42:42 PM
MtyMous, this is the BMW grey color right? Its AWESOME! very clean, that with a tinted clear would look amazing...  77.gif
Title: Re: Tink: My '89 Mini
Post by: 94touring on May 31, 2014, 03:51:06 PM
I had the bonnet out in the sun today.  It's really cool looking. 
Title: Re: Tink: My '89 Mini
Post by: MtyMous on May 31, 2014, 09:02:56 PM
No pictures?! gahh. That's ok. I'll wait to see the whole thing painted and out in the sun. I took a picture of the rig I'll be picking it up with.
Title: Re: Tink: My '89 Mini
Post by: 94touring on June 01, 2014, 08:56:28 AM
Yeah nothing.   I took the weekend off but did go by yesterday and put the 2nd application of lizard skin on.  Those two buckets were perfect quantities, have a small amount left over.  I am bummed about one thing, I need to airbrush the back side of the boot lid where I accidentally gouged the paint on my stand in a spot.  Wasn't very happy about that.   Part of reassembly that I loath is not screwing up the paint.  Poor Dean was putting trim on his doors the day after we finished his car, slipped with the screw driver, and took a big gouge out.   He was nearly in tears. 
Title: Re: Tink: My '89 Mini
Post by: MtyMous on June 01, 2014, 02:43:07 PM
Yeah. That's one thing I'm pretty afraid of myself. I know I'm gonna break down the first time I scratch it. Haha.
Title: Re: Tink: My '89 Mini
Post by: 94touring on June 03, 2014, 04:11:02 PM
Well I've spent the last 2 days sanding and sanding and sanding.  On the home stretch of sanding.   20.gif
Title: Re: Tink: My '89 Mini
Post by: MtyMous on June 03, 2014, 08:41:18 PM
That's good news. seems sanding is everyone's least favorite part. I know I was excited to start sanding down to metal, but eventually was just tired of getting to the detailed sanding. I can only imagine what it's like for you to do the details you do to make the paint look so good.
Title: Re: Tink: My '89 Mini
Post by: Jims5543 on June 04, 2014, 04:09:22 AM
Love the color! Like the towing rig too.

Title: Re: Tink: My '89 Mini
Post by: 94touring on June 04, 2014, 05:00:43 PM
She's pretty much ready to go.  I have 2 or 3 minor spots to sand out a little more, but door frames should be sprayed tomorrow evening.  Did the final block sanding on the doors today as well, so they'll be ready to mount after I spray the back sides and mask off with the door frames to shoot the body. 

As far as rolling this thing on the dolly onto a trailer, after moving my truck inside to have it block sanded today I realized that the frames are so light that they like to slide on the dolly with any friction.  In the trucks case it was in a little bit of dirt outside and I had a hell of a time getting it to solid ground to move it around easily.  I think with the incline the dolly may be next to impossible to get the shell up without sliding off.  So, I will just put your subframes on and wheels and call it good. 

I need to look in the box of random parts I pulled off, but did you happen to send the bonnet latch mechanism for me to paint?  I think the boot hinges are in there, but I forgot to look.  I have the block off plate and I need to paint seam covers too.  Just trying to think of any small odds and ends to spray all at once.  Oh and bring your boot lid handle and bracket, so we can mount it for transportation.  I don't recall seeing those in there either. 
Title: Re: Tink: My '89 Mini
Post by: MtyMous on June 04, 2014, 08:34:42 PM
Sounds good about the wheels/subframes.

As far as the bonnet latch mechanism, If you're talking about the "lock" mechanism that goes on the slam panel, yes. The car showed up with an external release one. If you're talking about the hook that's attached to the bonnet itself, I'm not sure if it did or not. The boot hinges were there. I'll be sure to bring the boot lid handle and bracket.

The bed of the truck will be cleared out for any pieces like the steering rack or brake lines or anything like that which was removed. Don't think there will be a problem because there wasn't much on the car to begin with haha.
Title: Re: Tink: My '89 Mini
Post by: 94touring on June 05, 2014, 07:38:00 PM
Door frames are done.  I also went ahead and fit the seam covers, which I'm glad I did because I probably would have scratched the paint later on.  Need to give them a little sand job and a coat of primer and once the doors are finished off and back side painted, the car is ready to go.  Door work tomorrow and mask off door frames. 

(http://www.restorationmini.com/forum/MGalleryItem.php?id=1977)

(http://www.restorationmini.com/forum/MGalleryItem.php?id=1978)
Title: Re: Tink: My '89 Mini
Post by: 94touring on June 05, 2014, 07:45:13 PM
I just realized I bet the latch on the slam panel is still on the old front end in my pile of dead mini panels out back.  Found the boot hinges. 
Title: Re: Tink: My '89 Mini
Post by: MtyMous on June 05, 2014, 09:44:30 PM
Quote from: wevebeenhad on May 31, 2014, 03:42:42 PM
MtyMous, this is the BMW grey color right? Its AWESOME! very clean, that with a tinted clear would look amazing...  77.gif

Sorry I missed this. Yes, it's the BMW color. I actually saw it on the BMW in person the other day. Had almost a khaki/green tint to is in the sun, then looked blue/grey in the shade. Guy said it looks nearly black at night. I'm excited to see it in real life.
Title: Re: Tink: My '89 Mini
Post by: 94touring on June 05, 2014, 09:50:13 PM
Sometimes it has a copper tint to it also. 
Title: Re: Tink: My '89 Mini
Post by: MtyMous on June 05, 2014, 10:09:07 PM
Dan, That's looking awesome. I'm pretty pumped about this. The paint looks great. I'm really liking the color. The whole thing is looking fantastic and I'm pretty sure my refresh button is getting worn out from checking for updates. haha
Title: Re: Tink: My '89 Mini
Post by: 94touring on June 06, 2014, 03:10:22 PM
Sprayed the seam covers, another shot on the doors for another sanding, and prepped small parts.
Title: Re: Tink: My '89 Mini
Post by: 94touring on June 07, 2014, 01:03:25 PM
Backs of the doors done and ready to be mounted.  Tomorrow I may have enough time to actually paint the car if I get them on and masked within a reasonable amount of time. 

(http://www.restorationmini.com/forum/MGalleryItem.php?id=1981)
Title: Re: Tink: My '89 Mini
Post by: 94touring on June 08, 2014, 03:39:26 PM
Off to a slow start today.  But got new filters on my paint booth, redid a zipper door, hung and masked off doors, and finally got around to putting some color on the body.  I was all about ready to clear the thing, but I had a small spot I needed to sand up and reshoot.  As luck would have it I ran out of basemaker for the paint.  And I'm literally just barely going to have enough left over to shoot the boot hinges and the other small pieces!  So tomorrow I will hit up the paint store and knock it out.

(http://www.restorationmini.com/forum/MGalleryItem.php?id=1983) 
Title: Re: Tink: My '89 Mini
Post by: MtyMous on June 08, 2014, 06:59:14 PM
And yet you still make the car look fantastic in flat no less. Looks really great, Dan. I'm so excited to see this thing in color. Almost a year in the making. I'm really looking forward to getting this thing home and starting on the motor, etc. I'll be calling the guy that Dean recommended about the engine work to get an idea where I need to start on the motor.
Title: Re: Tink: My '89 Mini
Post by: sparetimetoys on June 08, 2014, 08:36:41 PM
Who are you getting with on the engine. I've been chatting with Steve Gibbs contact is Jlgibbsrealtor@aol.com he has been doing these engines since the late 60s.  Another smart engine guy is Jemal at tech support over at mini mania. I asked a simple question and we got into conversations about head pocket cc volume and how much you can deck a 850 block as well as port design. Just they are on opposit coasts and a long way from DFW.
Title: Re: Tink: My '89 Mini
Post by: MtyMous on June 08, 2014, 10:08:42 PM
Same guy that Dean has used here in the Oklahoma City area.
Title: Re: Tink: My '89 Mini
Post by: sparetimetoys on June 09, 2014, 04:53:43 AM
If you would please PM me his contact info OKC is a heck of a lot closer than the east coast.
Title: Re: Tink: My '89 Mini
Post by: 94touring on June 09, 2014, 01:08:45 PM
Wait for it...
Title: Re: Tink: My '89 Mini
Post by: Mudhen on June 09, 2014, 01:40:11 PM
(http://mudhen.smugmug.com/Funerals/GIFS/i-TCtwbxH/0/Th/lurker-Th.gif)
Title: Re: Tink: My '89 Mini
Post by: 94touring on June 09, 2014, 01:50:49 PM
Alrighty it looks like a million bucks.  However this one F'n door is kicking my arse.  Initially I had an issue with a microscopic spot that crinkled on me, which turned into a big fiasco.  Now I have a wavey spot that I'm not happy with, so it gets blocked and sprayed again.  It's minor enough you really have to be looking at just the right angle, but driving me crazy.  Won't take much.  I head back to my day job tomorrow so next week as I prepare to color sand, I will take care of the door.  I'm running on fumes with the paint too! 

(http://www.restorationmini.com/forum/MGalleryItem.php?id=1992)

(http://www.restorationmini.com/forum/MGalleryItem.php?id=1986)

(http://www.restorationmini.com/forum/MGalleryItem.php?id=1987)

(http://www.restorationmini.com/forum/MGalleryItem.php?id=1988)

(http://www.restorationmini.com/forum/MGalleryItem.php?id=1984)

(http://www.restorationmini.com/forum/MGalleryItem.php?id=1989)
Title: Re: Tink: My '89 Mini
Post by: sparetimetoys on June 09, 2014, 04:42:10 PM
Man that looks nice.
Title: Re: Tink: My '89 Mini
Post by: 94touring on June 09, 2014, 04:49:57 PM
And still needs a buff job  4.gif
Title: Re: Tink: My '89 Mini
Post by: MtyMous on June 09, 2014, 06:04:05 PM
(http://img.pandawhale.com/65407-great-scott-gif-j4Lp.gif)


That looks freaking amazing. Better than I had pictured it in my head. I seriously can't wait to see this thing... in my garage. haha.

Can't wait to see it after buffing. I can't imagine it looking any better than this. Now I need a bib for all this drool. (http://www.motoringunderground.com/forum/images/smiles001/mf_dribble.gif)
Title: Re: Tink: My '89 Mini
Post by: 94touring on June 09, 2014, 06:10:02 PM
As much sanding as I've done, if it looked less than amazing I was going to be pissed. 
Title: Re: Tink: My '89 Mini
Post by: MtyMous on June 09, 2014, 06:22:19 PM
Well I assure you I appreciate the effort
Title: Re: Tink: My '89 Mini
Post by: 94touring on June 10, 2014, 05:06:07 AM
What are you doing for flares?  Do you need those painted?
Title: Re: Tink: My '89 Mini
Post by: MtyMous on June 10, 2014, 11:00:16 AM
I haven't decided yet on the flares. I want to get my new wheels on and mounted then decide on flares. So I wont have anything for you to paint. I'm still trying to decide, when I do get them,  if I want them to be body color or roof color. Either way, I may be asking you about that in the future.
Title: Re: Tink: My '89 Mini
Post by: 94touring on June 10, 2014, 11:07:11 AM
Yeah that's my next question, cause if you want silver I'll go get a pint of extra paint.  How wide are the wheels?   I have a set of wood and pickets I could test mount, as well as raves (minutely wider),  with the wheels you provided as reference.   Both sets are clean to the body and drill into the lip instead of the body.
Title: Re: Tink: My '89 Mini
Post by: MtyMous on June 10, 2014, 12:20:51 PM
They are 10x7, but I haven't decided on backspacing yet. I'm going with option 2 and getting the Force Racing 3-piece set.
Title: Re: Tink: My '89 Mini
Post by: 94touring on June 10, 2014, 12:36:38 PM
I'm doing 12x7 with raves as a reference.
Title: Re: Tink: My '89 Mini
Post by: MtyMous on June 20, 2014, 06:03:35 PM
Before (kind of... it's the back side)

(https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5537/14468382174_87f2d5c736_b.jpg)

And after

(https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5548/14446437016_e61d619f8a_b.jpg)
Title: Re: Tink: My '89 Mini
Post by: 94touring on June 20, 2014, 06:37:31 PM
What did you use to strip it?
Title: Re: Tink: My '89 Mini
Post by: jedduh01 on June 20, 2014, 08:07:51 PM
Quote from: MtyMous on June 20, 2014, 06:03:35 PM
Before (kind of... it's the back side)

(https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5537/14468382174_87f2d5c736_b.jpg)

And after

(https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5548/14446437016_e61d619f8a_b.jpg)

1 YEar and just now starting on the engine!  Spread things out thats coool!!!

Personally i saw on MM you mention the engine is going to a Machine shop/ local engine guy -- they will strip it and prep it. no reason for you to spend any time on that stripping.  Give them everything. It should come back from them spotless.

On here in "modifications" SomethingNEW-  were doing his motor right now - Looking for a few more HP. Took 3 weeks Engine / Head came back spotless / New oil galley plugs- new freeze plugs- ready for his paintjob. (blue) Block. - ported skimmed and polished head. - new cam bearings fitted - polished crank ( no cut needed) Very satisifed with job. Honed Cyls  - Refurbe'd pistons and rods
  Turns out our local machinist that i knew randomly works closely with the MG Club locally and says hes done probably over 300 A and B series Engines!  He had no frets over our little mini engine. Ive done 2 with him and they have been nothing but success!

Goodluck- alot on your plate when it comes home.!
Title: Re: Tink: My '89 Mini
Post by: MtyMous on June 20, 2014, 10:12:45 PM
You can't really tell from these pictures, but I'm not just stripping it. I'm actually de-burring it. I'm using sanding discs and grinding stones to get rid of it all. I'm mostly trying to knock out the casting marks and bad stuff, but it turned into just completely smoothing it. I know the machine shop won't do that. And if they did, it wouldn't be as cheap as me doing it in the garage. I'll hand it over to them with a light coat of primer that they will likely remove.
Title: Re: Tink: My '89 Mini
Post by: 94touring on June 22, 2014, 04:30:20 PM
Just about have the color sanding/buff job done.  A little more polish and final glaze and I can throw the subbies on and fit some flares for decision making.  Probably can't tell any difference between this pic and the others, but I'm still posting it!   

(http://www.restorationmini.com/forum/MGalleryItem.php?id=1994)
Title: Re: Tink: My '89 Mini
Post by: MtyMous on June 22, 2014, 08:07:21 PM
Well the paint job is so freaking awesome that it's hard to tell, but I can definitely see some refinement in the reflection. It's pretty freaking great looking. I can't wait to see it in person. Looking like things will work out for the 9th-11th.
Title: Re: Tink: My '89 Mini
Post by: 94touring on June 22, 2014, 09:18:06 PM
My back is sore from running the variable speed buffer all day.  Just a few panels to go.
Title: Re: Tink: My '89 Mini
Post by: MtyMous on June 23, 2014, 12:18:52 PM
I know that pain. Fortunately it's about the smallest car you could ever buff. Haha.

What buffer/compound are you using?
Title: Re: Tink: My '89 Mini
Post by: 94touring on June 23, 2014, 03:46:14 PM
I use a variable speed from Harbor Freight.  It's been going strong for a number of years now.  Take 9 inch pads.  I start with extra cut, heavy cut, polish, glaze, and then go over it again with a hand glaze as I clean up all the residue from the knooks and crannies. 

Ok here we are...

I used two different wheels to experiment with these flares.  I guess depending on the offset of the wheels you use will determine if these flares will work.  Your wheels that came with the car stick out about an inch or less.  The other wheels sit inside the flares an easy inch.  Also, I pulled out my wood and picket arches and compared to these raves.  There is zero different.  I took a number of measurements and there is no difference.  Or perhaps I was sent the wrong flares?  They measure 2.5 inches wide. 

(http://www.restorationmini.com/forum/MGalleryItem.php?id=2015)

(http://www.restorationmini.com/forum/MGalleryItem.php?id=2005)

(http://www.restorationmini.com/forum/MGalleryItem.php?id=2006)

(http://www.restorationmini.com/forum/MGalleryItem.php?id=2001)

(http://www.restorationmini.com/forum/MGalleryItem.php?id=2014)

(http://www.restorationmini.com/forum/MGalleryItem.php?id=2013)

(http://www.restorationmini.com/forum/MGalleryItem.php?id=2018)

(http://www.restorationmini.com/forum/MGalleryItem.php?id=2016)

Title: Re: Tink: My '89 Mini
Post by: 94touring on June 23, 2014, 03:54:26 PM
Went over the roof again and got out a few swirls. 

(http://www.restorationmini.com/forum/MGalleryItem.php?id=1998)
Title: Re: Tink: My '89 Mini
Post by: MtyMous on June 23, 2014, 08:47:13 PM
Freakin awesome. That's the best paint job I've seen on a mini. And I'm not just saying that because it's mine. haha.

And I'm sold on the Raves. Lets get some paint on those bad boys. I'll have a new set shipped directly to your address.
Title: Re: Tink: My '89 Mini
Post by: 94touring on June 23, 2014, 09:21:49 PM
Silver or black?  I'll paint them tomorrow and get your front subby on.   
Title: Re: Tink: My '89 Mini
Post by: 94touring on June 24, 2014, 02:08:52 PM
It's waiting patiently outside for you.  And the flares are ready to go on when they harden up and I get back in town.

(http://www.restorationmini.com/forum/MGalleryItem.php?id=2019)

(http://www.restorationmini.com/forum/MGalleryItem.php?id=2020)
Title: Re: Tink: My '89 Mini
Post by: sparetimetoys on June 24, 2014, 03:22:33 PM
That's going to be one nice ride
Title: Re: Tink: My '89 Mini
Post by: MtyMous on June 24, 2014, 05:14:17 PM
Thanks. I know I'm going to be so anal about driving it/parking it, etc.
Title: Re: Tink: My '89 Mini
Post by: 94touring on July 04, 2014, 08:03:15 AM
Fender flares are officially on.  So I have a hilarious story about the door in this picture.  I noticed without the rubber seal in and door latch it rubs on the one lower corner.   I figured while I was messing with the flares I'd reach in, loosen the door,  tweak it slightly, and be on my way.  So I did that.   Awhile later I opened the door and heard a crunch.  Apparently I moved it enough that it now rubbed into the a panel.   Not just a minor scrape, oh no, it pealed the paint off.  So I spent the rest of yesterday repainting the damn thing!   Refitted, no chance of paint peeling, and ready for pickup.   :-[
Title: Re: Tink: My '89 Mini
Post by: MtyMous on July 10, 2014, 06:35:53 PM
Can't wait to pick this little lady up tomorrow.
Title: Re: Tink: My '89 Mini
Post by: 94touring on July 10, 2014, 06:39:19 PM
I'll be here.  I have to track down a ups shipment first thing in the morning, do you have a time frame in mind?
Title: Re: Tink: My '89 Mini
Post by: MtyMous on July 10, 2014, 09:29:20 PM
I was looking at leaving around noon from OKC. That will put me around 2. Not sure how you want to unload the little beast I am bringing up with me. We'll figure something out I'm sure. Are the subframes bolted in well enough on Tink for me to use them to strap the car to the trailer back down to OKC?
Title: Re: Tink: My '89 Mini
Post by: 94touring on July 11, 2014, 04:21:42 AM
That's perfect.   Yes sub frames are secure.
Title: Re: Tink: My '89 Mini
Post by: MtyMous on July 11, 2014, 11:27:49 AM
I'll be rolling in closer to 3:00. Hit some traffic in Oklahoma City.
Title: Re: Tink: My '89 Mini
Post by: sparetimetoys on July 11, 2014, 01:57:59 PM
Quote from: MtyMous on July 10, 2014, 09:29:20 PM
I was looking at leaving around noon from OKC. That will put me around 2. Not sure how you want to unload the little beast I am bringing up with me. We'll figure something out I'm sure. Are the subframes bolted in well enough on Tink for me to use them to strap the car to the trailer back down to OKC?

