Restoration-Mini

Technical Forums => Restorations => Topic started by: thebluepotato on April 08, 2013, 03:45:28 PM

Title: Basil - Retro Restoraion in progress
Post by: thebluepotato on April 08, 2013, 03:45:28 PM
Greetings - been a lurker here for some time and just now getting around to saying something.  If it is not happening with my Mini, it is all work, family and what have you.  I currently have a 1974 Mini 1000 that is going under a complete tear down for a full body respray and mild restoration.  I am going by the seat of my pants and only armed with a lame Haynes Manual, so good local Mini doods and forums like this for inspiration.

You can check out all my blog updates here: http://www.thebluepotato.net/blog/ (http://www.thebluepotato.net/blog/) - but will continue to post updates where I can.  Today I finally got the rear subby out and not thrilled with the condition - may try and blast this one down and paint, but may just be easier to find a 76+ subby that is in much nicer shape.  Would love to know your thoughts to some of the pics below.  I only see one hole so far, but it may be too far gone.

Anyway, hoping to be one of the many restorations here that are amazing.

(http://www.thebluepotato.net/blog/wp-content/uploads/2013/03/IMG_5119-375x500.jpg)

(http://www.thebluepotato.net/blog/wp-content/uploads/2013/03/IMG_5129-500x375.jpg)

(http://www.thebluepotato.net/blog/wp-content/uploads/2013/03/IMG_5151-500x375.jpg)

(http://www.thebluepotato.net/blog/wp-content/uploads/2013/03/IMG_5169-500x375.jpg)

(http://www.thebluepotato.net/blog/wp-content/uploads/2013/03/IMG_5191-500x375.jpg)

(http://www.thebluepotato.net/blog/wp-content/uploads/2013/04/IMG_5373-500x375.jpg)

(http://www.thebluepotato.net/blog/wp-content/uploads/2013/04/IMG_54791-500x375.jpg)

(http://www.thebluepotato.net/blog/wp-content/uploads/2013/04/IMG_5548-500x375.jpg)

(http://www.thebluepotato.net/blog/wp-content/uploads/2013/04/IMG_5549-500x375.jpg)

(http://www.thebluepotato.net/blog/wp-content/uploads/2013/04/IMG_5544-500x375.jpg)
Title: Re: Basil - Retro Restoraion in progress
Post by: 94touring on April 08, 2013, 03:55:55 PM
Welcome and thanks for sharing your project.  Look forward to it.

Nice looking car dolly!  The subby is hard for me to tell from the pic, may be easier with all the grime cleaned off.   The one I replaced on this last car was pretty crusty and I knew right away.
Title: Re: Basil - Retro Restoraion in progress
Post by: thebluepotato on April 09, 2013, 08:38:12 AM
Yeah - in fact, I just picked up a full brand new BMW rear subby with all the fixings from an individual near me, so I figured it was worth the hassle of stripping this one down, repairing and PC'ing and then rebuilding and replacing parts.  So will be chucking this one unfortunately...just feels like too much work to get it back to a good state.

(http://www.thebluepotato.net/blog/wp-content/uploads/2013/04/IMG_5550-375x500.jpg)

(http://www.thebluepotato.net/blog/wp-content/uploads/2013/04/IMG_5538-375x500.jpg)

(http://www.thebluepotato.net/blog/wp-content/uploads/2013/04/IMG_5538-375x500.jpg)

(http://www.thebluepotato.net/blog/wp-content/uploads/2013/04/IMG_5537-500x375.jpg)

(http://www.thebluepotato.net/blog/wp-content/uploads/2013/04/IMG_5550-375x500.jpg)

(http://www.thebluepotato.net/blog/wp-content/uploads/2013/04/IMG_5539-375x500.jpg)

Title: Re: Basil - Retro Restoraion in progress
Post by: 94touring on April 09, 2013, 08:50:47 AM
Aside from the subby the rest of what I'm seeing looks pretty solid.
Title: Re: Basil - Retro Restoraion in progress
Post by: Mudhen on April 10, 2013, 11:40:01 AM
Coolness, fresh meat!   4.gif

Love the lights....
Title: Re: Basil - Retro Restoraion in progress
Post by: clm on April 10, 2013, 11:46:32 PM
Something's wrong here! You can't see the ground through the floor!

Er...

Uh..