I hope the red stick doesn't put up a fuss about going off the trailer like it did going on. I just went back to work today. Nothing broken they think it was just a pinched nerve in my back.
Title: Re: Tink: My '89 Mini
Post by: MtyMous on July 11, 2014, 09:15:58 PM
A couple good shoves and that was al it took. Went straight onto a dolly and then over to the waiting room.

In other news:

(https://farm3.staticflickr.com/2896/14445849597_9a05c24197_b.jpg)

(https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3879/14445639889_3f1ba10c6a_b.jpg)

(https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3908/14609257106_3e855253ff_b.jpg)

Terrible pics. I'll have more detailed pictures tomorrow.
Title: Re: Tink: My '89 Mini
Post by: 94touring on July 12, 2014, 04:41:50 AM
Glad it made it back safely.   
Title: Re: Tink: My '89 Mini
Post by: pbraun on July 12, 2014, 08:01:52 AM
Looking awesome!
Title: Re: Tink: My '89 Mini
Post by: sparetimetoys on July 12, 2014, 08:54:57 AM
One year I hope mine turns out half as nice as yours.
Title: Re: Tink: My '89 Mini
Post by: Chase on July 12, 2014, 09:18:22 AM
Cant wait to see more progress. I love it man. When I get back from Maine, Ill start a thread on my build. I am stocking up on parts currently. Miss you bud. Keep it up 4.gif
Title: Re: Tink: My '89 Mini
Post by: Mudhen on July 12, 2014, 09:49:03 AM
Quote from: Chase on July 12, 2014, 09:18:22 AM
Cant wait to see more progress. I love it man. When I get back from Maine, Ill start a thread on my build. I am stocking up on parts currently. Miss you bud. Keep it up 4.gif

Being in Maine is what I blame my lack of progress on as well.   ;D
Title: Re: Tink: My '89 Mini
Post by: MtyMous on July 14, 2014, 09:16:04 PM
Hey, Dan. That brake valve wasn't in the box 'o' stuff. Any way you can ship it as slow and cheap as possible? I'm in no rush. Just don't want to forget it.
Title: Re: Tink: My '89 Mini
Post by: 94touring on July 15, 2014, 04:33:04 AM
Doh  :-[  yeah I forgot about that.   
Title: Re: Tink: My '89 Mini
Post by: MtyMous on July 16, 2014, 12:28:20 PM
I am going with the 7075 aircraft grade aluminum hubs. CNC machined from a single billet, and has a bunch of nice upgraded features. Hard anodized, 3 bolt steering arms, and the best feature is they accept metro ball joints which are beefier, and don't require you to lap them or shim them yourself.

(http://minisport-usa.com/mini-spare-parts/FAM2390AKIT.jpg)

Boom. Subframes out.
(http://[url=https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5576/14648228806_f97fd2e185_b.jpg%5Dhttps://farm6.staticflickr.com/5576/14648228806_f97fd2e185_b.jpg%5B/url%5D)
Title: Re: Tink: My '89 Mini
Post by: Mudhen on July 16, 2014, 12:45:30 PM
Work of art.  Love that and added to my list!!!   4.gif
Title: Re: Tink: My '89 Mini
Post by: 94touring on July 16, 2014, 12:49:43 PM
Where did you snag those and how much lighter are they?
Title: Re: Tink: My '89 Mini
Post by: MtyMous on July 16, 2014, 01:28:21 PM
It's the minisport kit. Haven't ordered yet. I'm waiting to place a couple of really large orders to save on shipping. My wife is gonna hate me. Haha.

As for weight savings:

Weight of standard cast swivel hub - 4 lbs each

Weight of Mini Sport Alloy swivel hub - 1.5 lbs each
Title: Re: Tink: My '89 Mini
Post by: Mudhen on July 16, 2014, 01:30:29 PM
My wife wouldn't hate me...she'd divorce me!

The biggest weight savings will be in your wallet... :-\
Title: Re: Tink: My '89 Mini
Post by: MtyMous on July 16, 2014, 03:29:48 PM
I've been looking for a way to get into the metro ball joints since my last fiasco with a blown out BRAND NEW ball joint.
Title: Re: Tink: My '89 Mini
Post by: MtyMous on July 20, 2014, 08:04:55 PM
Forgot to mention I found this hitchhiker while I was tearing down the subframe.

(https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3903/14655850364_20bbf1de40_b.jpg)
Title: Re: Tink: My '89 Mini
Post by: 94touring on July 20, 2014, 08:24:13 PM
No wasp nest?
Title: Re: Tink: My '89 Mini
Post by: MtyMous on July 20, 2014, 09:09:41 PM
Oh yeah... the wasp's nest was hiding in the subframe behind the lower control arm bolt. Found that one last night.

Finished up the front subby cleanup today. I'll probably lightly sand the epoxy paint and put another coat on tomorrow.

(https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5589/14681557426_8c2ea872b1_b.jpg)

(https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3864/14704565965_a81508ecc2_b.jpg)

(https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3891/14704275352_6690c14291_b.jpg)
Title: Re: Tink: My '89 Mini
Post by: jedduh01 on July 21, 2014, 12:56:10 PM
I would por15 black that subframe - Rattlecan wont last long at all - surface rust will re appear.
Title: Re: Tink: My '89 Mini
Post by: MtyMous on July 21, 2014, 06:04:57 PM
Quote from: jedduh01 on July 21, 2014, 12:56:10 PM
I would por15 black that subframe - Rattlecan wont last long at all - surface rust will re appear.

I saved further than the picture shows. Most rust is completely gone. And the paint isn't just standard enamel. It's actually a quite thick enamel. I tried to chip I today. It's on there. Lol

And short of blasting and powder coating it, I'll always be susceptible to rust. POT15  too damn expensive.
Title: Re: Tink: My '89 Mini
Post by: Mudhen on July 22, 2014, 02:47:36 AM
Quote from: MtyMous on July 21, 2014, 06:04:57 PM
Quote from: jedduh01 on July 21, 2014, 12:56:10 PM
I would por15 black that subframe - Rattlecan wont last long at all - surface rust will re appear.

I saved further than the picture shows. Most rust is completely gone. And the paint isn't just standard enamel. It's actually a quite thick enamel. I tried to chip I today. It's on there. Lol

And short of blasting and powder coating it, I'll always be susceptible to rust. POT15  too damn expensive.

Says the guy buying the million dollar hubs!   ;D

I worry about POR (even though I've been using it) - it's not like the paint is magically going to stop the metal from rusting is it?  More like, 'lets make the outer coating so hard that when the metal underneath rots completely away nobody notices' - rust...gone!    :(
Title: Re: Tink: My '89 Mini
Post by: 94touring on July 22, 2014, 03:55:24 AM
Hard to say what the best option is.   I've been doing it like a normal paint job with sealer primer, which even if the paint gets gouged up the sealer does a good job at keeping rust away.   
Title: Re: Tink: My '89 Mini
Post by: MtyMous on July 25, 2014, 06:42:11 PM
Well I've been talking to quite a few people over the last few days. Specifically I didn't want to jump into the suspension without making an informed decision. So I've been talking w ith KAD directly about their hubs. There are two major drawbacks in my opinion. 1) they are using an inferior metal to the Minisport kit. Minisport is using 7075 Al in a solid billet. This is seriously strong. KAD is using a cast Al. It's been cast to produce grain in multiple directions, thus making it nearly as strong as the Minisport kit. But to make it stronger they had to ad metal to the bearing housing. This leads to problem #2.

2) You can't run 7.5" discs with the KAD hubs. Just can't happen. And if I'm gonna spend that amount of dough on hubs, I want them to work with the setup I want. I don't need to build my setup around fancy hubs. I need hubs to I integrate into my setup.

Another point. I've been trying to drill down exactly what offset and hoop width I need to order on my wheels I'm order to fill the arches, be able to go low, and not have to cut any metal. We're still working on a solution. I'll let you know when we get one drilled down.
Title: Re: Tink: My '89 Mini
Post by: MtyMous on July 25, 2014, 06:45:35 PM
Forgot to mention the issue with the helicoils getting goobered when removing the steering arms. While I don't see this being an issue with the proper fastener lube, helicoils offer better clamping strength than cut threads (rolled threads are a different story) so I will roll with them.
Title: Re: Tink: My '89 Mini
Post by: Mudhen on July 26, 2014, 04:13:23 AM
Quote from: bikewiz on July 21, 2014, 04:06:19 PM
You may want to read Joe250's http://www.joe250.com/cars/mini/rebuild/step60/step60.html (http://www.joe250.com/cars/mini/rebuild/step60/step60.html) trials and tribulations using the Minisport kit. After reading about his problems and his solution I opted for the KAD hubs like he did which I bought directly from KAD same basic make up except they're not "handed" which sort of prevents you from using the OE disc guards.

Wow, quite the build Joe250 is doing  :-\

So with the KAD setup you can't use 10" wheels?  Is that the end result, MtyMous?
Title: Re: Tink: My '89 Mini
Post by: MtyMous on July 26, 2014, 07:26:11 AM
You CAN use 10" wheels. But only those that will fit over 7.9" rotors and calipers. The issue is not the rotor size. It's the rotor plus the caliper.

So I could probably run the wheels I'm buying now, but if I wanted to switch to another set of 10's in the future, I may not be able to do it with those hubs. And that's a lot of money to not be able to use whatever wheel/brake combo I want.

So since I REALLY want to run the metro balljoints, I think I'm sticking with the minisport kit.
Title: Re: Tink: My '89 Mini
Post by: MtyMous on July 28, 2014, 10:44:30 PM
Still having a hell of a time with this bonnet, Dan. Doesn't matter what I do, I still have about a 11mm gap at the rear of the bonnet to body, and about a 13mm overhang at the front. Gonna have to get creative.
Title: Re: Tink: My '89 Mini
Post by: 94touring on July 29, 2014, 01:50:44 AM
The overhang on the front is normal.   The chrome covers and blends that up. 
Title: Re: Tink: My '89 Mini
Post by: MtyMous on July 29, 2014, 06:35:02 AM
Sorry. I didn't mean the lip for the grille piece. I mean the actual bonnet itself still latches with some effort, but the entire thickness of the hood and a small gap still exists when shut. If you look along the headlight opening sideways at the hood, you can actually see daylight. You could look into the engine bay. I'll post a picture tonight when I get off work.
Title: Re: Tink: My '89 Mini
Post by: 94touring on July 29, 2014, 07:12:53 AM
Oh can you screw the latch up a little so it closes tighter?   Technically there should be a rubber bump stop that creates a small gap too.   Bonnet fitment is rarely easy it seems.  Did you put in your minivation hinges?   Where I had it placed on the stock hinges was about as close as you could get.  Only thing I didn't like was it sat a little higher than the scuttle in the center but unless you have a group of minis together and said spot the differences no one will likely notice.   Your bonnet fit more squarely than Deans though, and that was even using all heritage panels. 
Title: Re: Tink: My '89 Mini
Post by: 94touring on July 29, 2014, 07:42:59 AM
I think I understand where you're talking about better now.   If there's a gap big enough for light can you lift the rear slightly or push the center of the hood upwards to bend it up, then slide the hood back?  Lifting the rear will keep it from hitting the scuttle when you open it.  Then of course if you can get it to close downward tighter will close some gap too.
Title: Re: Tink: My '89 Mini
Post by: 94touring on July 29, 2014, 11:06:21 AM
Went back to compare to some other cars.   Having to attach from my phone but do these look comparable?
Title: Re: Tink: My '89 Mini
Post by: MtyMous on July 29, 2014, 01:57:41 PM
Honestly, those look much better. Mine seems like the brackets are just too far back. I've already used the Dremel to take out a bunch of metal and open up the mounting bracket hoes to try and get it to slide back more. But I'm running out of metal. I even put on the minivation hinges last night hoping I could use those to slide it back further, and they have me an extra 2mm. But not enough to really "fit". It closes and latches. Side gaps are great. Just looks a mess front and rear.
Title: Re: Tink: My '89 Mini
Post by: 94touring on July 29, 2014, 02:04:07 PM
Snap some pics of it and how much metal you got to deal with.   Gaps front and rear too. 
Title: Re: Tink: My '89 Mini
Post by: MtyMous on July 29, 2014, 03:15:57 PM
Rog
Title: Re: Tink: My '89 Mini
Post by: MtyMous on July 29, 2014, 04:05:37 PM
Pictures as requested.

You can see where I opened up the hole a bit more. I'm afraid to open it up any further, but I don't really think I have too many options at this point.
Title: Re: Tink: My '89 Mini
Post by: MtyMous on July 29, 2014, 04:45:32 PM
Finished with the rear subframe. Had a little help.

(https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5572/14800833593_01405a3c91_b.jpg)

(https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5586/14780623432_ccc0ec4e66_b.jpg)


(https://farm3.staticflickr.com/2922/14757974656_3e47dd2f9d_b.jpg)

(https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5555/14777823071_f9809cc6bf_b.jpg)
Title: Re: Tink: My '89 Mini
Post by: 94touring on July 29, 2014, 04:50:24 PM
Hmm  8.gif. Well I guess the hood isn't agreeing with the new hinges cause there definitely wasn't that big of a gap before.  What if you take a piece of 16 or 14 gauge steel, make an extension, bolt it to the current hole, create a new bolting point opening and drill more of the rear hole out?
Title: Re: Tink: My '89 Mini
Post by: MtyMous on July 29, 2014, 06:42:37 PM
Yeah. I think the new hinges just made the problem worse.

Funny you mentioned that fix. I had the same idea and found some SS flat bar on my way home from work. We'll see how it works out.
Title: Re: Tink: My '89 Mini
Post by: MtyMous on July 29, 2014, 09:50:27 PM
More progress tonight.

Upper Control arm rebuilt.

Before
(https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3878/14596331087_71113ff110_b.jpg)

After
(https://farm3.staticflickr.com/2905/14782491952_a9ace37040_b.jpg)

It's darn near impossible to get the shock bolt out of the other side on the control arm. Gonna have to go with more drastic measures.


The good news is there's a Fastenal down the street that can order just about any nut bolt, etc that I want. So I started out with a small order of all new fasteners.

(https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3856/14780983445_761c4f5778_b.jpg)


Oh... and something tells me this isn't right....
(https://farm3.staticflickr.com/2918/14594467727_c1bda677d5_b.jpg)
Title: Re: Tink: My '89 Mini
Post by: Mudhen on July 30, 2014, 05:59:36 AM
Dude...I'll give you $20 for the nuts/bolts parts list from Fastenal...ok, $30.   19.gif
Title: Re: Tink: My '89 Mini
Post by: MtyMous on July 30, 2014, 09:38:54 AM
I'm making a list as I replace them. It's all in an excel file right new. They don't have everything, but they've been able to get me what I need so far. Most of it is weird lengths and fine pitch metric bolts that they don't stock but can special order. I'm replacing everything that I can. Especially if it's corroded, damaged, or inferior finish (raw steel vs zinc coated).

I'll be sure to share my list... for free. I'm surprised no one has done this yet in 55 years.
Title: Re: Tink: My '89 Mini
Post by: MtyMous on August 03, 2014, 10:18:54 PM
Alright... the hood still doesn't fit quite like I want it to, but it's not as crazy as it was before. I need to bend it in a few places... Which I don't really want to do because the paint is so freaking nice.

I'd like to caveat this with the fact that I don't hold Dan responsible for any of this. I believe this is just a fluke in this aftermarket hood. Win some/lose some.

Anyway. The only way to fix this one was to add on to the bracket. I was going to make a stainless steel bracket to sandwich it all together, but that just wasn't gonna work.


So here's what I ended up doing.

Cut down a piece of steel to size
(https://farm3.staticflickr.com/2926/14806257865_3eeb08a7c8_b.jpg)

Weld it up (not all of us have fancy welding areas and we have to make messy welds in our garages. haha
(https://farm3.staticflickr.com/2926/14783326356_b2596c2483_b.jpg)

Then you get to clean up those messy welds.
(https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3870/14805969222_d398d1f496_b.jpg)

Then you clean up the messy welds a bit more, cut out your slots... and add paint
(https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3838/14636193179_e25fd3c01e_b.jpg)

(https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5552/14799848226_f09a377a73_b.jpg)

(https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3852/14842676043_bb105e9022_b.jpg)


But this thing still doesn't fit quite right. Not loving the gaps all the way around or the over all fitment front to back. It's not terrible, but it still just isn't right. I was able to get a bit more out of the hinges as well. They sit about 8mm further back than the factory hinges do. So that helped out with the 14mm gap. Then my bracket mod gave me the extra bit I needed. But you can see the other bits. It just seems a bit out of shape in a few places. Might have to get that carbon hood after all.

Front gap is almost there. Not terrible, but if I go any further back, the back of the hood actually hits the scuttle... so clearly this hood is a bit long.
(https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5588/14801612886_3b6e8775b9_b.jpg)

And if the hood isn't long, then usually it's a little flat and needs to add a bit of curve to the nose to shorten it up. But not so in this case. It actually sticks up a bit.
(https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3857/14824251772_4a4218a477_b.jpg)

(https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3848/14824619765_b54b6158c9_b.jpg)

Then there's the rear of the bonnet that lays perfectly flush at the corners, but sticks up about 1cm in the middle..
(https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3882/14638075687_c34ea7a331_b.jpg)

(https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3920/14801613426_e53525e51a_b.jpg)

See... Corners are flush and the gaps are uniform. haha
(https://farm3.staticflickr.com/2911/14801613596_8967ff8f6f_b.jpg)

So... I'll probably run with it for a while until it really starts bothering me. Then I'll just go ahead and get the carbon bonnet I've been eyeballing for a while anyway.
Title: Re: Tink: My '89 Mini
Post by: MtyMous on August 03, 2014, 10:34:15 PM
But on a lighter note, I've decided to go fuel injected so I have an HS4 carb to sell. And I've decided on another route with the heater so there's a great working condition heater for sale as well.

Completely rebuilt the thing and was running it with complete success right before my rebuild started. I mean.. maybe 50 miles on it. haha
(https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5573/14844459213_c6312d0721_b.jpg)

(https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5596/14822253164_576b25094e_b.jpg)



And I've done quite a bit more. Trunnions, poly bushings, and a bunch of other small things that I don't really care to waste forum space with. But I was able to completely restore my rear caster/camber adjustment brackets that I got with the car. I REALLY hated these things when they were on the car because they were seized onto the car and made adjusting things a complete pain in the butt. But now that they move freely and are clean and not in the way... I kind of like them. Might end up putting them back on the car instead of going with a different set.

(https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3885/14619583579_a5d2fbfbe5_b.jpg)
Title: Re: Tink: My '89 Mini
Post by: 94touring on August 04, 2014, 02:58:05 PM
For the most part they all stick forward about like you have.  Maybe you can adjust the latch to close a little tighter.   It is higher in the rear for who knows what reason.  Being a mini they rarely fit perfect.  Even Deans heritage front end was out of whack. 
Title: Re: Tink: My '89 Mini
Post by: MtyMous on August 04, 2014, 04:48:38 PM
Yeah. I know they all require a bit of tweaking. It's just irritating not being able to get it just right. Especially knowing how great the rest of the car looks now. And that the hood actually does look great. It's just wonky.
Title: Re: Tink: My '89 Mini
Post by: MtyMous on August 06, 2014, 11:04:43 PM
Got the minivation hinges in and sorted out. I'm happy with them actually. Gives me more room on the firewall as well for future items.

(https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5567/14662662229_eb51496eb6_b.jpg)

(https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3863/14869162933_7028b31d4b_b.jpg)

(https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5579/14662663049_ff2d1ae1f0_b.jpg)


Also, you might have seen my new Rogue Se7ens Carbon upper dash pad peeking through. It's just roughly fit in there right now. Will likely need a bit of tweaking, but I'm liking the contrast of grey and CF.

(https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5596/14846215361_acff9d62d6_b.jpg)

(https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5591/14848947632_2f7c03558a_b.jpg)
Title: Re: Tink: My '89 Mini
Post by: MtyMous on August 20, 2014, 08:15:50 PM
Well... Just bought over $3 grand  in parts. If that's not a way to jumpstart a project, I don't know what is. Haha

I'm super excited about a few of the parts though. Muahaha.  As soon as they arrive.
Title: Re: Tink: My '89 Mini
Post by: 94touring on August 21, 2014, 10:01:41 AM
I'm going to get your extras shipped out here within a few days.  I'm not sure if the flairs showed up with your addy on them, but otherwise I'll need an address for you.  I've been taking a breather the past few days and haven't' been to the shop.   
Title: Re: Tink: My '89 Mini
Post by: MtyMous on August 21, 2014, 11:52:00 AM
I'll just email you my address. Flairs should have return address on them, but better safe than sorry.
Title: Re: Tink: My '89 Mini
Post by: Willie_B on August 23, 2014, 03:59:19 AM
Quote from: MtyMous on August 20, 2014, 08:15:50 PM
Well... Just bought over $3 grand  in parts.

Did you decide to go with the fuel injection?
Title: Re: Tink: My '89 Mini
Post by: MtyMous on August 23, 2014, 07:25:59 AM
I have decided to go fuel injected, but that wasn't included on this order. Haha. The bill on this Resto is adding up quickly.

Still have engine machine work, transmission posts, fuel injection, and some other goodies. I just want to do it right while I'm young and stupid.
Title: Re: Tink: My '89 Mini
Post by: Merlin on August 24, 2014, 07:04:03 PM
What are you doing for fuel pump? In-tank or external? I am going fuel injection on mine and want to know your route on this.
Title: Re: Tink: My '89 Mini
Post by: MtyMous on August 24, 2014, 11:20:47 PM
I liked the idea of internal for clean install and all that, but I like the idea of being able to access everything easily while in a road trip and easier to work on. Also, it allows me to use the cheaper sending units/pickups that already work with my current tank. So I've decided I'll go external. Not sure yet on the pump/regulator,  etc. But definitely external. Unless someone can make a convincing case to the contrary.
Title: Re: Tink: My '89 Mini
Post by: Merlin on August 25, 2014, 05:36:20 PM
Internal are quieter, run cooler, last longer, reduce fuel slosh and if done right, can use stock parts that can be found at any local autoparts store. Although there is no current conversion, I have been toying with the idea of making my own conversion and making it available. Since we are down the street from each other, it might be worth our effort to bang our collective heads together.

The down side is that they will reduce fuel capacity and be a little more difficult to access. If using OEM grade stuff, you won't have to access the pump for a long-ass-time.

With that said, externals are cheaper and easier to install as it only requires removing the old pump and putting a new one in.
Title: Re: Tink: My '89 Mini
Post by: MtyMous on September 11, 2014, 08:35:54 PM
You guys remember when I said I bought a LOT of new stuff?

(https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3867/15212625902_9038846889_b.jpg)
Title: Re: Tink: My '89 Mini
Post by: Mudhen on September 12, 2014, 03:30:55 AM
 :-\

4.gif
Title: Re: Tink: My '89 Mini
Post by: 94touring on September 12, 2014, 04:14:04 AM
Rear radius arm re bushing  4.gif
Title: Re: Tink: My '89 Mini
Post by: MtyMous on September 12, 2014, 06:34:24 AM
Quote from: MtyMous on September 11, 2014, 08:35:54 PM
You guys remember when I said I bought a LOT of new stuff?

(https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3867/15212625902_9038846889_b.jpg)

Not everything is new. Mostly everything on the white towel was actually field stripped and sanded smooth. Then painted with a couple coats of epoxy paint.

Gonna need to figure out how to remove the old bushings and bearings. Then I need to put in and reem the new bushings. Should be fun... not.
Title: Re: Tink: My '89 Mini
Post by: 94touring on September 12, 2014, 07:43:04 AM
I found a piece of pipe in the shop that was just the right diameter to punch out the old stuff. 
Title: Re: Tink: My '89 Mini
Post by: Mudhen on September 12, 2014, 07:49:55 AM
Quote from: 94touring on September 12, 2014, 07:43:04 AM
I found a piece of pipe in the shop that was just the right diameter to punch out the old stuff.

Do you have to attack it from the inside and push the bushing out?  ie, you can't just drive everything out one end, can you?
Title: Re: Tink: My '89 Mini
Post by: 94touring on September 12, 2014, 08:00:09 AM
The one I just did was able to drive the one side right out from the other end.  The bearing had failed and so after beating on it, it made its way into the void in the center after the plastic tube was removed.   I then spent some time fishing it out of the grease and punched it out in a couple pieces.   Not an enjoyable job.
Title: Re: Tink: My '89 Mini
Post by: MtyMous on September 12, 2014, 09:05:13 AM
That's what I'm afraid of. I had no idea these things were basically hollow until I got into it.
Title: Re: Tink: My '89 Mini
Post by: MtyMous on September 12, 2014, 09:19:35 PM
Here are some other pics that I took. Please excuse the crap quality. They came straight from the camera with no editing.

(https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5593/15034753400_81444ecfb3_b.jpg)

The hubs are fantastic quality. I almost don't want to put them on the car to get dirty. Haha. The threads for everything but the ball joints are helicoils. Supposedly that is stronger than having the threads cut directly out of the hub's metal. Here's a pic of the three  for the uprated steering armsarms (notice that the factory only has 2).

(https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5579/15198421616_c6272b826f_b.jpg)

(https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3910/15221450505_5d8c9e8072_b.jpg)

(https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3872/15221067242_8b2c478e3a_b.jpg)
BBB
(https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5570/15221067202_b9fb39eb1c_b.jpg)

(https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3854/15034753150_8e240c50e4_b.jpg)
Title: Re: Tink: My '89 Mini
Post by: 94touring on September 13, 2014, 12:59:12 AM
Nice stuff!
Title: Re: Tink: My '89 Mini
Post by: MtyMous on September 26, 2014, 08:18:48 AM
Sorry for the potato quality. Finally got the rear subframe fitted. It was an absolute bear with the new poly bushings. There is a LOT less give than the old worn out rubber ones, and having the extra thickness of two layers of the Lizard Skin.  It was somewhat difficult, but it's in there.

Still need to finish up putting on the other swingarm (it got late) and then putting in the brake lines. They are all already plumbed up. I just need to attach them. I already bent up and fitted the swingarm hard lines. I wanted them to have nice clean bends on every part of the car, so I spent some extra time making that happen.

Next is to put in some more old parts that I cleaned up, then the front subframe and its suspension/brake components. Then we wait for the money to roll in again.

(https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3891/15359897152_5e1376b306_k.jpg)
Title: Re: Tink: My '89 Mini
Post by: 94touring on September 26, 2014, 10:40:05 AM
They're usually a huge pain in my ass with new standard bushings.
Title: Re: Tink: My '89 Mini
Post by: MtyMous on September 26, 2014, 11:09:14 AM
Glad to hear I'm not the only one. Glad I have 2 floor jacks.
Title: Re: Tink: My '89 Mini
Post by: MtyMous on October 10, 2014, 11:28:03 AM
Well work has been NUTS, and money is tight. So I've only been able to install all of the subframes, the new suspension components, the new hardware, and the new brakes front and rear. There are a lot of pieces in between that are mundane. Poly mounts, new shock bolts, all of that.

There are two tips I will share with those who are considering rebuilding EVERYTHING.

1) Subframes with new bushings (especially poly) are a complete pain in the butt to install. The bushings aren't as compressed as the old ones and all of the mounting points will be off. This doesn't necessarily mean your subframe isn't square. Trust me. Mine went in like a kid shoving a square peg into a round hole. So I dropped it and meticulously measured it for square and it was perfect. So in it went with some wedging, sledging, and a few of my favorite drifts to line up the holes before shoving a bolt though and torquing them down.

2) If you intend to put new bushings into the rear swingarms, you must ream the brass bushing after installing. It's an incredibly easy process if you have the right tool. The right tool is a LONG 13/16 reamer. Using the needle bearing on the other end as a carriage for the reamer's shaft. Huge thanks to Justin for lending me that one. It will be in the mail and on its way back to you soon.


Anyway. Here's the photo update. Loving the look I decided to go with. Brushed metal will look great.

(https://farm3.staticflickr.com/2950/15472463806_5acd3b4834_b.jpg)
Title: Re: Tink: My '89 Mini
Post by: 94touring on October 10, 2014, 11:51:23 AM
Gotta love new rear bushings.  I get 7 out of 8 bolts loosely in and struggle with the last one every time.   
Title: Re: Tink: My '89 Mini
Post by: MtyMous on October 10, 2014, 01:36:28 PM
You're lucky you get that many. These Poly bushings had every one of them too wide out. Had to gently persuade each one. But I got it in and it's pretty sold now. I'm hapy with the end result. Forgot anti-sieze on 2 bolts so I had to take them back out and I was afraid I'd never get them back in. Haha.

Also.... My brake kit that was "Specific to my vehicle and braking system".... wasn't. I'm bending and flaring my own pipes. The only ones that matched up were the ones mounted to the rear subframe and the rear swing arms. I guess the main benefit is that I have all the fittings that I need. I'm using PVF coated steel brake lines. I bought 25ft and I'll be bending them up and routing them where I see fit instead of fitting them as best as I can with the short lengths that were provided in the kit. They don't look as a pretty as the copper tubes, but they will last years and years and I can do custom bends that get everything out of the way. Should make for a much cleaner install.
Title: Re: Tink: My '89 Mini
Post by: MtyMous on October 16, 2014, 08:48:22 PM
Finished up making my own steel lines. PVF coated and should last until I die.

So to celebrate that experience being over... Here's some status pictures.

There she be. I'm really digging the brushed look with the paint. And the performance parts next to all that. Can't wait to get some wheels and tires under it... then a motor... then an interior. haha

(https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3934/15554529562_f5c362b7b8_b.jpg)

Some of the leftover fittings that I'll keep around... just in case.

(https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3936/15367062669_a6b173c3b3_b.jpg)

And my favorite image of the bunch.

(https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3953/15553686945_0869447657_b.jpg)
Title: Re: Tink: My '89 Mini
Post by: 94touring on October 16, 2014, 09:09:33 PM
Very nice  4.gif
Title: Re: Tink: My '89 Mini
Post by: MtyMous on October 31, 2014, 02:39:00 PM
I promise this isn't dead. I've just been talking with numerous people about some custom details and I wanted to halt the purchases of small things until I was sure I could get some custom work done first.

I was talking with Carl from Force-Racing about doing a set of one-off wheels. Seems it's just too dang hard to make the designs shrink down to a 10" wheel. Let along the fact that the centers are actually smaller than 10". But we worked out a way to get a unique set of wheels anyway. Should be a nice little touch.

And there are a few other touches in work. Stay tuned. Just gotta get that next promotion to pay for all this fun. haha
Title: Re: Tink: My '89 Mini
Post by: MiniDave on January 09, 2015, 09:42:24 PM
Well, here we are 4 months later, what's the status?

Will it be on the road by March? I'd love to see you on our Classic Mini run then!
Title: Re: Tink: My '89 Mini
Post by: MtyMous on January 09, 2015, 11:00:11 PM
I hate that this has hit a stalemate recently, but I haven't been able to put more funds into it just yet. It hurts every day that I get home from work and open the garage to see it sitting there. I had some things come up. Holidays were the least of them. Family was the biggest. Had to spend money on life and make responsible adult decisions... which is stupid. haha. But it seems that things have settled down and I can get back into a routine of spending money.

I'll be making a parts order later this month to get some more goodies to get it moving forward. Unfortunately, this has slipped my timeline. And I've decided to add some more goodies to the engine/trans setup while I'm building it. I figured I should just build it right and get a LSD and I'm still considering having the crank and piston sleeves coated before going to the machine shop. Then there's the question of whether or not I should do forged con rods or just have the stock ones cleaned up and re-used. I'm leaning towards the stock ones if they are still in balance. So all of the new parts mean it will take longer to get them purchased and alas... an extended build date.

It's painful, but I think in the end it will be worth the while to go ahead and spend a few more thousand dollars now and wait a bit longer. In the meantime, I'm just cleaning up the re-usable bits and trying to continue the theme of brushed metal/flat metal. I want all of the chrome to be muted on the car. It's getting there.


But of course I'll post pictures when I buy more shiny pieces. haha.
Title: Re: Tink: My '89 Mini
Post by: MiniDave on January 10, 2015, 09:58:50 AM
The standard H style conrods are very strong....do you have Vizard's book on tuning the A series engine? I wound up with an extra I would sell cheap. Ol Dave V. knows everything there is to know on building a Mini engine, I think....
Title: Re: Tink: My '89 Mini
Post by: MtyMous on January 10, 2015, 10:45:56 AM
Never got a copy of the book. Really aught to, though before I start building the new engine and trans. I was going by the ole "Installation is the reverse of removal" tactic. haha. Well plus some skills in engine/trans building I've picked up along the way.

Shoot me an email on the price you're looking at. I'm sure I'll be in to buy.

Oh. And thanks for the insight on the rods. I'm not putting in anything crazy, so I figured as long as the standard rods aren't junk, they'll hold. Just didn't want to get a nice shiny new engine built and grenade it because I went cheap on something important.
Title: Re: Tink: My '89 Mini
Post by: MiniDave on January 10, 2015, 12:29:52 PM
His book is not a how-to on disassembly and reassembly, but it does teach you all the performance tricks - and he knows them all I think.

I learned a lot of neat little tricks, and if you want to build a good reliable engine he can help you avoid some pitfalls. There's nothing magical about the A series engine, but there are some unique things about it and some easily made mistakes to avoid.

I've built them since the late 60's an I still learned a bunch from reading this book.

Title: Re: Tink: My '89 Mini
Post by: Jims5543 on January 11, 2015, 06:12:19 AM
Those Mini Sport Calipers give me anxiety. I hope they were not 1/2 the price compared to everyone elses calipers. If they are it might be at the expense of quality.

The rockers I purchased from them were complete garbage. They insisted the failure of them was my fault and when I sent them off to be tested and the results came back that the billet they used was weak and not up to the task. They still told me it was my fault they failed.

I put a set of rockers in from MM, which cost 2X what Mini Sports cost and they have no lasted about 6X longer. Mini sport failed in the first 100 miles MM's have lasted over 600 miles now.

Please be careful brakes are much more important than rockers.  I do not trust that company anymore nor will I purchase anything from them ever again.
Title: Re: Tink: My '89 Mini
Post by: MiniDave on January 11, 2015, 09:46:55 AM
Vizard says the stamped steel cheap looking rockers are as good as anything up to about 6500 rpm, you only need fancy schmancy roller rockers if you're looking for high rpm race use or going from the stock 1.23 ratio to 1.5.....

I went one step better than the stamped steel and used the factory forged Cooper S rockers, they were about $65 the set IIRC, but you do have to have the bushings reamed.

What's that old saying - Do a man right and he'll tell a few friends, do him wrong and he'll tell everyone in the world?

I've had very good service from Mike Guido and MiniSport, and I will continue to buy from them.
Title: Re: Tink: My '89 Mini
Post by: Jims5543 on January 11, 2015, 09:56:48 AM
No argument on the rockers. I would be weary of the calipers and the material used.  Go to my thread on my pickup and see the email exchanges, it was bizarro world dealing with them. Even after proving the failure was not my fault and a fault in the material the rockers were made from, they responded that they were glad I agreed it was my installation that caused the failure.  I was blown away.

Rockers are one thing, the car stops moving, brakes are another deal all together, I would hate for you to see a failure.  Do they state your calipers are for off road use only? I would be curious if they submitted to the DOT for approval for road use.

Yes, one bad customer can do a lot of damage, I have pretty much kept my mouth shut outside my thread about my Minisport Experience.  I could not keep tight lipped when I saw their name on an item that can kill you if it fails, brake calipers.

I just checked their site, no mention of DOT approved, and VERY cheap prices for a big brake kit. I am not trying to bring a smear campaign against them, just do not want to see Dan lose a member here. 


http://www.restorationmini.com/forum/index.php?topic=532.175 (http://www.restorationmini.com/forum/index.php?topic=532.175)
(http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y219/Jims5543/20140719_222656_zpsv5nbjl8l.jpg)
Title: Re: Tink: My '89 Mini
Post by: 94touring on January 11, 2015, 10:03:35 AM
I don't want to see my paint job screwed up lol.   Couldn't be worse than Dean hitting a dog a month after doing his car.   Got to do his car twice!
Title: Re: Tink: My '89 Mini
Post by: MtyMous on January 11, 2015, 11:48:27 AM
I understand the concern, Jim. And there are definitely products that I wouldn't buy. And if you look at the rest of my build, hopefully it shows that I'm more concerned with quality than price.

As for the brakes, I did a LOT of research. I mean... an obnoxious amount. I spoke with probably 15 people that owned all different versions of MiniSport's  calipers, and I spoke with 2 guys that use them on their racecars. None of them had seen a failure. One guy said say he had an issue with the annodization coloring not matching on the two halves of the caliper, but that was the only complaint. Really, a big factor was that MiniSport had put a lot of time into designing a setup that would work with nearly every set of 10" wheels.

I try to get real world experience and combine it with technical data to form decisions.

Obviously I'll be keeping a close eye on all the components for the first few hundred miles.
Title: Re: Tink: My '89 Mini
Post by: MiniDave on January 11, 2015, 12:54:02 PM
There's a guy on a lot of forums who goes by the name "Joltfreak" who claims to have a kit that lets you use Honda vented discs and keep the 10 wheels.....

Here if the link still works.....http://joltfreak.tripod.com/ (http://joltfreak.tripod.com/)
Title: Re: Tink: My '89 Mini
Post by: Willie_B on January 11, 2015, 01:45:26 PM
I am running one of Joltfreaks Honda kits. There will only fit under a small number of 10" wheels. Will not fit stock steels at all. Other than finding wheels that fit I have been very pleased with them.
Title: Re: Tink: My '89 Mini
Post by: MtyMous on January 11, 2015, 02:31:39 PM
Yup. Joltfreak and I talked quite a bit a couple years ago. The kit is great. And replacement parts can be had at a local automotive store. Huge benefit. But there was some uncertainty of whether they would fit the custom 3 piece wheels I'm getting. MiniSport kit is confirmed to fit.
Title: Re: Tink: My '89 Mini
Post by: MiniDave on January 11, 2015, 02:42:57 PM
Sounds like you're all set then. 3 piece 10" wheels?????? Can't wait to see those!
Title: Re: Tink: My '89 Mini
Post by: MtyMous on January 11, 2015, 04:00:06 PM
I've been chatting with Carl Austin for a while now. He's going to custom make a set for me. It's about timing, really. I need to get some other parts ordered and in place before I buy the wheels, really.  And they are a good chunk of money, too. lol
Title: Re: Tink: My '89 Mini
Post by: MiniDave on January 11, 2015, 04:32:55 PM
I had to go look Carl Austin up - Force Racing guy......
Title: Re: Tink: My '89 Mini
Post by: Merlin on January 11, 2015, 05:13:30 PM
I have had my eye on the V5's that they make. I will be waiting until I have the car buttoned back up before I pick out the size I want.
Title: Re: Tink: My '89 Mini
Post by: MtyMous on January 11, 2015, 05:46:22 PM
Well, Merlin, you're in for a treat. I'm buying the V5's. haha. Couple little touches, though. Just subtle and most probably wouldn't notice.

We were working to try and get the "DSY" design compressed to a 10" wheel for my car, but he said the design just doesn't support being shrunk down because of lug nut placement and just total strength at that size. I'm still loving the V5's though.
Title: Re: Tink: My '89 Mini
Post by: Merlin on January 11, 2015, 05:55:16 PM
I guess what I should have said is that Ill be getting 10" but I don't know what width and offset I want. Getting tires are the biggest issue I see.