That is a pretty nice mini you are starting with should be a fairly easy resto!

Chris
Title: Re: Basil - Retro Restoraion in progress
Post by: Mudhen on April 11, 2013, 02:53:46 AM
Quote from: clm on April 10, 2013, 11:46:32 PM
Something's wrong here! You can't see the ground through the floor!

Er...

Uh..

That is a pretty nice mini you are starting with should be a fairly easy resto!

Chris

:D

I think you're a jig snob!

def:
JIG SNOB [jig snob] noun : A person who looks down on others because the basis of their restoration had enough un-rusted, un-perforated metal in it so as to not require a steel frame to be built supporting the structure before work can commence.
Origin
CLM: Restoration Mini, Moke Shaped Pile of Rust, September, 2012
Latin
Jigus Snobiarum

19.gif
Title: Re: Basil - Retro Restoraion in progress
Post by: clm on April 11, 2013, 09:16:24 AM
Quote from: Mudhen on April 11, 2013, 02:53:46 AM

:D

I think you're a jig snob!

def:
JIG SNOB [jig snob] noun : A person who looks down on others because the basis of their restoration had enough un-rusted, un-perforated metal in it so as to not require a steel frame to be built supporting the structure before work can commence.
Origin
CLM: Restoration Mini, Moke Shaped Pile of Rust, September, 2012
Latin
Jigus Snobiarum

19.gif

Pfft, Not a snob... but I am jealous!  :-X

A mini capable of being driven when you buy it, I really need to look for one of those one of these days  50.gif

Chris
Title: Re: Basil - Retro Restoraion in progress
Post by: thebluepotato on April 16, 2013, 05:34:42 AM
Yes, yes I know...But the 'patch work' that you guys are not seeing is adding up.  I know the previous owner(s) of this mini and I just know that things seemed to be done on the cheap - which means I have a decision to make it right or not.  But the car is in great shape and I just want to get it back to a 'correct' state.  I am still deciding whether or not to strip off the under-seal or not. 

(http://www.thebluepotato.net/blog/wp-content/uploads/2013/03/IMG_5152-500x375.jpg)

(http://www.thebluepotato.net/blog/wp-content/uploads/2012/04/DSC_1033-500x332.jpg)
Title: Re: Basil - Retro Restoraion in progress
Post by: Mudhen on April 16, 2013, 09:33:54 AM
Those silly little bolts holding the air vent/ducts in place were some of the biggest PITA on my whole car when disassembling...broke them all, ended up grinding/cutting off the nuts.

Must have been the size that got to me...after all the big stuff, looking at those little bolts sitting there, laughing at me...really got to me.  My kids learned some new words that day...  50.gif
Title: Re: Basil - Retro Restoraion in progress
Post by: thebluepotato on March 20, 2014, 06:08:08 PM
Its been awhile since I posted any updates....Completed Basil's s tear down around last Oct and sent off to 998 Skunkworks for a lick of paint.  Since then, I have been reconditioning all the suspension and some of the interior parts.  Powedcoated the front subby and came out great...and by luck, found a guy who stalled on a mini project and picked up a brand new complete rear subby with everything for under a grand.  Started to work on a new engine as well....just need to pick the right share of green now for the body.  Choices choices choices....

Title: Re: Basil - Retro Restoraion in progress
Post by: Mudhen on March 22, 2014, 03:55:44 AM
Did you powdercoat the front subframe yourself?  HOLY COW is that gorgeous... :-\
Title: Re: Basil - Retro Restoraion in progress
Post by: wevebeenhad on March 26, 2014, 01:12:51 AM
Yeah the subframe looks brand new!
Title: Re: Basil - Retro Restoraion in progress
Post by: thebluepotato on March 31, 2014, 05:26:54 PM
Yeah - worked like a charm.  Just so much to do and it is all in the details unfortunately.  I will be simply painting the upper control arms and such by hand - including fuel tank, etc.  Freaking out a bit with the laundry list of things, but again - this is my first tear down and rebuild (sans welding so far).
Title: Re: Basil - Retro Restoraion in progress
Post by: thebluepotato on February 17, 2016, 01:47:22 PM
It has been awhile, but lots of progress on basil...