Are you getting them in black as well? I really want the KAD wheels, but it took me a few moments to realize the price was for one wheel, and not for four. I just can't justify...
Title: Re: Tink: My '89 Mini
Post by: MtyMous on January 11, 2015, 08:50:52 PM
Yeah. Carl and I ran through a few options with offset and hoops for total width. I want a meaty tire on it and I also want it to fill out the current flares that I have on the car. We'll finalize the decision for the inner and outer hoops once I take some measurements now that I have the rear brakes and front hubs in place. Still debating between 6.5" and 7" wide. Each has its pros and cons. But my centers and hoops will be anodized different colors. Actual colors will be seen when I post pics. Won't be black though.
Title: Re: Tink: My '89 Mini
Post by: MiniDave on January 11, 2015, 08:51:17 PM
All that KAD stuff is seriously spendy!
Title: Re: Tink: My '89 Mini
Post by: MtyMous on February 27, 2015, 04:35:33 PM
So I probably owe some sort of update. I've been slacking off because the wife and I decided to pay off some of her student loan debt with my new raise. Since then, we've been replenishing the savings and I will soon be back to buying those beloved car parts. But the next few purchases are going to be expensive. 

Built, ported, and flowed head, fuel injection kit, SCCR gearbox internals, SC drops, 3.1 FD, and many other small but similar purpose parts. Can you tell what phase of the build is next yet? Haha.  Hopefully the next two paychecks get me there. We'll see what all comes up. Thanks for sticking with me, guys.
Title: Re: Tink: My '89 Mini
Post by: MtyMous on July 22, 2015, 10:55:21 PM
Life happened again, guys. But it looks like it's time to kick this build off again.

(https://farm1.staticflickr.com/543/19934348375_973bd5e8a5_b.jpg)
Title: Re: Tink: My '89 Mini
Post by: 94touring on July 23, 2015, 09:30:09 AM
Glad to see you're back at it.
Title: Re: Tink: My '89 Mini
Post by: MiniDave on July 23, 2015, 09:32:19 AM
Looks like some "fun" parts have arrived!
Title: Re: Tink: My '89 Mini
Post by: MtyMous on July 23, 2015, 05:20:41 PM
fun indeed. Kent 286, maniflow header, vernier timing chain, and all the bits to put it together. Just need to get with the machine shop soon.
Title: Re: Tink: My '89 Mini
Post by: jeff10049 on July 26, 2015, 07:45:51 PM
Sweet love seeing the progress.

Jeff
Title: Re: Tink: My '89 Mini
Post by: MiniDave on September 01, 2015, 01:19:27 PM
So........is it running yet?  ;D
Title: Re: Tink: My '89 Mini
Post by: MtyMous on September 01, 2015, 08:35:34 PM
Dave, I wish. I need to get my butt in gear and just call the machine shop. Maybe I'll call them tomorrow. I've been so swamped at work that I haven't even been able to put the freaking subframes back into the car since I pulled them out to run the fuel lines. Ugh.

I have the money right now, but this whole Air Force thing takes a LOT of time. haha. Especially my job. It's more than a handful. To top it all off, I'll probably be moving in the Spring. Almost a year ahead of schedule. So now's the time to get her running if I'm ever gonna do it.
Title: Re: Tink: My '89 Mini
Post by: MiniDave on September 02, 2015, 08:55:25 AM
There you go - motivation!   ;D
Title: Re: Tink: My '89 Mini
Post by: MtyMous on September 02, 2015, 05:28:02 PM
Well... I'm an idiot. I somehow deleted the machine shop's phone number that was recommended to me. Dean, If you're out there, you recommended a machine shop that did your engine. I've lost his name and number and I need to give him a call. Let me know (shoot me a PM) if you can.
Title: Re: Tink: My '89 Mini
Post by: MiniDave on September 02, 2015, 05:35:54 PM
I sent Dean a message on Facetube....

Edit: Dean says you have his contact info, just get a hold of him.
Title: Re: Tink: My '89 Mini
Post by: deanwilhite on September 02, 2015, 06:07:17 PM
Buddy Rice Precision Engine
+14052355475
1501 W Main St, Oklahoma City, OK 73106

Here you go Cam. Coffee and cars Saturday.
Title: Re: Tink: My '89 Mini
Post by: MtyMous on September 02, 2015, 10:11:44 PM
Dean,

Hope to have some time to get to Coffee and Cars on Saturday. What time are you guys usually out there?
Title: Re: Tink: My '89 Mini
Post by: MtyMous on September 03, 2015, 10:26:51 PM
Taking the engine to the machine shop tomorrow.
Title: Re: Tink: My '89 Mini
Post by: MtyMous on September 04, 2015, 10:02:22 AM
Alright... I'm finally off my butt. Committed to getting this thing done now. Just dropped this off at the machine shop. Should have something shiny and new come mid October.

(https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5749/20952863058_5f7b6817a3_b.jpg)
Title: Re: Tink: My '89 Mini
Post by: MiniDave on September 04, 2015, 11:44:55 AM
Wow, 6 weeks to build your motor? I'm glad to see you moving ahead, but that does seem like a long time....

My machine shop tanked it, bored the block, line bored it, machined the crank, installed the cam bearings, balanced everything and did all the head work in 3 weeks.......I did the assembly. 
Title: Re: Tink: My '89 Mini
Post by: MtyMous on September 04, 2015, 12:58:27 PM
Dave, the 6 weeks isn't how long it's gonna take to do the work. He's really backed up right now and it's going to be at least 3 weeks before he can get to it. I'm not in a big rush to get it back, so it's fine with me. He said it would take him about 1-2 weeks to do the actual work. He quoted me for assembly. I'm capable of doing the final assembly, but I need him to do a dry build on it to get everything right anyway, so I said screw it, I'll pay the extra $50 or so for him to do the final assembly after everything is spec'd out.
Title: Re: Tink: My '89 Mini
Post by: MiniDave on September 04, 2015, 01:00:30 PM
Well, the important part is that 6 weeks or so from now you'll have a complete motor!

What are you going to work on in the meantime?
Title: Re: Tink: My '89 Mini
Post by: MtyMous on September 04, 2015, 01:44:36 PM
Pretty much the rest of the car. haha. I need to get the fuel lines finished and the subframes back in. Then I need to get a return bung welded into the fuel tank. Gonna have to get a BUNCH of wire to re-do the harnesses the way I want them and then some items to go with that. (quick disconnects to facilitate removal of entire sections of harness) and then there's the upgrades to electrical. I'm adding fused and switched circuits.

Then there's the interior. I need to figure out which seats I want and how the heck I'm gonna mount aftermarket seats. There's a million ways to do it, but since the body work is already done, I don't want to go in and hack it up. Gotta find a bolt-in solution.

Oh.. and I've gotta get the transmission built, too. haha. There's plenty to do.
Title: Re: Tink: My '89 Mini
Post by: MiniDave on September 04, 2015, 08:14:35 PM
Ha! Hardly a week's worth of work!

9.gif
Title: Re: Tink: My '89 Mini
Post by: MtyMous on September 13, 2015, 09:29:13 PM
Well... I spent wayy too long figuring out exactly how I wanted to mount my furl lines. haha. Measuring, checking heights, clearances, placement, all kinds of over-engineering that my friends know me for. I decided that I'm done using metal screws on this car in every location that I can avoid it. Instead, I'll be cleaning up and drilling out holes where I can use rivet nuts instead. This will cut down on rust, and makes for a much stronger fastener on almost every application. See below. I've used rivetnuts and rubber insulated clips for the fuel lines. Much cleaner installation and a VERY solid mount.

Removed the sound deadening/heat insulation around the mounting area, drilled the appropriate size hole, and inserted the rivet nut.

(https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5763/21211010680_b927c26b20_b.jpg)

(https://farm1.staticflickr.com/670/21388236502_73dc5f11e7_b.jpg)


This is what the back side looks like. The fluted section of the shank collapses and creates a friction surface that keeps the insert from rotating while also gripping the metal it's riveted to.

(https://farm1.staticflickr.com/715/21388238362_b650cf1a3a_b.jpg)


Here's just a bit of all-thread run through it for a test. The washer is there to show you the level of the floor and that the rivetnut will not protrude into the carpet when it's all installed. Perfectly level.

(https://farm1.staticflickr.com/634/21388237052_07a2976304_b.jpg)


And here's the fuel lines all mounted up. Snug as a bug.

(https://farm1.staticflickr.com/710/21372872026_3dc22c7e2e_b.jpg)

There are 4 of these mounts along the floor about 1' apart. They're very solidly mounted and tight to the floor. There is one more on the firewall in a location out of the way that takes the hard lines all the way up to the bulkhead where they can be truncated later.

(https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5813/21388242702_46df1b7bb9_b.jpg)
Title: Re: Tink: My '89 Mini
Post by: 94touring on September 14, 2015, 02:47:38 AM
Those look pretty slick. 
Title: Re: Tink: My '89 Mini
Post by: MiniDave on September 14, 2015, 07:50:57 AM
That is a significant amount of undercoating......aren't you the guy who's buying carbon fiber parts for his car?  To offset the 100lbs of undercoating?   ;D

I hadn't seen brass rivnuts before, only aluminum......at least I think mine are aluminum.......now I'm going to have to go check!

Edit: Yep, aluminum - why would you use brass in a non structural situation like this?
Title: Re: Tink: My '89 Mini
Post by: Merlin on September 14, 2015, 10:09:07 AM
Because...GOOOOOOLLLLLLDDDD.

Looks good! I planned on doing the same thing as you. Bought the whole rivnut setup and bought some for fiberglass that squish down instead of expand and squish. I love it.

Saves you from having to weld in nuts, especially on blind sections that cant be tapped.
Title: Re: Tink: My '89 Mini
Post by: MtyMous on September 14, 2015, 09:17:32 PM
Haha. Dave, the CF parts will likely happen for exactly that reason. lol. I need to offset some of the weight I'm adding. haha. This thing isn't gonna win any lightweight challenges. But it aught to be cool and quiet and I'd take that over racecar light any day.

As for the metal, these are actually steel that is zinc plated. I used the zinc plated inserts because of their potential exposure to the elements. They've been painted over and sealed, but every little bit counts in my eyes. and because they're gold. haha.

Here's a couple more pics of the front layout.

(https://farm1.staticflickr.com/623/20805368194_d65dffb4a0_b.jpg)

(https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5777/21428041265_7dddf17ba5_b.jpg)

(https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5646/21436489441_1b3185145f_b.jpg)

Title: Re: Tink: My '89 Mini
Post by: 94touring on September 15, 2015, 03:37:06 AM
Based on the weight of the lizard skin buckets and a little evaporation, I'd guess a 30lb weight gain.  There's double layers as well as paint/clear on it.  Those floors should be impenetrable. 
Title: Re: Tink: My '89 Mini
Post by: MiniDave on September 15, 2015, 12:47:47 PM
The car looks great, you should easily have that ready for our upcoming fun run in November!  ;D
Title: Re: Tink: My '89 Mini
Post by: MtyMous on September 15, 2015, 05:57:56 PM
Dave, I figure I've still got about $7k or so left to put into it, so we'll see. I don't get a pay increase until December and I will not go into debt to finish the car. But I'm getting ready to make the really big purchases this week. haha. yikes!
Title: Re: Tink: My '89 Mini
Post by: MtyMous on September 15, 2015, 05:59:01 PM
Dan, I'd say you're probably right. Just getting it off of these little 1/2"x1/2" sections was a task. haha.
Title: Re: Tink: My '89 Mini
Post by: MtyMous on September 15, 2015, 07:40:35 PM
Bikewiz, I picked the zinc plated rivet nuts intentionally. I don't want to use stainless bolts here. I know that sounds weird, but I couldn't find stainless brackets. The reason here is corrosion. And more specifically galvanic corrosion. Aluminum lines are rubber insulated from the zinc plated steel clamps. The bolts holding them together are zinc plated steel machine screws, and the rivet nuts are zinc plated. There will be no accelerated corrosion here. If I used SS rivet nuts I would have to use SS bolts, and even then, I can't source SS clamps, so the cathode then becomes the clamps, and that's exactly the part I don't want to fail.

Whereas with the all zinc plated setup, the corrosion will only be accelerated where the rivet nut meets the floor pan. The floor pan hole was painted before I put the rivet nuts in them and even then, exposed surface area is minimal which will significantly reduce any cathodic properties.

Did I mention that I tend to over-engineer (and overthink) everything? lol
Title: Re: Tink: My '89 Mini
Post by: Merlin on September 16, 2015, 07:30:37 PM
That may be the case, but you are forgetting that your car is low grade carbon steel. Added to the fact that the stress induced by the crimping force of the rivnut will be the biggest source of corrosion as it now has deformed the grain structure of the metal and work-hardened it.  If you don't put a dab of paint on the drilled hole before you shove the rivnut in, it will be the biggest source of corrosion.

Moreover, galvanic corrosion in the lower potentials really need some sort of conductive electric solution to actually cause corrosion and since you don't live near the sea, and probably wont't drive your car in the wet, you will be ok with whatever you shove in there.


Title: Re: Tink: My '89 Mini
Post by: MtyMous on September 16, 2015, 08:24:37 PM
Totally agree, Merlin. I know the sacrificial metal will be the floor pan, but with the rest of the metals being the same, I think it will be a lot lower. I did paint it up with epoxy to try to cut some of it down. Is any of it really going to be a problem? No.... probably not. All of it is better than sheet metal screws. lol.

SCIENCE!! Thanks for the tips though, guys. I'm still trying to decide if I want stainless inserts on the other location. I'm leaning towards the same solution as the brake lines.
Title: Re: Tink: My '89 Mini
Post by: Mudhen on September 17, 2015, 10:05:56 AM
Hate to break up this discussion on things I don't really understand...but to ask a much more important question - did you get the rivnut kit and clamps at Fastenal?  Looks awesome and I want in!

All my lines will be run inside the car - so even more important to have them looking nice.
Title: Re: Tink: My '89 Mini
Post by: Merlin on September 17, 2015, 05:33:22 PM
Yea, did you walk into fastenal with your pants down, or did they pull them down for you?

Title: Re: Tink: My '89 Mini
Post by: Mudhen on September 17, 2015, 05:51:52 PM
Quote from: Merlin on September 17, 2015, 05:33:22 PM
Yea, did you walk into fastenal with your pants down, or did they pull them down for you?

(https://mudhen.smugmug.com/Funerals/GIFS/i-2QJpwWZ/0/O/jerkit.gif)

:(

71.gif
Title: Re: Tink: My '89 Mini
Post by: MtyMous on September 17, 2015, 08:16:57 PM
Mudhen, while I do have an account with Fastenal, I bought the tool at Northern Tool. Local, cheap, and could be replaced easily. I found a bunch of bad reviews from baboons that clearly didn't care to figure out how to use it right. It's a good product. I'll probably invest in a better one in the future, but if you aren't doing hundreds or thousands of inserts, it will do the job.

Just don't go cheap on the inserts. They are more expensive than standard rivets. Don't pay an unnecessary price, but be cautious with the ones that seem disproportionately cheap.

Merlin, Fastenal is definitely expensive, but when I need a bolt that I kniw has the right specs for the tough jobs, I buy from them. All of my suspension bolts are from them.
Title: Re: Tink: My '89 Mini
Post by: Armycook on September 18, 2015, 06:19:41 PM
Nice pictures. Thanks for sharing. This is awesome! I'm learning more with these build threads.
Title: Re: Tink: My '89 Mini
Post by: MtyMous on September 18, 2015, 08:50:38 PM
Thanks Dennis. I'm definitely no professional. I just like to "think outside the box" (to quote a chimpanzee I know) but I like to do it the right way and where it counts for me. My style is definitely not right for everyone, and some of the ideas I have won't suit all tastes, but that's the beauty of the mini IMO. Glad to see you over here.
Title: Re: Tink: My '89 Mini
Post by: John Gervais on September 19, 2015, 01:24:22 PM
Definitely enjoying the build and the discussion regarding the inserts.

I bought a kit 2 years ago which contained 4 different sizes of stainless inserts.  I've only used it a couple of times, though, mostly on things that 'don't matter', as I can't read the German or French instructions on how to adjust the tool to accommodate different material thicknesses and insert size (BRK 01, as seen at the bottom of this page:  http://www.boellhoff.de/en/de/assembly_systems/riveting/rivkle_assembly_systems.php (http://www.boellhoff.de/en/de/assembly_systems/riveting/rivkle_assembly_systems.php)).

I bought it from the Danish wing of RS Components, but this is the same one:

http://uk.rs-online.com/web/p/insert-kits/4257480/ (http://uk.rs-online.com/web/p/insert-kits/4257480/)

I've tried contacting RS Components and Böllhoff in an attempt to obtain an English language version, but so far have been unsuccessful.  Someday...
Title: Re: Tink: My '89 Mini
Post by: MtyMous on September 19, 2015, 02:21:42 PM
John, If you do find the right use for it, you'll be glad you have it. It's a fantastic thing. I've already used it on my truck as well to mount something in a radiator support tube.
Title: Re: Tink: My '89 Mini
Post by: John Gervais on September 19, 2015, 06:38:43 PM
Oh, I've used it and it's done a fine job, its just that the instructions seem so detailed about measuring the thickness of the material and how much space one should have between the die and the insert's head that I'd like to know what it says, as I don't want to stress the tool.

I used it to fix threads to the inner lip of the slam panel to attach the dizzy splash shield, inserts to hold the relay holder screws, to fix a 'bar' under the LH dash (where the cardboard is unsupported) in order to give a place to tie the cables associated with my extra switches & gauges, also to attach the aux. gauge pod to the lower dash rail.

I've also got some p-clips for holding the brake and fuel pipes at the toeboard bend, but haven't gotten around to it yet, and eventually plan on re-fitting the wheelarches via riveted inserts - t'would make it really easy to take them off and on again, as I'm currently using stainless cap-head screws and nyloc nuts on the inside.

I'm probably using it correctly, but would like to be sure since it's a great device. 
Title: Re: Tink: My '89 Mini
Post by: MtyMous on September 20, 2015, 05:33:59 PM
I'm digging my heels in and making large purchases.... God help my bank account.


Round 1 of orders is coming from here:

(http://www.reflowstudio.com/images/srv/page-selfsearch-associated-pages/dsn%20classics/dns-classics-website-1.jpg)
Title: Re: Tink: My '89 Mini
Post by: MiniDave on September 20, 2015, 07:53:38 PM
So we'll see piles of parts in a few days?
Title: Re: Tink: My '89 Mini
Post by: MtyMous on September 20, 2015, 11:27:27 PM
Hopefully. But I'm gonna do a couple other orders tomorrow more than likely. I'm out of town 10 days for some family stuff, then I'll be back in. Hoping the parts arrive while my wife is still in town to get them otherwise the neighbor will have to be trusted.
Title: Re: Tink: My '89 Mini
Post by: MiniDave on September 21, 2015, 09:04:53 AM
Why did you choose DSN vs one of the other big English Mini parts suppliers? Was there something specific they carry that the others don't, or something else?
Title: Re: Tink: My '89 Mini
Post by: Merlin on September 21, 2015, 09:30:06 AM
All of their billet parts.

I know I have racked up quite a bill from them. I also know that Ill be back for some of their door jewelry soon.
Title: Re: Tink: My '89 Mini
Post by: MtyMous on September 21, 2015, 10:03:30 AM
Merlin nailed it. Their "RetroSport" line if Billet replacement parts and accessories is what I was after. Some of them are necessary for the dry build and some aren't, but I only want to pay shipping once.
Title: Re: Tink: My '89 Mini
Post by: 94touring on September 21, 2015, 10:14:45 AM
That final 10% of the build will require 50% more shipments of parts. 
Title: Re: Tink: My '89 Mini
Post by: MtyMous on September 21, 2015, 11:16:28 AM
No joke, Dan. I'm trying to get everything from one place on a single order. Sometimes it's worth paying a bit more for one item to save a lot more on shipping everything. I need to put in a big order from MED and KAD this week. And probably an order from 7even and MiniSport in the next few weeks.
Title: Re: Tink: My '89 Mini
Post by: MtyMous on September 21, 2015, 11:21:16 PM
Back to the engine build portion of this,

What all is my builder going to need in order to balance the whole assembly? I want him to balance from the harmonic balancer all the way through to the fluywheel/clutch combo.

Here's what I intend to leave with him:

1) Obviously all engine internals (crank, cam, pistons, rods, rings, bearings, lifters, pushrods)
2) Front end - Timing cover, timing chain, harmonic balancer
3) Tail end - Flywheel, Clutch Plate, Clutch center, Clutch Cover all assembled and pre-balanced.

This is where I need help. What else do I need to give them? Gasket sets and head are all I can think of that would affect the dry build and the balancing. Help me oh great ones.
Title: Re: Tink: My '89 Mini
Post by: MiniDave on September 22, 2015, 09:10:00 AM
He will only balance the rotating masses - crank, flywheel, rods and pistons are all he needs - unless he tells you differently.

The clutch cover and disc are already balanced and marked for assembly to the flywheel.

Is he going to do the assembly or are you? That will determine what else he needs.

What rockers are you going to use? If factory forged S rockers like I used you'll need a new rocker shaft and he'll need to ream the bushings in the rocker arms to fit. If you're using roller rockers you don't need to do that.
Title: Re: Tink: My '89 Mini
Post by: MtyMous on September 22, 2015, 09:28:34 AM
Dave,

I'm already paying him to do assembly so he can get all of the tolerances right and then the dry build so I can order the right head cc'd to spec. So he will do final assembly as well.

He said he would balance everything (to include clutch/flywheel, etc) if I wanted. It's the same cost. So I figured it couldn't hurt to get it all balanced together.

The rockers are still up for debate. I want rollers, but I don't want to have issues like many others on here have had. I honestly am confused on what brand is worthwhile, and if there is any true benefit since I'll be running standard ratios anyway.
Title: Re: Tink: My '89 Mini
Post by: 94touring on September 22, 2015, 09:42:28 AM
Regarding the poor minisport rockers, they sent me new hardware after I had issues and the quality was noticeable better.  I think unfortunately for them whoever was making them cut corners on the batch they made that myself and Jim got our hands on. 
Title: Re: Tink: My '89 Mini
Post by: MiniDave on September 22, 2015, 11:15:20 AM
Quote from: MtyMous on September 22, 2015, 09:28:34 AM
Dave,

I'm already paying him to do assembly so he can get all of the tolerances right and then the dry build so I can order the right head cc'd to spec. So he will do final assembly as well.

He said he would balance everything (to include clutch/flywheel, etc) if I wanted. It's the same cost. So I figured it couldn't hurt to get it all balanced together.

The rockers are still up for debate. I want rollers, but I don't want to have issues like many others on here have had. I honestly am confused on what brand is worthwhile, and if there is any true benefit since I'll be running standard ratios anyway.

Well, then he'll tell you everything he needs......

Everything I've read says that for standard ratio's if you're not going to be running crazy stupid rpms, even the cheap stamped steel rockers are fine (gospel according to Vizard) but I went what I thought was a step up and got the forged Cooper S rockers.....they're not expensive and forged !  ;D

No question that for the long haul the rollers are nice, but what is long haul these days? Hardly anybody does 10K a year on their classic Minis like when they were new.....so do you really need them or are the just "cool", and expensive?
Title: Re: Tink: My '89 Mini
Post by: John Gervais on September 22, 2015, 12:36:11 PM
Could always 'compromise' and go with a set of Calver's 1.4 rockers -

http://dt-vps.co.uk/calverst.com/cart/index.php?route=product/product&path=60&product_id=80 (http://dt-vps.co.uk/calverst.com/cart/index.php?route=product/product&path=60&product_id=80)

(http://dt-vps.co.uk/calverst.com/cart/image/cache/catalog/1.4%20rockers%2001-400x400.jpg)
Title: Re: Tink: My '89 Mini
Post by: tmsmini on September 22, 2015, 02:03:29 PM
So I had some issues with roller rockers, but I do put 10 K miles + on multiple Minis a year. I went with the Calver ST 1.4 for recent builds.
I have a set of nearly new Titan 1.3 full roller and a set of well used 1.5 Titan full roller, if someone has interest.
Terry
Title: Re: Tink: My '89 Mini
Post by: 94touring on September 22, 2015, 02:09:38 PM
How much?
Title: Re: Tink: My '89 Mini
Post by: MiniDave on September 22, 2015, 02:19:00 PM
Yikes! $500 for rockers, and they're not even rollers? (Calvers)

The OEM forged S rockers were only about $15 each X 8 = $120.
Title: Re: Tink: My '89 Mini
Post by: MtyMous on October 15, 2015, 07:07:03 PM
Well I've made some final decisions on a few directions I want to go with Tink. I've decided that I will go with a full Straight Cut gearbox (minus the crown and pinion) and I'll be installing some straight cut drop gears. All of it is coming straight from MED Engineering in the UK. Great customer service, great track record, and fantastic parts. I know many will think the full SC box is a bad decision for a street/track car, but I wanted to land on the side of too strong for street. I will track the car eventually, and might even add power adders down the road, so stronger internals now will be cheaper in the long run.

Oh... and my Retrosport order came in.  4.gif

(https://c2.staticflickr.com/6/5706/21585706363_49b3734d1c_b.jpg)

Here's the one I'm most excited about using. Can't wait to put it on the new block with my fancy new damper pulley/trigger wheel (more to come on that).
(https://c1.staticflickr.com/1/614/22193999082_a9f71f1848_b.jpg)

And I couldn't wait to fit the new wiper motor bracket and the motor I cleaned up. (Still not totally sold on the wiper motor color).
(https://c2.staticflickr.com/6/5836/21585706553_150e5e0815_b.jpg)


Here's the fancy bits I've ordered from MED. Waiting on them to arrive.


Ultra Light Flywheel and heavy duty clutch
(https://c2.staticflickr.com/6/5764/22020381079_e9f83a01d2_b.jpg)

(https://c2.staticflickr.com/6/5698/21584516104_a3fb7281d7_b.jpg)

Straight Cut Drop Gears - Roller bearing type
(https://c1.staticflickr.com/1/688/22019502608_ed55d29bc0_b.jpg)

Straight Cut Close Ratio Race Gear Set
(https://c2.staticflickr.com/6/5754/22194550072_b673cc5821_b.jpg)

Moly Coated X-pin Diff
(https://c2.staticflickr.com/6/5664/22217604111_5c92003dfa_b.jpg)

Bunch of other small items, but that's the bulk of it.

Stay tuned for more fun things from KAD, Specialist Components, 7ent, and Minispares. I'm getting excited.
Title: Re: Tink: My '89 Mini
Post by: 94touring on October 16, 2015, 07:17:44 AM
Awesome dude!
Title: Re: Tink: My '89 Mini
Post by: MiniDave on October 16, 2015, 08:26:45 AM
Wow, Tink is getting some bling and some serious hardware!

Whadya think, on the road by Xmas?
Title: Re: Tink: My '89 Mini
Post by: MtyMous on October 16, 2015, 09:17:16 AM
Thanks, guys.

Not sure when it'll be on the road. I want it driving by Christmas, but I have 1/4 the free time I used to with my job, so it really comes down to funds and time. Engine should be done soon (I delayed him with parts orders) and that is the biggest component as far as cost and time goes. Then it's interior, electrical, and all the little odds and ends.

Unfortunately it'll be ready when it's ready is the curent theme. But the drop dead date is next spring. I'm probably moving again and it's gonna be running by then.
Title: Re: Tink: My '89 Mini
Post by: MiniDave on October 16, 2015, 09:26:19 AM
Any idea where they'll send you next?

Hope it has good Mini roads.....
Title: Re: Tink: My '89 Mini
Post by: MtyMous on October 16, 2015, 02:29:35 PM
Just found out today where I'm going. On a totally unrelated note, I'll be in Ohio in 2 weeks. Are there any mini folk up there?
Title: Re: Tink: My '89 Mini
Post by: MiniDave on October 16, 2015, 03:41:48 PM
There is a very active MINI group especially around Columbus, if you're going there and would like I can hook you up......there are a few classics there too.....
Title: Re: Tink: My '89 Mini
Post by: MtyMous on October 16, 2015, 04:17:51 PM
I'll be in the Dayton area. This trip is probably too short to get over to Columbus, but I might have to get active with them in the future.
Title: Re: Tink: My '89 Mini
Post by: MtyMous on October 21, 2015, 10:08:03 PM
Man... I can't wait for these parts to start rolling in. Just made another purchase from KAD. Just a couple more big buys and then I can start putting the power train together.

Adjustable Oil Pressure Valve

(https://c2.staticflickr.com/6/5667/22350564286_626acb02f5_b.jpg)

Viscous fluid filled damper pulley with 36-1 tooth timing built in.

(https://c2.staticflickr.com/6/5628/22387313491_740715c7eb_b.jpg)
Title: Re: Tink: My '89 Mini
Post by: MtyMous on January 07, 2016, 11:46:39 PM
My gosh... it's been way too long since I've updated this. The problem here is that I'm actually moving in a few days and the last couple months have had me focused on that. But there is a good bit of news here. I've got the engine back from the machine shop. I'll be building up the short block sometime in the month of February hopefully, and the transmission at the same time. I really want to have something driveable by this summer. Unfortunately, with the move, my wife will lose her job, so the budget will be a little bit tighter. I have enough set aside (hopefully) to finish up the drivetrain. Then there's all the detail work of the interior, creating my own wiring harness from scratch, and figuring out the minor details that are left over. I want to do some really custom things as well, but those will have to remain a mystery until I get them sorted out and make sure they can actually be done within a reasonable budget.

Thanks for watching the build though, guys and I promise 2016 will have more updates very soon for Tink.

Title: Re: Tink: My '89 Mini
Post by: MtyMous on January 07, 2016, 11:58:31 PM
Oh... And this happened.

(https://c2.staticflickr.com/2/1563/23877583149_bf3eff908d_b.jpg)

Yeah... That's right... I'm on golf cart wheels and tires. THE WORLD WILL END!!!!!!

I honestly just bought them because they are SUPER cheap and I needed something that I could roll he car around on for transport up to Ohio. It'll have a proper set sometime around the time it's ready to hit the road for engine break-in and testing.


Still looks awesome though. haha

Here they are compared to my 22x10's on my pickup. haha.

(https://c2.staticflickr.com/2/1569/24137352032_9153378780_b.jpg)

And a closer view. Hoping to have it on its feet tomorrow and off the stand for a little while.

(https://c2.staticflickr.com/2/1664/24219312656_ffb3bd6468_b.jpg)
Title: Re: Tink: My '89 Mini
Post by: 94touring on January 08, 2016, 06:46:33 AM
Noice  4.gif. What's the tape around the door for?
Title: Re: Tink: My '89 Mini
Post by: MPlayle on January 08, 2016, 07:28:42 AM
Considering that MiniMania was/is promoting the Goodyear Double-Eagle tire which was/is a comparable tire to those Kendas, ...

I would be interested in knowing the bolt pattern description you used for ordering the rims.  Some of the "golf cart" rims available have struck an interest every once in a while, but I have not figured out the translation of the 4x4" pattern of the Mini to the terms often used on the golf cart/atv rims where they tend to list by cart/atv manufacturer name (Yamaha, etc.)

Title: Re: Tink: My '89 Mini
Post by: MtyMous on January 08, 2016, 08:14:29 AM
Dan, the tape went on when I was fitting the door hardware, latching mechanisms, and setting up the latch points. I also replaced the hinge plates with 1/4" stainless plates and hardware, so I needed to re-adjust the door gaps. I still intend to buy some new hinges and shims to get the gaps as close to perfect as possible. The tape is just a safety buffer.

Title: Re: Tink: My '89 Mini
Post by: 94touring on January 08, 2016, 08:27:47 AM
Shimming doors is so much fun...let me tell you.  Be super careful.  I have had to repaint more than one during fitting where I accidentally f'd the paint. 
Title: Re: Tink: My '89 Mini
Post by: MtyMous on January 08, 2016, 09:31:28 AM
Oh yes. There will be a ton more tape and padding when it comes for re-shimming. Not gonna mess this paint up.
Title: Re: Tink: My '89 Mini
Post by: MtyMous on January 08, 2016, 09:39:57 AM
Quote from: MPlayle on January 08, 2016, 07:28:42 AM
Considering that MiniMania was/is promoting the Goodyear Double-Eagle tire which was/is a comparable tire to those Kendas, ...

I would be interested in knowing the bolt pattern description you used for ordering the rims.  Some of the "golf cart" rims available have struck an interest every once in a while, but I have not figured out the translation of the 4x4" pattern of the Mini to the terms often used on the golf cart/atv rims where they tend to list by cart/atv manufacturer name (Yamaha, etc.)

First off, I would probably feel ok doing standard commuting on these tires, but I don't know if I would trust the wheels. They are just low grade 10x6 wheels.

As for the bolt pattern, I just searched out a 4 x 4"pattern which is the same pcd we use (4x101.6mm). They have the same flange fitting and generally use the same hub ring diameter for clearing the hub nut. The real difference is how they measure backspacing and offset. They generally don't measure the offset like we would on a car. They measure in "3+3" or "3+4", etc. That means 3 inches of hoop behind the center and 3 inches outside from center or 3" behind, 4" outside, etc. You can calculate a standard offset from there though.

Then figuring out what dimensions will fit your car is a totally different story... I'm trying to create a tool that would allow us to measure all of that without buying anything. ;)
Title: Re: Tink: My '89 Mini
Post by: 94touring on January 08, 2016, 10:00:51 AM
Quote from: MtyMous on January 08, 2016, 09:31:28 AM
Oh yes. There will be a ton more tape and padding when it comes for re-shimming. Not gonna mess this paint up.

Keep a particular eye where the apanel meets the door skin.  What looks good closed will gouge into the door skin while opening.  Yours have been tweaked and bent to allow for better clearance. 
Title: Re: Tink: My '89 Mini
Post by: MtyMous on January 10, 2016, 09:04:24 PM
I decided that I don't like the look.. I'm gonna run these for a while when the car is all finished up. I think they really fill out the fenders perfectly.

(https://c2.staticflickr.com/2/1615/24010859560_d94b67df32_b.jpg)

(https://c2.staticflickr.com/2/1680/23938607269_1ebf95d6a8_b.jpg)



Just kidding. I'm only using the white trailer wheels so that I can fit the car inside an enclosed trailer. These wheels and tires put the car at exactly 4ft. 11in. The trailer opening is 5ft. 1in. The black wheels make the car 5ft. 2in. haha.

Anyway, those white wheels will come off in a week and I'll be back on the black wheels. After that, The real deal wheels will be purchased. But until then, Lets all enjoy looking at Tink on the ground on her own feet for the first time in about a year. I forgot how freaking low this thing is and it's not even lowered yet. haha

(https://c2.staticflickr.com/2/1457/23680332993_4c48c2dd60_b.jpg)

(https://c2.staticflickr.com/2/1570/24198962022_331110f082_b.jpg)



Scary amounts of wheel gap. I need to get an engine in this thing.

(https://c2.staticflickr.com/2/1656/23939321179_4ca3fe3298_b.jpg)

See... It barely comes up to my armpits. haha

(https://c2.staticflickr.com/2/1701/23678936164_d233239f2d_b.jpg)

Off to Ohio next week.
Title: Re: Tink: My '89 Mini
Post by: 94touring on January 10, 2016, 09:12:28 PM
That really is a nice looking metallic  4.gif
Title: Re: Tink: My '89 Mini
Post by: MtyMous on January 10, 2016, 09:17:56 PM
Eh. It's just an old barn paint job. haha
Title: Re: Tink: My '89 Mini
Post by: 94touring on January 10, 2016, 09:20:52 PM
Lol yeah kinda is!
Title: Re: Tink: My '89 Mini
Post by: MtyMous on January 10, 2016, 09:22:47 PM
Honestly though, I get a ton of compliments on the car's paint job. No one really gives a crap about the custom pieces or anything else I'm working on. haha

You really nailed this one.
Title: Re: Tink: My '89 Mini
Post by: 94touring on January 10, 2016, 09:31:45 PM
Good to know  4.gif
Title: Re: Tink: My '89 Mini
Post by: Mudhen on January 11, 2016, 06:55:49 AM
That's the kind of wheel gap a rally guy could get behind!   ;D
Title: Re: Tink: My '89 Mini
Post by: MtyMous on January 11, 2016, 10:47:20 AM
Haha. There's definitely some travel left. I don't think the tire profile on the black wheels (205/50/10) will work if I go any lower than stock ride height. It would likely require some light trimming up front.
Title: Re: Tink: My '89 Mini
Post by: pbraun on January 22, 2016, 09:20:25 AM
Looking good!
Title: Re: Tink: My '89 Mini
Post by: MtyMous on January 22, 2016, 11:00:42 AM
Thanks, Peter. Good to hear from ya.

She is officially sitting in Ohio now.
Title: Re: Tink: My '89 Mini
Post by: MiniDave on January 22, 2016, 11:36:51 AM
Man, if only that picture was a little bit bigger.......  :)

Edit: That's better....nice garage.

Be sure to hook up with the Ohio Mini guys, you can find a bunch of them thru Motoring Alliance....most are in Columbus tho.
Title: Re: Tink: My '89 Mini
Post by: Spitz on January 23, 2016, 11:20:43 AM
Ah....I remember the days when my garage was all fresh and new and had oodles of space.  Now barely room to breath.
20x28

Presently with a mini van on a rotis, MGB GT, Woody, and still room to pull the Golf in for an oil change if need be
Title: Re: Tink: My '89 Mini
Post by: MtyMous on February 14, 2016, 05:00:03 PM
Still getting settled in here, but the house is coming together. We've got to get stuff organized so I can move some of the crap out of my garage. And this whole 4°F thing isn't helping.

But I haven't stopped. I'm building the list to complete the motor and the transmission. Not much left as far as parts, but I need to make sure I get it right. One thing that's somewhat irritating is that I had a set of brand new crank bearings (OEM NOS) and the engine builder used them to make sure the crank was within tolerances and not going to bind. Well... It looks like he rubbed off the coating and now I get to buy a new set just to be safe. Not pumped about that... So if anyone has any leads on the best set of crank bearings to get (standard size) then please let me know.

On progress, I've decided I will completely rebuild the wiring harness in some, if not all, places. This will allow me to beef up the harness in places that are notoriously bad for thin wires and bad connections. I'll also be able to use weathertight connections in places that are exposed to the elements and not open air bullet connections that wil corrode and eventually fall off or stop working. Can't tell you how many times I cursed the mini designers for their shortcuts or under engineering. And yes, I'll definitely be over engineering this, but I don't care. It will be done right.

It'll also give me a chance to use the new labeler I bought. It will do wire labels, wire flags, and even prints on heat shrink tubing. I'm going to try and buy all the original color scheme wires in certain gauges, but some of the wiring I'll be doing wil be non standard. Fuse panels, fuel injection, upgraded switches, additional circuits for lighting, ect. It will all be labeled and terminated in a modern way. Just the thought of it feels awesome. haha. My over engineering OCD side is taking over.

Pictures of progress soon. Until then, here are some of the things I'll be doing in the garage.

Making one of these for the harness rebuild
(http://www.cablesnow.com/photos/harness_1.jpg)

Figuring out how to work this new beast
(http://www.dymorhino.com/user/products/large/dymo-4200-full-kit-case.jpg)

And buying all of the right weather tight fittings

Duetsch or Weatherpack
(http://image.made-in-china.com/2f0j00UBqEilhthjbN/Deutsch-Connectors-DJK3081Y-1-6-21-.jpg)

(http://www.nitrousproflow.com/product_images/product-large_image-164.jpg)
Title: Re: Tink: My '89 Mini
Post by: Merlin on February 14, 2016, 05:23:59 PM
I use the weatherpacks on my projects, but I think that either will work for you. DIYautotune has a kit of weatherpacks that I bought for my needs. Make sure you get a good set of crimpers and a removal tool.