Title: Re: Basil - Retro Restoraion in progress
Post by: thebluepotato on February 17, 2016, 01:49:23 PM
And finally after some mild media blasting, we start with some body work....
Title: Re: Basil - Retro Restoraion in progress
Post by: thebluepotato on February 17, 2016, 01:52:40 PM
After some minor pulling and tugging, we started on sanding and it became clear that those wings were shot - off they come and hello Heritage panels...
Title: Re: Basil - Retro Restoraion in progress
Post by: thebluepotato on February 17, 2016, 01:56:35 PM
And then the fun started - the dreaded bottom.  We tried several ways but clearly a media blast and power wash got everything off perfectly fine.  But clearly you will soon find things you did not see when you bought said mini from a guy who said "everything is solid with no rust or body work...".  Right.
Title: Re: Basil - Retro Restoraion in progress
Post by: thebluepotato on February 17, 2016, 01:59:01 PM
And finally, about ready to put it all back together again...which scares me a bit, but we will see.  Color is BMC Tweed Grey with OE White top.
Title: Re: Basil - Retro Restoraion in progress
Post by: MiniDave on February 17, 2016, 02:20:31 PM
Like growth rings on a tree, how many layers of paint am I counting here? 9?

(http://www.restorationmini.com/forum/index.php?action=dlattach;topic=478.0;attach=4042;image)
Title: Re: Basil - Retro Restoraion in progress
Post by: John Gervais on February 17, 2016, 04:41:59 PM
Wow, it's really looking nice. 

What did you use on the upper shock mounts and other small bits, powder coat or paint? 
Title: Re: Basil - Retro Restoraion in progress
Post by: thebluepotato on February 17, 2016, 05:34:57 PM
John - just gave them a good cleaning and got them powder coated locally where I live with chassis black color.  Not looking for flashy colors on these things, but just keeping it classic and 'correct' where I can.
Title: Re: Basil - Retro Restoraion in progress
Post by: thebluepotato on February 24, 2016, 10:06:39 AM
Quote from: MiniDave on February 17, 2016, 02:20:31 PM
Like growth rings on a tree, how many layers of paint am I counting here? 9?

(http://www.restorationmini.com/forum/index.php?action=dlattach;topic=478.0;attach=4042;image)

I think you may be right....original color was white, then to silver like 5 times, then white again...it was crazy seeing this we sanded last year.
Title: Re: Basil - Retro Restoraion in progress
Post by: thebluepotato on February 24, 2016, 10:09:58 AM
Some more pics now that Basil is home from paint and ready for the rebuild.
Title: Re: Basil - Retro Restoraion in progress
Post by: MiniDave on February 24, 2016, 10:37:36 AM
Everytime I see the title of this thread I can't help but hear Sybil's withering, ball shrinking yell at her husband in Fawlty Towers!  ;D ;D
Title: Re: Basil - Retro Restoraion in progress
Post by: Spitz on February 24, 2016, 12:02:26 PM
Luckily he had made the right choice and actually married Polly
Title: Re: Basil - Retro Restoraion in progress
Post by: MiniDave on February 24, 2016, 12:54:27 PM
But only for 10 years, by the time the second series was done, so were they.....
Title: Re: Basil - Retro Restoraion in progress
Post by: Spitz on February 24, 2016, 03:55:38 PM
Hey...I'd take a tenth of ten years as she looked back then....lol
Title: Re: Basil - Retro Restoraion in progress
Post by: thebluepotato on March 07, 2016, 08:32:30 AM
Quote from: Spitz on February 24, 2016, 03:55:38 PM
Hey...I'd take a tenth of ten years as she looked back then....lol

Hopefully it is not any indication of the future of my 'marriage' with this Mini  :-X
Title: Re: Basil - Retro Restoraion in progress
Post by: thebluepotato on November 21, 2016, 01:39:55 PM
Some more updates as it has been awhile since I posted here...making some good progress.

(http://www.thebluepotato.net/blog/wp-content/uploads/2016/02/IMG_6026-500x375.jpg)

(http://www.thebluepotato.net/blog/wp-content/uploads/2016/02/IMG_6033-500x375.jpg)

(http://www.thebluepotato.net/blog/wp-content/uploads/2016/10/basilback5-500x375.jpg)

(http://www.thebluepotato.net/blog/wp-content/uploads/2016/11/IMG_7229-375x500.jpg)

(http://www.thebluepotato.net/blog/wp-content/uploads/2016/11/IMG_7223-375x500.jpg)

(http://www.thebluepotato.net/blog/wp-content/uploads/2016/11/IMG_7824-375x500.jpg)

(http://www.thebluepotato.net/blog/wp-content/uploads/2016/11/IMG_7666-375x500.jpg)

(http://www.thebluepotato.net/blog/wp-content/uploads/2016/11/IMG_7846-375x500.jpg)

(http://www.thebluepotato.net/blog/wp-content/uploads/2016/11/IMG_8025-375x500.jpg)

(http://www.thebluepotato.net/blog/wp-content/uploads/2016/11/IMG_9301-500x375.jpg)

(http://www.thebluepotato.net/blog/wp-content/uploads/2016/11/IMG_9304-500x375.jpg)

(http://www.thebluepotato.net/blog/wp-content/uploads/2016/11/IMG_9543-500x375.jpg)

(http://www.thebluepotato.net/blog/wp-content/uploads/2016/11/IMG_9331-375x500.jpg)

(http://www.thebluepotato.net/blog/wp-content/uploads/2016/11/FGEQ0771-500x375.jpg)
Title: Re: Basil - Retro Restoraion in progress
Post by: MiniDave on November 21, 2016, 02:02:49 PM
What are these?

(http://www.thebluepotato.net/blog/wp-content/uploads/2016/11/IMG_7824-375x500.jpg)

Edit: Oh, I recognize them now - door latches.

The car is really coming along nicely, it's interesting how the paint looks blue is some pics and grey in others!

Is that a tennis ball head protector?  ;D
Title: Re: Basil - Retro Restoraion in progress
Post by: thebluepotato on November 22, 2016, 08:44:37 AM
Yup - door latches that were previously painted this uninspiring white.  And yes, tennis ball trick I picked up long ago to keep those bumps to a minimum.  And yes, that is a BMC original coloUr called Tweed Grey.   This pic below is one of the ones that inspired me to go through this project.

(http://www.thebluepotato.net/blog/wp-content/uploads/2012/02/4827272408_9ac47b87661.jpg)
Title: Re: Basil - Retro Restoraion in progress
Post by: thebluepotato on December 19, 2017, 10:05:45 AM
More updates from the gah-rage....

(http://www.thebluepotato.net/blog/wp-content/uploads/2016/10/basilback5-500x375.jpg)

(http://www.thebluepotato.net/blog/wp-content/uploads/2016/11/IMG_7223-375x500.jpg)

(http://www.thebluepotato.net/blog/wp-content/uploads/2016/11/IMG_7927-500x375.jpg)

(http://www.thebluepotato.net/blog/wp-content/uploads/2016/11/IMG_8025-375x500.jpg)

(http://www.thebluepotato.net/blog/wp-content/uploads/2016/11/IMG_9543-500x375.jpg)

(http://www.thebluepotato.net/blog/wp-content/uploads/2017/05/ULCK2878-380x500.jpg)

(http://www.thebluepotato.net/blog/wp-content/uploads/2017/05/IMG_9664-500x375.jpg)

(http://www.thebluepotato.net/blog/wp-content/uploads/2017/05/IMG_9698-e1494418179449-375x500.jpg)

(http://www.thebluepotato.net/blog/wp-content/uploads/2017/05/IMG_9793-500x375.jpg)

(http://www.thebluepotato.net/blog/wp-content/uploads/2017/05/IMG_0300-500x375.jpg)

(http://www.thebluepotato.net/blog/wp-content/uploads/2017/08/IMG_0556-500x375.jpg)

(http://www.thebluepotato.net/blog/wp-content/uploads/2017/08/IMG_0578-500x375.jpg)

(http://www.thebluepotato.net/blog/wp-content/uploads/2017/08/IMG_0724-500x375.jpg)

(http://www.thebluepotato.net/blog/wp-content/uploads/2017/08/IMG_0730-500x375.jpg)

(http://www.thebluepotato.net/blog/wp-content/uploads/2017/08/IMG_0742-500x375.jpg)
Title: Re: Basil - Retro Restoraion in progress
Post by: thebluepotato on December 19, 2017, 10:10:54 AM
And more....