Also, the dymo is a good choice. That's what I bought for my work for doing the electrical on the skids we build at work. Search around for the wire shrink. Amazon has the best prices, but they are never in stock. Allied electric has as many as you need, but pricing is ok. Set the machine at 8pt and you will get nice prints on 1/4" shrink. 3/8" shrink will work good on bunches of wires, but I find the 1/4" to be the best. Make sure you buy a bunch of it because you will burn through it in no time. 3-4 rolls should cover you.


Also, the table may be overkill, I have had the best luck doing harnesses on the vehicle as you can get the exact lengths and tape it up so that it holds the curves and edges as you need. I rewired my whole truck that way and once it was pinned in place with painters tape, I then terminated and wrapped in electrical tape and wire loom covers.

Wire loom cover can be found for cheap at oreillies. Don't buy the shit they have in the plastic bags behind the counter. They have spools of it in the back. I bought them by the box and it was cheap. like $0.25 a foot cheap.
Title: Re: Tink: My '89 Mini
Post by: MiniDave on February 14, 2016, 05:54:37 PM
I used the ones in the lower pic, but I think I like the square ones in the top pic better, the wires organize into the clip better with those, the flat ones get pretty wide when you're terminating more than 2 or 3 wires.

BTW, you need to update your location......
Title: Re: Tink: My '89 Mini
Post by: MtyMous on February 14, 2016, 09:14:07 PM
MiniDave,

The Duetsch connectors are on my short list, but they are easily double the cost of the weatherpack ones, and the crimping tool alone is about $200 for everything I need to do one car. haha. But I still think I'm gonna go that route for the exact reason you listed. Compact, better for organizing, and they are just a better quality seal.

Merlin,

The table will actually be a pegboard mounted to the wall. It's not going to be used for termination, but rather for bundle matching the original harness. I'll lay out the original harness and then wire-for-wire match it with new wiring. Then I'll move to the car to get it all laid out and find out exactly what/where I want to run. That will give me the opportunity to make the runs longer/shorter and go different routes if I decide to.

I'll also be using wire look sleeves. I'm still deciding what and where to use it. I'm leaning towards chemical and heat resistant braided sleeve at least for the engine bay.
Title: Re: Tink: My '89 Mini
Post by: Merlin on February 22, 2016, 05:39:40 PM
Here are a few pics of the LS in my truck. You can see I used the plastic wire covers. Since you are building from scratch, you can look at that Chinese-fingertrap wire cover. I had a buddy use it and it looked good. You can also see my fuse block and my wire labels and weatherpacks. Just remember that some things can be converted, and sometimes you will need to dig through mouser for a high number connector if you want to do a firewall bulkhead connector.

My suggestion if you need to find a large number (say 15 or 20 connections) is to go to the junkyard and dig around until you find what you want and pull the part numbers and look it up on mouser.


(http://i121.photobucket.com/albums/o210/majourlittle/Mobile%20Uploads/Morris%20Mini%20rebuild/20160222_182952_zpsb8znolvr.jpg) (http://s121.photobucket.com/user/majourlittle/media/Mobile%20Uploads/Morris%20Mini%20rebuild/20160222_182952_zpsb8znolvr.jpg.html)

(http://i121.photobucket.com/albums/o210/majourlittle/Mobile%20Uploads/Morris%20Mini%20rebuild/20160222_182958_zpsyoitwzqd.jpg) (http://s121.photobucket.com/user/majourlittle/media/Mobile%20Uploads/Morris%20Mini%20rebuild/20160222_182958_zpsyoitwzqd.jpg.html)

(http://i121.photobucket.com/albums/o210/majourlittle/Mobile%20Uploads/Morris%20Mini%20rebuild/20160222_182958_zpsyoitwzqd.jpg) (http://s121.photobucket.com/user/majourlittle/media/Mobile%20Uploads/Morris%20Mini%20rebuild/20160222_182958_zpsyoitwzqd.jpg.html)
Title: Re: Tink: My '89 Mini
Post by: Merlin on February 22, 2016, 05:47:27 PM
In case you are interested, here are the fuse block holders

https://www.rockauto.com/en/moreinfo.php?pk=635812&jsn=358   
this is for the block with a continuous connection on one side.

http://www.mouser.com/Search/ProductDetail.aspx?R=12004943virtualkey63000000virtualkey829-12004943 
Block alone

http://www.mouser.com/Search/ProductDetail.aspx?R=12020334-Lvirtualkey59690000virtualkey829-12020334
Small blades

http://www.mouser.com/Search/ProductDetail.aspx?R=12020321-Lvirtualkey59690000virtualkey829-12020321
Med blades

http://www.mouser.com/Search/ProductDetail.aspx?R=12020400-Lvirtualkey59690000virtualkey829-12020400
Large blades

http://www.allelectronics.com/make-a-store/item/srly-2/socket-for-automotive-relay/1.html
Relays that connect to the above fuse block

Title: Re: Tink: My '89 Mini
Post by: MtyMous on February 22, 2016, 06:09:23 PM
Awesome. Thanks for the resources, Merlin. Looks good. I've been looking at a few bulkhead connectors. The bad thing is I have access to the Mil-Spec connectors we use on the jets... the bad thing is the price tags. haha. I want them so bad! Clean installs, easy to disconnect for service, etc. I'm probably gonna have to settle for something OEM from another car. I'm still on the hunt. Got other issues I'm working right now that aren't related to this car, unfortunately. I'm ready to get this thing back on the road.
Title: Re: Tink: My '89 Mini
Post by: MiniDave on February 22, 2016, 06:17:19 PM
And we're ready to see it!   4.gif
Title: Re: Tink: My '89 Mini
Post by: Merlin on February 22, 2016, 06:26:20 PM
I have seen some of the bulkhead connection with the cam hadle on them, but they are always in the >$500 price range. Love 'em but got to leave them for the cheap stuff.
Title: Re: Tink: My '89 Mini
Post by: MiniDave on May 05, 2016, 04:20:13 PM
Cam, are you out there?

Any progress?
Title: Re: Tink: My '89 Mini
Post by: John Gervais on May 05, 2016, 07:03:44 PM
Wow, nice hardware!

I wasn't building a submarine, so I kept it simple.

http://www.vehicle-wiring-products.eu/product.php/358/led-fuse-box (http://www.vehicle-wiring-products.eu/product.php/358/led-fuse-box) for accessories.

http://www.vehicle-wiring-products.eu/product.php/651/interlocking-relay-socket (http://www.vehicle-wiring-products.eu/product.php/651/interlocking-relay-socket) for fog lamp, driving lamp, low-beam headlight, highbeam headlight, horn, a/f meter.

http://www.vehicle-wiring-products.eu/product.php/653/fuse-relay-socket (http://www.vehicle-wiring-products.eu/product.php/653/fuse-relay-socket) 2 of these for the aux fuse panel.

I've got circuit breakers arriving next week to replace the fuses to the radio, drive and fog lamp relays:

http://www.vehicle-wiring-products.eu/product.php/1247/blade-circuit-breaker (http://www.vehicle-wiring-products.eu/product.php/1247/blade-circuit-breaker)

I've also got some 8mm APEM Q-series LED's (recessed bezel, somewhat resemble the Smiths gauges bezel) arriving next week to replace the incandescent panel warning lamps on my switch panel.  The switches (fuel pump, driving lamps, fog lamps, rear fog lamp, electric fan) are APEM 3500 series from Holden Vintage and Classic.

http://www.holden.co.uk/displayproducts.asp?sg=1&pgCode=020&sgName=Electrical&pgName=Switches&agCode=0502&agName=Toggle+Switches&pageno=2 (http://www.holden.co.uk/displayproducts.asp?sg=1&pgCode=020&sgName=Electrical&pgName=Switches&agCode=0502&agName=Toggle+Switches&pageno=2)

http://www.holden.co.uk/displayproduct.asp?sg=1&pgCode=020&sgName=Electrical&pgName=Switches&agCode=0502&agName=Toggle+Switches&pCode=020.151 (http://www.holden.co.uk/displayproduct.asp?sg=1&pgCode=020&sgName=Electrical&pgName=Switches&agCode=0502&agName=Toggle+Switches&pCode=020.151)

http://www.holden.co.uk/displayproduct.asp?sg=1&pgCode=020&sgName=Electrical&pgName=Switches&agCode=0502&agName=Toggle+Switches&pCode=020.152 (http://www.holden.co.uk/displayproduct.asp?sg=1&pgCode=020&sgName=Electrical&pgName=Switches&agCode=0502&agName=Toggle+Switches&pCode=020.152)
Title: Re: Tink: My '89 Mini
Post by: MtyMous on May 07, 2016, 05:33:44 PM
Guys... I feel like a total failure. I just CAN'T find the time to get out into the garage. I've only been home 3 weekends since I moved to Ohio. That was the 3rd of February. My job has me... um... out of town... for a considerable time now, and with the nature of my programs, I can't afford to lose track of it for a second. I'm planning on buying everything I need to get the engine and transmission done and then just taking a couple days of leave and building them both up in the garage.

Unfortunately, I have a sever exhaust leak on the truck at the headers and possibly a cracked flexplate. Those have to get fixed first as it's my daily driver. Kinda sucks. But I'm STILL going to complete all the stuff I have said I would. Just need to get back in my groove.
Title: Re: Tink: My '89 Mini
Post by: MiniDave on May 07, 2016, 06:01:00 PM
No pressure, Cam......

(taps foot impatiently)

;D
Title: Re: Tink: My '89 Mini
Post by: MtyMous on July 03, 2016, 11:15:00 AM
Good news is I'm back in the game. Got some skin in it now. I am placing a big parts order this weekend to take care of some missing pieces for the engine and transmission build. Best part is that the brit pound is down and it's a holiday sale weekend. Double whammy.

Gotta get back on this thing. My new job is 1000 times more work and a lot higher stakes, but it's an awesome job. I've officially been selected for promotion in December, so guess where the new money goes!!! bills... lol. But there will probably be some left over for car parts. lol
Title: Re: Tink: My '89 Mini
Post by: jeff10049 on July 03, 2016, 12:51:07 PM
Cool glad to see it moving forward, my car took 7 years so you're doing well lol

Jeff
Title: Re: Tink: My '89 Mini
Post by: MiniDave on August 03, 2016, 10:19:55 AM
So Cam, how's it going? anything new to report?
Title: Re: Tink: My '89 Mini
Post by: MtyMous on August 03, 2016, 06:02:03 PM
I'm still alive. Tink is making extremely slow progress. I need to buy some new shift forks and synchros for the trans. I'm a dummy and forgot to order them on the last order. My time is so limited at home lately, and I want to spend most of it with my wife because of how often I'm out of town or stuck at the office. I LOVE my job and I get to do awesome things with badass aircraft, but it's very time consuming.

Gearbox is sitting on the bench awaiting parts, Still need to paint the engine block. Maybe I'll do that this weekend and then final block assembly is waiting for me to get off my ass and buy bearings.

In the meantime, I might just start a new thread that shows the cool stuff about my job that I'm allowed to share. On a related note, I'll be going to RAF Lakenheath over in the UK sometime soon and will likely spend a week of vacation there in London as well, so I may just have to get myself some parts while I'm there... or another mini. haha
Title: Re: Tink: My '89 Mini
Post by: MiniDave on August 03, 2016, 06:10:42 PM
Now's the time to pick up a bunch of parts while the pound is down! Be sure to buy the "good" bearings, not the cheap ones - if you're going to be upping the power above stock (and I know you are!)

Look forward to seeing the progress.....that paint job has been waiting long enough.....
Title: Re: Tink: My '89 Mini
Post by: MtyMous on August 03, 2016, 07:27:51 PM
Any recommendation on where to buy good bearings? I'll pay whatever is necessary. I had a good set of originals that got trashed by the machine shop somehow. Pretty pissed actually.
Title: Re: Tink: My '89 Mini
Post by: MiniDave on August 03, 2016, 08:06:47 PM
7 Ent has them if you want them quickly, do you need standard or undersize, rod mains or both?

Good ones are only about $25 more than the cheapies......
Title: Re: Tink: My '89 Mini
Post by: MiniDave on September 20, 2016, 02:20:41 PM
So.......how's Tink coming along these days?
Title: Re: Tink: My '89 Mini
Post by: MtyMous on October 23, 2016, 05:48:57 PM
I have a wishlist of parts ready to order, but I don't have time to install anything. I can't talk about it much, but my new job keeps me extremely busy. I'm on an airplane more than Dan is now. haha. I'm gonna try to get something ordered soon to finish the trans and motor. Sorry to disappoint.

I promise this project isn't dead. Maybe I'll use the winter hibernation phase as an excuse to get it all done.
Title: Re: Tink: My '89 Mini
Post by: Willie_B on October 23, 2016, 06:20:17 PM
The mini is not big. Just load it on the plane and work on it in flight...
Title: Re: Tink: My '89 Mini
Post by: MtyMous on November 19, 2016, 06:26:19 AM
Stuff happened recently in my life that will change my priorities. This car is coming back in a big way in the near future. If nothing more than a therapeutic outlet.

That is all.
Title: Re: Tink: My '89 Mini
Post by: MiniDave on November 19, 2016, 06:40:31 AM
Thanks for checking in with us, hope everything is good........ 77.gif
Title: Re: Tink: My '89 Mini
Post by: MtyMous on November 19, 2016, 07:31:32 AM
Everything will be good. Brexit is helping with that. lol
Title: Re: Tink: My '89 Mini
Post by: 94touring on November 19, 2016, 08:05:50 AM
Baby on the way?
Title: Re: Tink: My '89 Mini
Post by: MtyMous on November 19, 2016, 08:10:19 AM
Yeaahhh... no... think total opposite. Basically I have entire control of all my cashflow now.
Title: Re: Tink: My '89 Mini
Post by: 94touring on November 19, 2016, 08:39:42 AM
Doh  :-[   Well lots of time to mess with the mini then.
Title: Re: Tink: My '89 Mini
Post by: MtyMous on November 19, 2016, 08:42:09 AM
Quote from: 94touring on November 19, 2016, 08:39:42 AM
Doh  :-[   Well lots of time to mess with the mini then.

My exact thoughts. lol. I need about a month to normalize, so after Christmas, it's go time.
Title: Re: Tink: My '89 Mini
Post by: MiniDave on November 19, 2016, 09:41:07 AM
So, "baby" on the way out the door then......more time for cars!

It took about three years of steady work to restore my old Jag, having a girlfriend/wife in that time it would have taken........well it never would have been done!  ;D
Title: Re: Tink: My '89 Mini
Post by: MtyMous on November 30, 2016, 09:28:37 PM
Just placed orders from 4 different places. This should be fun. Pictures upon arrival as usual.
Title: Re: Tink: My '89 Mini
Post by: MtyMous on December 14, 2016, 08:26:23 PM
I don't think I could write my life story if I tried. Every freaking time I think I'm back on track, something else kicks my ass.

Synopsis of what has happened that has kept me from building this mini:

Family member diagnosed with terminal illness
Family crisis requiring me to go home and spend money on life and other things instead of cars
Another thing I don't care to talk about, outside of my control, causing me to drain my entire mini fund ($8k) to cover it

Then I saved up a bunch of money and my wife decided to up and leave one day. No explanation (nothing rational) and she would leave in a week. Cool. Freeze all of the funds to potentially pay for a lawyer... no more mini fund again.
And last Friday, the engine on my pickup (daily driver) decided to give up the ghost. Out of NOWHERE it sounds like I spun a bearing. Rebuilding a HEMI isn't exactly cheap, but it's cheaper than buying a new truck, so now all my money and time gets to go to that.

Thankfully I have my old pickup that I let my parents keep down in Florida so I'll be going to get that over Christmas and using that to daily.

WHAT THE HELL!?

2016 sucks. Glad it's over.
Title: Re: Tink: My '89 Mini
Post by: MiniDave on December 14, 2016, 09:44:44 PM
When you're that far down, the only way out is up, right?

Next year will be better, I promise....just ride it out and you'll be OK.
Title: Re: Tink: My '89 Mini
Post by: 94touring on December 15, 2016, 06:14:07 AM
I've had a year like that twice.  It gets better. 
Title: Re: Tink: My '89 Mini
Post by: stan360 on December 15, 2016, 08:15:29 AM
 
Quote from: MiniDave on December 14, 2016, 09:44:44 PM
When you're that far down, the only way out is up, right?

Next year will be better, I promise....just ride it out and you'll be OK.

I agree with Dave .... Sorry to hear about all of this Cameron, especially difficult when someone in your family is hurting or sick.    Seems when we have to go through some rough times it just continues to pile up and  add up.  Thankfully you still have the Mini and didn't have to sell it or give it to the ex.  and its  to damn cold to be outside up here in the garage for long working on it.  Hopefully the Christmas trek to Florida will give you some time to regroup.
Title: Re: Tink: My '89 Mini
Post by: John Gervais on December 15, 2016, 05:41:36 PM
Yeah, when life repeatedly kicks you in the nuts, buy a cup. 



Title: Re: Tink: My '89 Mini
Post by: John Gervais on December 16, 2016, 04:38:11 PM
I knew I had seen this somewhere -

Title: Re: Tink: My '89 Mini
Post by: jeff10049 on December 16, 2016, 10:36:45 PM
Sorry to hear about all that. When you rebuild the truck engine get all the valve seats in the heads replaced no matter how good they seem to be by a  machine shop that understands these engines, they love to drop valve seats out and hold the valve open then the piston hits and trashes the motor. you don't need that shit right after a rebuild of the lower end.
Title: Re: Tink: My '89 Mini
Post by: MiniGene on January 01, 2017, 01:01:33 PM
Sorry to hear about all the shite happening to you lately.  Hang in there.  Keep pluggin' away and stuff does get better.
Title: Re: Tink: My '89 Mini
Post by: MtyMous on January 28, 2017, 11:04:33 AM
3 Updates

1) I'm currently in the garage building the straight cut transmission up from a bare case on the Mini. Feels GREAT to finally be back out here doing some work on Tink. Looking to get the car running by this summer if nothing else stupid comes up. Really hoping to have it running by end of May for my birthday. That will depend on getting the engine built and wire harness built.

2) The engine is toast on the truck. My daily driver. Thank God I have saved money and have an emergency fund for exactly this reason. So I'm rebuilding the engine now. About $6k to get this thing all done. woohoo. But now it'll have a much more efficient torque converter with a higher stall, a MUCH better cam (a little more stout, too but still very streetable) andnew pushrods, springs, etc to make it all work better than stock. Should be done with that and have the truck back driving in a couple weeks.

3) I'm looking at buying a 2nd Gen Viper GTS.... stand by for mid-life/post-divorce irresponsible "investments". haha. But that will have to wait until I'm done with Tink.
Title: Re: Tink: My '89 Mini
Post by: 94touring on January 28, 2017, 12:14:02 PM
When you get that viper I'm flying out to test drive it. 
Title: Re: Tink: My '89 Mini
Post by: MtyMous on January 28, 2017, 12:16:09 PM
I've already test driven 3 of them. 2 of which were ACR's. I'm hooked. Definitely gonna happen. Just a matter of when
Title: Re: Tink: My '89 Mini
Post by: MiniDave on January 28, 2017, 12:39:07 PM
Isn't MME somewhere near you this summer? That would be cool if you could get it running in time for that!

Edit: Yep, Columbus, June 29 - July 2......that would be a good goal to shoot for.

www.MiniMeeteast2017.com
Title: Re: Tink: My '89 Mini
Post by: MtyMous on January 28, 2017, 12:47:09 PM
Heck yeah. Done deal. Looks like I've got a goal now. Thanks Dave
Title: Re: Tink: My '89 Mini
Post by: MiniDave on January 28, 2017, 01:03:35 PM
If my Texas trip goes off well in March I'm going to try and make MME too.
Title: Re: Tink: My '89 Mini
Post by: John Gervais on January 28, 2017, 02:45:45 PM
Mmmmm, Viper....   Wicked Cool!   77.gif
Title: Re: Tink: My '89 Mini
Post by: MtyMous on January 28, 2017, 09:37:50 PM
Sooo. When I bought this motor and trans I was told that everything was there. Turns out I need a bunch of bolts. #pissed.

Anyone know if there's a "kit" I can buy of all the bolts needed for the trans? I'm to the point I don't care what anything costs anymore. I just want to buy the right stuff and be done with it.
Title: Re: Tink: My '89 Mini
Post by: 94touring on January 28, 2017, 09:39:57 PM
Hmm, are they the same thread and lengths as everything else on the car?
Title: Re: Tink: My '89 Mini
Post by: MtyMous on January 28, 2017, 09:56:03 PM
Not too sure what each one is. I know that the transmission clutch cover and the drop gear housing to the rest of the gearbox are 5/16-18 thread, but not positive what the thread length needs to be on each. Same for the bolts from trans to block. I think those are 1/4 UNF (1/4 - 28) but I know they had lock washers and flanged bolts but no idea what the length on each one was. And I seem to remember a few of them being studs with nuts on my last engine because of the location. It's hard to find drawings that detail all of this out. Wish that existed somewhere. A lot of the drawings I can find online show studs instead of bolts which doesn't match up with what I have.
Title: Re: Tink: My '89 Mini
Post by: MiniDave on January 28, 2017, 10:15:06 PM
Check with John at Guessworks?
Title: Re: Tink: My '89 Mini
Post by: John Gervais on January 28, 2017, 11:57:58 PM
Maybe this'll help -

Here's a clutch cover bolt kit:

MSSK062 (http://minispares.com/product/Classic/Gearbox/MSSK062.aspx?15&ReturnUrl=/search/classic/kit.aspx%7CBack%20to%20search)

And an engine to gearbox bolt kit:

MSSK060 (http://minispares.com/product/Classic/Engine/Block/Studs_bolts/MSSK060.aspx?100112&ReturnUrl=/search/classic/engine%20bolt%20kit.aspx%7CBack%20to%20search)

Don't know if these are relevant, but they're listed within the 'People also bought' section for the post 1985 minis:

3 x DAM7756 (http://minispares.com/product/Classic/Clutch/Fittings/DAM7756.aspx?0601&ReturnUrl=/product/Classic/Clutch/Fittings/DAM7758.aspx%7CBack%20to)

6 x DAM7759 (http://minispares.com/product/Classic/Fasteners/Bolts/DAM7759.aspx?2101&ReturnUrl=/product/Classic/Gearbox/MSSK062.aspx%7CBack%20to)

3 x DAM7758 (http://minispares.com/product/Classic/Clutch/Fittings/DAM7758.aspx?0601&ReturnUrl=/product/Classic/Gearbox/MSSK062.aspx%7CBack%20to)

And an exploded diagram - the part numbers are links to MSC's product pages:  Classic Mechanical Parts Manual - Flywheel, Clutch, Clutch cylinders and flywheel case (http://minispares.com/catalogues/classic/Classic~Mechanical~Parts~Manual/Flywheel~~Clutch/Clutch~cylinders~and~flywheel~case.aspx?2~13~121)


There's also a cylinder head ancillary fastener kit:  MSSK061 (http://minispares.com/product/Classic/Engine/Cylinder_heads/Studs_bolts_nuts/MSSK061.aspx?100409&ReturnUrl=/search/classic/MSSK061.aspx%7CBack%20to%20search)
Title: Re: Tink: My '89 Mini
Post by: towjoe on January 29, 2017, 10:16:07 AM
You can use a depth gage for each hole. John at Guessworks will sell exactly what you need.
Regards
towjoe 77.gif
Title: Re: Tink: My '89 Mini
Post by: MtyMous on January 29, 2017, 10:20:32 AM
Towjoe, I'm in the process of doing exactly that. Super excited about it. Lol measuring thread pitch and hole depth on every single hole on the trans. Gonna try to document it for others to use.
Title: Re: Tink: My '89 Mini
Post by: tmsmini on January 29, 2017, 11:08:29 AM
Somerford's site lists most bolts and if you click on the item, you get the length in the description:
http://www.somerfordmini.co.uk/eshop/index.php?main_page=page&id=147 (http://www.somerfordmini.co.uk/eshop/index.php?main_page=page&id=147)

I never looked at the detail for the transmission, but they appear to be there as well.
Terry
Title: Re: Tink: My '89 Mini
Post by: MtyMous on February 25, 2017, 06:10:52 PM
How do you guys separate the diff carrier bearings from the diff housing and the crown wheel? I'm trying to get the new diff built tonight and I'm struggling. Do I need a puller? I don't need to keep these bearings so I'm tempted to just cut the damn things off. lol
Title: Re: Tink: My '89 Mini
Post by: towjoe on February 25, 2017, 06:24:52 PM
MtyMous,
You hold one side of the diff in a vise and use a puller to the bearing off,
Or knock off the outer race and remove the balls, then remove the inner race with a puller. Flip the diff and do same
to the other side , then you can get to the ring gear and the differential .
Regards
towjoe 77.gif
Title: Re: Tink: My '89 Mini
Post by: MiniDave on February 25, 2017, 07:12:00 PM
I use a bearing spreader and puller......

(http://img1.cdn.tradevv.com/Y201410M1558575T6G5626976/W501H501/Bearing%2520puller.jpg)
Title: Re: Tink: My '89 Mini
Post by: John Gervais on February 25, 2017, 07:29:57 PM
That's just what I need to get - my new X-pin diff was shipped Thursday.  I've never seen one before, what size bearing puller does a job like this require?

Always learning from others -
Title: Re: Tink: My '89 Mini
Post by: MiniDave on February 25, 2017, 07:35:59 PM
Over here you can borrow such tools from the autoparts stores, you give them your credit card to cover the cost of the tool in case you don't bring it back, then on return your card is credited back.
Title: Re: Tink: My '89 Mini
Post by: John Gervais on February 25, 2017, 07:47:11 PM
Can't rent hand tools here...

I just bought this one -

http://cannontools.co.uk/phone/mproduct-page.php?productid=id1474

Title: Re: Tink: My '89 Mini
Post by: MiniDave on February 25, 2017, 08:44:01 PM
That should do it!  4.gif
Title: Re: Tink: My '89 Mini
Post by: John Gervais on February 25, 2017, 08:52:00 PM
(Hyacinth is gonna kill me... I've bought a lot o'tools lately, the engine crane, a couple of new torque wrenches, not to mention the X-pin and a couple of timing sets (JWIS simplex from KC and the Rollmaster JWIS duplex)). 

Maybe I can hide in the garage.
Title: Re: Tink: My '89 Mini
Post by: MtyMous on February 26, 2017, 05:59:06 PM
Good call Dave. I'll hop over to O'Reilly's and rent one next weekend. Going out of town again. I swear I can never get a weekend free around here. Hopefully all of my parts will be delivered when I get back though.

Thanks to everyone who had a suggestion. I think I was just late into the night and running out of brain power
Title: Re: Tink: My '89 Mini
Post by: MiniDave on February 28, 2017, 08:53:11 AM
I'm just excited to see you making some progress on Tink!

I'm tentatively planning to be at MME this summer in Ohio, hope to get a ride in the Tinkinator!
Title: Re: Tink: My '89 Mini
Post by: MtyMous on April 02, 2017, 07:40:37 AM
Taking forever for my parts to get here. Partially because I ordered some KAD parts as well and they were taking a while to make them new and deliver on the same order, so it held everything up. I've been out of town for work every other week and then I was sick for 2 weeks.

Basically I just need to kick this thing into top gear and get it done. Gonna try to get the transmission finished on Friday when I get back into town. I'm down in Florida this week for my dad's birthday. Long overdue.
Title: Re: Tink: My '89 Mini
Post by: MiniDave on May 09, 2017, 08:56:38 AM
So, how's Tink coming, get the transmichigan done?
Title: Re: Tink: My '89 Mini
Post by: MtyMous on July 23, 2017, 04:15:45 PM
For reasons I can't really talk about, I've been sort of out-of-pocket for months. I've been slowly building up a stockpile of parts in my absence, so when I get a free chance on the weekend I like to put my time in the garage. Anyway, I've got a question for you guys. What do you think about these pot joints? Do I just need to scrap these? The two larger matte looking bands on each side are somewhat of a divot. I could probably polish and grind them back smooth but I feel like that might take off too much material. Is it just time to get a new set?

(https://c1.staticflickr.com/5/4322/35309930683_5e64ddb855_b.jpg)

(https://c1.staticflickr.com/5/4310/35277654774_a7d12d2be9_b.jpg)
Title: Re: Tink: My '89 Mini
Post by: MPlayle on July 23, 2017, 04:29:43 PM
Missing picture?

If you are trying to use PhotoBucket for hosting, they went to being a subscription service required to post your pictures to third party sites like this forum.

It broke a TON of picture links in other threads.

Title: Re: Tink: My '89 Mini
Post by: MtyMous on July 23, 2017, 04:34:03 PM
Sorry. Flickr changed to a short code for images. Had to get off mobile to fix links. Pics work now.

Also, screw Photobucket. Lol
Title: Re: Tink: My '89 Mini
Post by: MPlayle on July 23, 2017, 04:42:55 PM
It may indeed take off too much material and they may leak oil a bit from the seals and bushings.

Will you also be replacing the differential output seals they go through?

If they were not leaking before and they are going back in with the same seals, they may be okay as-is.  Wait for some other folks to chime in as I may be wrong in thinking they may be okay going back in to the seal they came out from.

Title: Re: Tink: My '89 Mini
Post by: MtyMous on July 23, 2017, 06:14:58 PM
They're going into fresh bushings and fresh seals. I'm worried if I ream the bushings, they'll wear an irregular groove in the bushings and cause premature wear and leaking.

By the way, does anyone have a 1.25" reamer?
Title: Re: Tink: My '89 Mini
Post by: MiniDave on July 23, 2017, 06:48:02 PM
I think you need to mic them, if they're close to spec use them. Unless the seal area is really worn deeply, it will still seal just fine.

OTOH, if you're trying to build a high horsepower and reliable setup - new joints are only £22 right now......pretty cheap insurance.

http://www.minispares.com/product/Classic/Drivetrain/CV%20Joints/GCV1102MS.aspx?0801&ReturnUrl=/search/classic/pot joints.aspx|Back to search (http://www.minispares.com/product/Classic/Drivetrain/CV%20Joints/GCV1102MS.aspx?0801&ReturnUrl=/search/classic/pot%20joints.aspx%7CBack%20to%20search)

Glad to see you're getting some "garage therapy" in these days! 
Title: Re: Tink: My '89 Mini
Post by: MtyMous on July 23, 2017, 07:06:32 PM
I just mic'd them they show 1.2500" - 1.2495". Pretty tight on the tolerance, too. I'm using my  Mitutoyo tools to measure, so I trust them.

I'm probably gonna buy a set just in case and keep these as a backup.
Title: Re: Tink: My '89 Mini
Post by: MiniDave on July 23, 2017, 07:41:36 PM
Probably the best idea........
Title: Re: Tink: My '89 Mini
Post by: MtyMous on July 23, 2017, 10:08:19 PM
After smoothing and polishing the pot joints, I was able to get most of the defects to go away. They seemed to be surface only and didn't require me taking off much material at all. They polished up nicely and using the micrometer again I had no noticeable decrease in material thickness. I will go ahead and press in the new bushings then ream them to size. If the fit isn't good, then I will go ahead and buy new ones. But I think these ones are actually going to work. That one little Groove you see is actually just barely big enough to feel with the fingernail and sits just past where the outer seal would be.

I will give them a shot. They look like they'll probably work.

By the way, it feels good to be back out in the garage making my project come to life. Thanks for always being awesome, guys.


(https://c1.staticflickr.com/5/4304/35283412304_ff27ae3250_b.jpg)

(https://c1.staticflickr.com/5/4315/36082892746_41bcf3ffec_b.jpg)
Title: Re: Tink: My '89 Mini
Post by: MiniDave on July 24, 2017, 07:05:36 AM
I think those pot joints will work fine.....did you mark them left and right so you know which goes back where?

That groove is where the lip of the seal rode, you can still use it, just position the seal a little deeper or shallower in the case so that it rides in a new spot......done all the time. Don't use RTV to set the seal, rather find some gasket sealer that dries and/or hardens and glue it in with that, that way it won't move once you have it where you want it.

One other thing to look at, in the bottom of the joint is a cap (like a freeze plug) stuck in - it covers the hole they used to machine the splines etc.....make sure it's still there and sealing. If it looks questionable you can carefully cover it with a layer of RTV to seal it. If it leaks, you'll know because your grease will become real runny and start leaking out of the boot from oil contamination coming from the gearbox.

Always a great feeling to make progress, isn't it? Even if it's only small bits......
Title: Re: Tink: My '89 Mini
Post by: Willie_B on July 24, 2017, 07:21:14 AM
Quote from: MiniDave on July 24, 2017, 07:05:36 AM
One other thing to look at, in the bottom of the joint is a cap (like a freeze plug) stuck in - it covers the hole they used to machine the splines etc.....make sure it's still there and sealing. If it looks questionable you can carefully cover it with a layer of RTV to seal it. If it leaks, you'll know because your grease will become real runny and start leaking out of the boot from oil contamination coming from the gearbox.

Had one just like Dave says. Quite the mess. Had to clean it out and sealed it with JBWeld. Not fun when on the car.
Title: Re: Tink: My '89 Mini
Post by: MtyMous on July 24, 2017, 03:43:37 PM
Everything else looks good on them guys. But I will definitely try some of those things as preventative measure before putting them back in. Thanks
Title: Re: Tink: My '89 Mini
Post by: MtyMous on November 14, 2017, 10:03:39 PM
Buying a Reamer for the diff side covers right now. It's gonna be about $100. I don't mind buying it if the community thinks they could use it later on a loaner basis.

While I'm buying obscure reamers and tools, can y'all think of any other obscure random things you've had to buy that I may need to get as well?


On a separate note, I picked up a brand new engine stand for free, but I know most folks run an adapter plate to mount their motors for engine stand assembly. Anyone know where I can snag one or have plans so I can build my own?
Title: Re: Tink: My '89 Mini
Post by: MiniDave on November 15, 2017, 07:50:12 AM
The adaptor plate varies just a bit depending on whether you're working on an A or A+ block, but it simply mounts to the oil filter housing and back alternator bolt holes. there is about 3/8" difference in height between the two sets of bolts, so if you're going to have everything square you'll need to space out at the alternator bracket by that much. Then weld a piece of round tubing onto the plate that will fit into your stand.

I don't know of anyone who sells a ready made one as the stand ends are all different.

I have an older Blackhawk stand and I was able to move the adjustable arms around enough to simply bolt it to my stand, but you have to remove it from the stand to finish the build of course.....I can also bolt mine onto the flywheel end of the block, but the flywheel and all the cases have to be off to do that - fine for building the crank, head and cam timing, but again it has to come off the stand to finish the build.

They're all a compromise, but either way still makes it a lot easier to build. I used to just build just the block and head on my steel workbench, but had to take it off that to put it on the trans case, so I use a couple of milk crates with a board for the final build up.
Title: Re: Tink: My '89 Mini
Post by: MtyMous on November 26, 2017, 08:10:36 PM
Thanks for all the info on the Stand, Dave!

I've actually been talking with Keith Adams and he's making up some really awesome mini specific tools and parts. Great for engine assembly and other things. I really hope to show them off here in the next couple weeks while I build up the rest of the motor.

I bought a reamer for the side diff covers. It's a 1.25" reamer and should be perfect for reaming out these bushings. I spent a dumb amount of money on it, but I made the conscious decision to buy it with the intent of sharing it with the rest of the community here. I wouldn't mind renting it out to anyone on here that needs to use it under the "break it you buy it" concept. haha.

Progress:

I'm looking at the final buildup steps for the motor and I'm curious what you guys are running for compression ratios and what have you found to work for you? My calculation right now show between 10.1:1 and 11.1:1 Compression Ratio. Anyone have some mini wizardry which suggests that these CR's aren't acceptable?

Cylinder Bore Size - 73.5mm    
Piston Stroke Length - 81.28mm
Head Gasket Bore Diameter - 74.55mm
Compressed Head Gasket Thickness - 1.1176mm
Combustion Chamber Volume In CCs - (18.5cc - 27cc) Haven't decided yet
Piston Dome Volume In CCs Negative For Dished Pistons - -7cc
Piston Deck Clearance - (using 0 until assembled)    

Title: Re: Tink: My '89 Mini
Post by: MiniDave on November 26, 2017, 09:06:57 PM
I believe Dan's motor is 10:1 compression.....I had .007 clearance to the deck on Dan's pistons, I like to leave a tiny bit of room just in case I ever need to deck the block.

As far as parts, I'd go with the recommendations of someone like Keith Calver - he's very approachable and will respond to emails and he's been doing this for freakingever.....

Either that or get a copy of Visard's book and read it thoroughly.....
Title: Re: Tink: My '89 Mini
Post by: jeff10049 on November 26, 2017, 10:16:53 PM
what are you using for a cam and head also intake and exhaust?
As Calver says the volumetric efficiency plays a role in selecting a proper compression ratio.
I assume you will be running decent stuff so your volumetric efficiency will be reasonable. Knowing that I'd keep the CR around 10:1 at 11:1 fuel quality/octane becomes an issue for most engines unless you don't mind running race fuel all the time.

Title: Re: Tink: My '89 Mini
Post by: MtyMous on November 26, 2017, 10:33:23 PM
Jeff, I've been known to buy drums of 114 but I don't really want to go back to that life. lol.

I'm running a high quality maniflow big bore which I'm getting ceramic coated inside and out. The intake will be a 50mm throttle body which flows better than any Weber on the market according to the manufacturer's numbers. The head is likely going to be a custom order MED unit after talking with their folks with a good port and polish and custom CC'd chambers to get whatever CR I want (and I still need to dry build the motor to get all the exact measurements). The cam is a Kent 286. It should all play nicely together to flow pretty well.

I'm planning to get it as close to 10:1 as possible. I know it's FAR more complex than just "This CR needs this octane". I know I can pull timing to compensate for compression, etc etc. But I'm more wondering if these motors are known for shitting the bed with high CR's or something funky that I'm not planning for.
Title: Re: Tink: My '89 Mini
Post by: Willie_B on November 27, 2017, 04:54:52 AM
I believe that the MG Metro 1275's were 10.5:1 stock. When my engine was rebuilt it is now 10.5:1 to 11:1 area with no problems. I did drop the FD to 3.2 and can still stay in third gear for most of my mountain driving fun.
Title: Re: Tink: My '89 Mini
Post by: 94touring on November 27, 2017, 06:45:07 AM
I'm 10:3:1. Keith took the deck height before doing head work to get that number and noted a few thousands here or there wouldnt really effect anything.  I of course will be running 91 octane.

Detonation problems on really high comp motors I'd find myself running a water injection kit rather than toting race fuel around.  Jugs of distilled water are easy to find.
Title: Re: Tink: My '89 Mini
Post by: 94touring on November 27, 2017, 07:07:32 AM
Did a little digging.

Standard 998/1275 compression ratio 8:9:1
All 1098s: 8:3:1
Performance 1275 21250 (AE) Pistons 9:4:1
Mg metro 10:1

Title: Re: Tink: My '89 Mini
Post by: MtyMous on November 27, 2017, 05:59:34 PM
Thanks for the help, brochachos. Just wanna do all the homework I can before I drop $1k on a head. lol
Title: Re: Tink: My '89 Mini
Post by: sxsman on November 29, 2017, 08:49:38 PM
Is this in paint now Cameron?

If not I'd recommend SPI Epoxy primer.
Not the cheapest but widely considered to be the best.
They also ship direct (believe free)
Title: Re: Tink: My '89 Mini
Post by: MtyMous on December 01, 2017, 11:38:05 PM
If you're talking about body work, dan finished the body work a long time ago. I'm finishing up the engine and then I'll be painting the engine. The engine has bee primered in epoxy already. I'll sand it down and put on another coat prior to paint when that time comes.
Title: Re: Tink: My '89 Mini
Post by: MtyMous on December 11, 2017, 01:51:54 PM
OK, Ok, ok...... I've ben really sucking at keeping this all up to date. Hell, I've even been called out by my own brothers for not making enough progress on the mini.

I'm writing this on my laptop in an undisclosed airport at an undisclosed location because that's my freaking life for the last 2 years. I've probably been out of town more than I've been in town. Is that an excuse? No... not at all. I'm just using it like it is one. So here's the deal. I'm going to CREATE a paradigm shift in my life because I need something to happen. I REALLY want the mini to be running by May, so I need to inject change. That's gonna be expensive and time consuming, but here's the few things I'm committed to doing and I hope you guys will enjoy it as a byproduct.

1) I need to just be a man and do stuff. Get off my ass and get in the garage. Cold weather isn't an excuse. I can crank up the garage heater and down some Red Bull.

2) I'm gonna stop waiting on parts to complete one piece before moving onto the next. I can do interior while I wait for engine parts. I can do electrical when things are held up elsewhere. Not too much at once, but not a linear approach. It's clearly not working.

3) I'm gonna document my progress. Right now I'm creating a YouTube account for my adventures. It's not gonna be your high energy, in your face, douchy/click-bait VLOG. I'm going more for how-to and creative automotive work. How things are done, how the restoration is going, and what I'm working on next. A lot of you guys were interested in the little projects I did on Tink before the restoration started, so I figured you might watch some of the simple things I do to get her rebuilt. Bonus is that there's gonna be another car in the stable next year and that will get some airtime as well... if you're interested in American cars as well.

So if you're interested in a video version of the build (Not quite Project Binky... be forewarned), and you get to sort of get to know me and my personality in the meantime, go to my YouTube channel and subscribe and hit the little bell icon so you're notified when there are updates. There aren't any videos on there just yet, but it'll help me gauge interest. First video next week and I'm gonna try to do one a week to help me stay accountable to viewers and the build.

Click here to watch my awkward self on YouTube (https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCfeXiRh7_KVtVtu2fjAmlCQ?sub_confirmation=1)

Any suggestions or tips are always welcome from my friends here at Restoration Mini.

-Cam
Title: Re: Tink: My '89 Mini
Post by: MiniDave on December 11, 2017, 02:27:49 PM
Good on you, we'll be looking forward to it.....linky no worky tho......
Title: Re: Tink: My '89 Mini
Post by: MtyMous on December 11, 2017, 09:25:39 PM
try the link now and let me know if its working for ya
Title: Re: Tink: My '89 Mini
Post by: MiniDave on December 11, 2017, 10:06:52 PM
Well, sorta....it let me onto your channel but only if I subscribed (which I did) and there are no vids there right now......so?
Title: Re: Tink: My '89 Mini
Post by: Mudhen on December 12, 2017, 08:24:12 AM
Get to know you...shit, I just learned your name is Cameron!

Subscribed. (at least until the American iron gets added  ;D )

Pat
Title: Re: Tink: My '89 Mini
Post by: jedduh01 on December 12, 2017, 02:13:18 PM


Get to work!! = Commit to a tiny bit  ..   15 min a day in the garage doing SOMETHING leads to SOME progress.
      that little 15 Minutes   Cleaning and painting  one little part = can turn into to 30 min then turns leads to hours of effort accomplished.
     Better than nothing.  day by day.

I too have to Push myself some days to get off the comfy couch to go ' do garage work" but in the end, I enjoy Garage work more than watching silly videos or inside computer thing s not getting stuff done.

Goodluck.  The you tube will require sometime on its own.!

Title: Re: Tink: My '89 Mini
Post by: BruceK on December 12, 2017, 03:32:26 PM
I'm gonna stock up on popcorn!!   ;D
Title: Re: Tink: My '89 Mini
Post by: MtyMous on December 19, 2017, 12:50:58 AM
Guys... Shooting video is easy. Editing video is a bitch. Also, My audio SUCKS! Who knew? I'm gonna re-film something just because I didn't get the right angles and the audio is straight up shit. haha. Live and learn. Anyway, I'm hoping to have a new video up by Friday. Another one next week, and a third one by the end of next week.

I made a TON of progress on the engine build now that I have a legit engine stand thanks to Keith Adams and his brilliant engineering brain. I would recommend this engine stand adapter to absolutely anyone. Makes access a simple task and rotates about it's geometric center. and THIS THING IS BEEFY!!

(https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4647/39151510911_950a1a31d1_b.jpg)Engine Assembly Top End (https://flic.kr/p/22DFJbc)

(https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4730/39151506911_b877e08c17_b.jpg)Classic Mini Engine Stand 1 (https://flic.kr/p/22DFGZe)

(https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4592/39151507821_cae565be72_b.jpg)Classic Mini Engine Stand 2 (https://flic.kr/p/22DFHfV)

(https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4588/39151509901_74cdaac99a_b.jpg)Classic Mini Engine Stand 3 (https://flic.kr/p/22DFHSM)

(https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4739/38270223155_1600550d83_b.jpg)Classic Mini Engine Stand 4 (https://flic.kr/p/21iNU2H)


Took a trip to the hardware store to buy some higher quality fasteners as well. Probably spent more money than I needed to, but good fasteners make me feel good about myself. lol. Here's a little glimpse of what's gonna be featured on one of the next videos. Mmmm...

(https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4731/38270219215_790334cee4_h.jpg)KENT Duplex Vernier Timing Chain (https://flic.kr/p/21iNSRM)
Title: Re: Tink: My '89 Mini
Post by: MiniDave on December 19, 2017, 09:13:28 AM
Nice DSN timing chain cover, I'm a little surprised you didn't go with belt drive as long as you were at it......

What did the adaptor plate cost?
Title: Re: Tink: My '89 Mini
Post by: MtyMous on December 20, 2017, 08:49:15 AM
I thought about going with a belt setup, but wanted to stick with the chan for now. The Kent chain is well trusted by the reaching community folks I've talked with.

The DSN stuff is excellent. Great fit. Perfect finish, and honestly, a MUCH better solution. The seals, fit, everything. Is better than factory. It's a true solution, not just pretty.

I think i paid $225 for this piece, but honestly I don't know. I bought half their catalogue when I placed this order. Lol
Title: Re: Tink: My '89 Mini
Post by: MiniDave on December 20, 2017, 08:58:24 AM
I agree about the quality of DSN stuff, but like KAD (also good stuff) they are SPENDY! Stan has a number of DSN pieces on his engine, most obvious is the valve cover, but the coil bracket is a beautiful piece of engineering, and looks good too!

I was asking about the cost of the engine adaptor plate, for the engine stand......the one from Keith Adams......
Title: Re: Tink: My '89 Mini
Post by: MtyMous on December 20, 2017, 07:23:24 PM
I like the look of the valve cover, but isn't it difficult to adjust valves with that thing?

The engine stand adapter... woops! haha. I'm not sure what Keith is selling them for to everyone. Get a hold of him on Facebook and he'll give you a price.

https://www.facebook.com/wkeith.adams
Title: Re: Tink: My '89 Mini
Post by: MiniDave on December 20, 2017, 07:28:57 PM
Just like a regular valve cover, there are only two nuts holding it on, so I would remove it if I were adjusting the valves.....
Title: Re: Tink: My '89 Mini
Post by: jeff10049 on December 20, 2017, 09:52:45 PM
Quote from: MtyMous on December 19, 2017, 12:50:58 AM
Guys... Shooting video is easy. Editing video is a bitch. Also, My audio SUCKS! Who knew?

Yep In my restoration thread, I said I would do a video of painting I did but never got it edited to a postable quality I'm going to give it another shot and try to do a better one.

Title: Re: Tink: My '89 Mini
Post by: 94touring on June 23, 2018, 06:53:17 AM
Today marks 4 years since I painted your car.   Hurry up and finish it!
Title: Re: Tink: My '89 Mini
Post by: MtyMous on June 23, 2018, 02:09:59 PM
Shameful. Ok fine. I'll finish it this year.

Lol. I'm actually waiting on a waiting harness and then the fuel system goes in
Title: Re: Tink: My '89 Mini
Post by: MiniGene on June 29, 2018, 07:12:35 AM
(https://i.imgflip.com/2d47l0.jpg) (https://imgflip.com/i/2d47l0)via Imgflip Meme Generator (https://imgflip.com/memegenerator)
Title: Re: Tink: My '89 Mini
Post by: 94touring on June 29, 2018, 07:15:56 AM
Haha
Title: Re: Tink: My '89 Mini
Post by: MtyMous on June 30, 2018, 11:45:22 AM
Hahahahahahaha. That's the best thing I've ever seen on the internet
Title: Re: Tink: My '89 Mini
Post by: MtyMous on March 01, 2019, 11:25:17 PM
ugh... the forum gave me the warning that this thread hasnt been posted to in at least 120 days... I'm sorry Tink thread.

But... I actually have some free time now and I'm dedicated to getting her running before my birthday in May. Finished? Probably not. But at least running.

Title: Re: Tink: My '89 Mini
Post by: MiniDave on March 02, 2019, 09:38:41 AM
Your video and editing skills have improved too!

Maybe you could do a little scroll across the bottom when the music starts to tell us what it is? Like they did on Project Binky?

Those motor mount bolts can be a royal PITA......sometimes you just have to make one of the bolt holes one size bigger to give you some finagling room.

Progress is always good to see, keep going - you're on a roll now!   77.gif
Title: Re: Tink: My '89 Mini
Post by: MtyMous on March 02, 2019, 10:31:14 AM
Thanks Dave. Yeah, I'm gonna have to keep going after that engine mount. It might need to come out to make the hole a little bigger. They're a real pain. They're "resting" right now. haha. Maybe that'll help.

The music is all royalty free, non-attribution music. This one was called Castleshire by Chris Haugen. I'll put the track in the description
Title: Re: Tink: My '89 Mini
Post by: tmsmini on March 02, 2019, 04:11:59 PM
Nice to see the SC system in place. Is that the 50 or 45 TB?
I am still learning. My latest issue is not being able to get the engine warm enough to a decent operating temp for the FI.
Title: Re: Tink: My '89 Mini
Post by: MiniDave on March 02, 2019, 06:22:54 PM
Are you running an aluminum radiator?

On cold days (under 40*) I can barely get mine off the "C", it's almost too efficient.
Title: Re: Tink: My '89 Mini
Post by: 94touring on March 02, 2019, 07:39:31 PM
Mine stays between C and N on cold days.  I swapped in a new sender I bought wondering if it would read different, but nope.
Title: Re: Tink: My '89 Mini
Post by: tmsmini on March 02, 2019, 09:26:04 PM
It is a Minispares radiator, but I don't remember the number off the top of my head. I have the gauges all sorted and they agree within a few degrees. But as soon as I start moving the temp drops. Mostly around 50-55 F - 10-13 C ambient temp and the coolant temp is running about 150 F - 65 C.  This is with the 190 F - 88 C thermostat. But then nothing is exactly standard on the engine. I will post a more complete description in the FI section.
Title: Re: Tink: My '89 Mini
Post by: MtyMous on March 02, 2019, 11:17:41 PM
I'm running an aluminum radiator, too. Never had a problem keeping it around 190. I'll be running only an electric fan when it gets all up and running. Should help out with more precise temp control and free up some space.

Tim, I'm running the 50mm tb
Title: Re: Tink: My '89 Mini
Post by: 94touring on March 03, 2019, 12:35:19 AM
Quote from: MtyMous on March 02, 2019, 11:17:41 PM
I'm running an aluminum radiator, too. Never had a problem keeping it around 190. I'll be running only an electric fan when it gets all up and running. Should help out with more precise temp control and free up some space.

Tim, I'm running the 50mm tb

Hey just fyi I tried electric fan only and it wouldn't keep up in the summer.
Title: Re: Tink: My '89 Mini
Post by: MiniDave on March 03, 2019, 09:29:58 AM
I did the same with Buzz - no joy. I think the only way to make that work is with a front mounted radiator, like an MPi
Title: Re: Tink: My '89 Mini
Post by: MtyMous on March 03, 2019, 06:35:25 PM
Well then things are gonna get real interesting because I don't have a lot of clearance with my KAD viscous fluid damper. The plastic fan fouls on it. Also doesn't have any real roombetween it and the radiator mount/engine mount bracket so I have to modify that to be able to change belts.
Title: Re: Tink: My '89 Mini
Post by: 94touring on March 03, 2019, 08:23:07 PM
Yeah the stock fan and shroud is required to direct air through the radiator.  Being side mount the air just goes around it otherwise.
Title: Re: Tink: My '89 Mini
Post by: MtyMous on March 03, 2019, 08:59:05 PM
Yeah, I'll definitely have a shroud. I was thinking about vacuum Molding something to the radiator and them replicating that in Carbon Fiber. Doing all of that around a very high CFM electric pusher fan and then trying to make something up that fills the gap between the radiator and body to make sure it all gets pushed out of the engine bay and doesn't have a chance to recirculate.
Title: Re: Tink: My '89 Mini
Post by: 94touring on March 03, 2019, 10:10:18 PM
There's enough low pressure on the wing side of the radiator that it gets pulled out naturally.  If you can make some kind of shroud or scoop to direct air through the radiator at speed you may have a chance. Space is limited though.  An electric fan will do ok at idle in the summer but once you start moving it's a battle to get enough air through the radiator.
Title: Re: Tink: My '89 Mini
Post by: MiniDave on March 04, 2019, 09:01:20 AM
I've seen race cars with a duct shaped to take air from the grill straight thru the rad, but they don't look so cool.....but I bet it works.
Title: Re: Tink: My '89 Mini
Post by: Jimini II on March 04, 2019, 12:23:00 PM
I saw a 1275 Mini a few years ago and he mounted his stock radiator to the inner fender and used an electric fan with no shroud, he did have a small scoup under the front panel that helped with the air flow and never had overheating issues here in Florida.
Title: Re: Tink: My '89 Mini
Post by: MtyMous on March 04, 2019, 09:28:50 PM
Hmmm. I guess we'll just have to see what she needs. I'm not opposed to a custom front mount radiator
Title: Re: Tink: My '89 Mini
Post by: MtyMous on March 13, 2019, 01:59:45 PM
I think I'm gonna do a vacuum formed fan shroud on an electric fan. We'll see how that turns out. haha

Also, NEW VIDEO UPLOADED!!

Just adding another video to the series I just started. I'm working on upgrading everything on the car, especially the lights. I like to drive at night so an LED Lightbar for the backroads will come in handy. Check out my install video if you like working on your mini and want to see how I did it!





Title: Re: Tink: My '89 Mini
Post by: MiniDave on March 13, 2019, 03:20:21 PM
Your editing skills have improved, along with the extra lighting in the shop, it makes the vids much better.

Where's the Viper?
Title: Re: Tink: My '89 Mini
Post by: MtyMous on March 13, 2019, 04:19:03 PM
Thanks Dave. Always appreciated. I really wanted to try some new stuff with this one and raise the entertainment value and make it more like a conversation with friends. The ride-along at the beginning wasn't even planned. Lol

Sold the viper because they mini is making me go bankrupt. J/K, it's at my friend's supercar shop getting some work done and making room in the garage. Lol
Title: Re: Tink: My '89 Mini
Post by: MtyMous on December 26, 2019, 05:12:17 PM
I'm back from Japan... and other countries. And I'm finally getting back into Tink. I've been hone a total of 2 months in the last 7 months, and those were non sequential.

First order of business... lets get some interior and wiring done!!

I just bought these.

(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/49279666356_1bd5f212fd_b.jpg)
Title: Re: Tink: My '89 Mini
Post by: MiniDave on December 26, 2019, 05:34:44 PM
Spendy - $469 according to their website.....look comfy if you can fit in them.
Title: Re: Tink: My '89 Mini
Post by: MtyMous on December 26, 2019, 06:16:58 PM
They start at $469. Lol. Add suede and heated seats and other things and it gets more expensive. Lol We'll see how the rest goes. Matching the rear seat to the front should be interesting. Haha
Title: Re: Tink: My '89 Mini
Post by: MiniDave on December 26, 2019, 06:20:26 PM
I noticed the ones that recline are quite a bit more!  :-\

I'd love to find a set of seats from a 96-2000 Mini, they look really comfy.
Title: Re: Tink: My '89 Mini
Post by: MtyMous on December 26, 2019, 06:41:11 PM
Not really a fan of most recliners honestly. They're too generic and not enough bucjet or they're way too ricer race car. The only ones that recline AND look good to me are about $1500 a piece and they still don't do enough for me to justify the price
Title: Re: Tink: My '89 Mini
Post by: MtyMous on May 30, 2022, 12:52:28 PM
Howdy gents. Back from a deployment and more travel than In care to think about.  Finally getting back into Tink!

Headliner in,  wiring nearly done,  glass going in (the front and rear glass are a real bitch)  and hopefully driving by the fall

She looks like a barn find right now

Title: Re: Tink: My '89 Mini
Post by: 94touring on May 30, 2022, 01:08:58 PM
Looks dusty!

Also, where were you deployed?
Title: Re: Tink: My '89 Mini
Post by: MtyMous on May 30, 2022, 01:57:25 PM
Was doing Afghanistan things.  It was a blast 😑
Title: Re: Tink: My '89 Mini
Post by: 94touring on May 30, 2022, 02:01:40 PM
You ride out on one of our planes?  I'm flying for Omni now.
Title: Re: Tink: My '89 Mini
Post by: Willie_B on May 30, 2022, 02:15:52 PM
Still have your Viper?
Title: Re: Tink: My '89 Mini
Post by: MtyMous on May 30, 2022, 02:19:17 PM
Quote from: 94touring on May 30, 2022, 02:01:40 PM
You ride out on one of our planes?  I'm flying for Omni now.

I was in a grey tail
Title: Re: Tink: My '89 Mini
Post by: MtyMous on May 30, 2022, 02:19:50 PM
Quote from: Willie_B on May 30, 2022, 02:15:52 PM
Still have your Viper?

Yes sir. Driving it almost daily.  Lol
Title: Re: Tink: My '89 Mini
Post by: 94touring on May 30, 2022, 02:22:17 PM
Quote from: MtyMous on May 30, 2022, 02:19:17 PM
Quote from: 94touring on May 30, 2022, 02:01:40 PM
You ride out on one of our planes?  I'm flying for Omni now.

I was in a grey tail

Riding large then!  I'm on the 777 side with a different color tail.
Title: Re: Tink: My '89 Mini
Post by: MtyMous on June 06, 2022, 01:45:56 AM
Window is in.  All windows in!
Title: Re: Tink: My '89 Mini
Post by: 94touring on June 06, 2022, 02:10:39 AM
What was the trick after having that first glass/rubber combo not work?
Title: Re: Tink: My '89 Mini
Post by: MiniDave on June 06, 2022, 08:31:38 AM
It's really coming together now, bet you can't wait to get it on the road again!

Will this take the record for longest active restoration? April 2009 is when this thread started!    77.gif
Title: Re: Tink: My '89 Mini
Post by: MtyMous on June 06, 2022, 09:09:25 AM
Passenger side lower corner had too much metal on the seam. Needed to be cut and reprofiled. Wasn't difficult. Just fiddled with the shape until it matched the other side. Window coud then be slid into place and worked around to an even finish.

Videos of all of this will be posted
Title: Re: Tink: My '89 Mini
Post by: MtyMous on June 06, 2022, 09:10:18 AM
Quote from: MiniDave on June 06, 2022, 08:31:38 AM
It's really coming together now, bet you can't wait to get it on the road again!

Will this take the record for longest active restoration? April 2009 is when this thread started!    77.gif

I didn't realize how much having glass installed would make me want to get her on the road.  It's a car again
Title: Re: Tink: My '89 Mini
Post by: 94touring on June 06, 2022, 03:11:37 PM
Quote from: MtyMous on June 06, 2022, 09:09:25 AM
Passenger side lower corner had too much metal on the seam. Needed to be cut and reprofiled. Wasn't difficult. Just fiddled with the shape until it matched the other side. Window coud then be slid into place and worked around to an even finish.

Videos of all of this will be posted

Cool, so it was overlapping just a bit too much vs the upper dash profile.