(http://www.thebluepotato.net/blog/wp-content/uploads/2017/08/IMG_0888-500x375.jpg)

(http://www.thebluepotato.net/blog/wp-content/uploads/2017/08/IMG_0944-500x375.jpg)

(http://www.thebluepotato.net/blog/wp-content/uploads/2017/08/IMG_0945-500x375.jpg)

(http://www.thebluepotato.net/blog/wp-content/uploads/2017/08/IMG_0428-1-500x500.jpg)

(http://www.thebluepotato.net/blog/wp-content/uploads/2017/11/IMG_1067-500x375.jpg)

(http://www.thebluepotato.net/blog/wp-content/uploads/2017/11/IMG_1559-1-500x375.jpg)

(http://www.thebluepotato.net/blog/wp-content/uploads/2017/11/IMG_1564-500x375.jpg)

(http://www.thebluepotato.net/blog/wp-content/uploads/2017/11/IMG_1255-e1510946849777-375x500.jpg)

(http://www.thebluepotato.net/blog/wp-content/uploads/2017/11/IMG_1500-e1510947626538-375x500.jpg)

(http://www.thebluepotato.net/blog/wp-content/uploads/2017/11/IMG_1244-e1510946650697-375x500.jpg)

(http://www.thebluepotato.net/blog/wp-content/uploads/2017/11/IMG_1253-1-e1510947695271-375x500.jpg)

(http://www.thebluepotato.net/blog/wp-content/uploads/2017/11/IMG_1251-500x375.jpg)

(http://www.thebluepotato.net/blog/wp-content/uploads/2017/11/IMG_1462-e1510947461420-375x500.jpg)

(http://www.thebluepotato.net/blog/wp-content/uploads/2017/11/IMG_1456-e1510947245950-375x500.jpg)

(http://www.thebluepotato.net/blog/wp-content/uploads/2017/11/IMG_1470-e1510947533271-375x500.jpg)

(http://www.thebluepotato.net/blog/wp-content/uploads/2017/11/IMG_1471-500x375.jpg)
Title: Re: Basil - Retro Restoraion in progress
Post by: Mudhen on December 19, 2017, 10:15:16 AM
Insane awesomeness.

4.gif
Title: Re: Basil - Retro Restoraion in progress
Post by: MiniDave on December 19, 2017, 10:19:41 AM
Wow, lot's of progress on lots of different fronts going on there!

Tell me about the insulation you're using on the floors?

I'm surprised you're using an electric fan, usually with an aluminum radiator it never runs hot enough to need an aux fan.
Title: Re: Basil - Retro Restoraion in progress
Post by: thebluepotato on December 19, 2017, 11:01:24 AM
Quote from: MiniDave on December 19, 2017, 10:19:41 AM
Wow, lot's of progress on lots of different fronts going on there!

Tell me about the insulation you're using on the floors?

I'm surprised you're using an electric fan, usually with an aluminum radiator it never runs hot enough to need an aux fan.

Thanks.....so yes, that aux fan.  I originally thought I would need it and mounted against the rad....but because of the space limitations, I have it mounted in the fender-well area against the slotted panel/inner-wing.  And you are right, will most likely not need it so will probably remove.   

The flooring is just standard sound deadening from Amazon.  I do not like the weight, but wanted to reduce some noise.  Having worked with this stuff in the past, you can go overkill and just add a ton of weight.
Title: Re: Basil - Retro Restoraion in progress
Post by: MiniDave on December 19, 2017, 11:54:13 AM
Does it go by any special name, I have a guy getting ready to do his interior and he was asking what to use, that's the exact stuff I would use, I prefer the quiet and the weight is unimportant compared to my peace of mind!
Title: Re: Basil - Retro Restoraion in progress
Post by: Willie_B on December 19, 2017, 12:01:50 PM
If it's not too late remember to fit the speedo cable to the trans before installing it all in the car.
Title: Re: Basil - Retro Restoraion in progress
Post by: MiniDave on December 19, 2017, 12:44:20 PM
Even if he did, with the head off he should be able to reach in there ok.....
Title: Re: Basil - Retro Restoraion in progress
Post by: BruceK on December 19, 2017, 01:45:38 PM
Quote from: thebluepotato on November 22, 2016, 08:44:37 AM
Yup - door latches that were previously painted this uninspiring white.  And yes, tennis ball trick I picked up long ago to keep those bumps to a minimum.  And yes, that is a BMC original coloUr called Tweed Grey.   This pic below is one of the ones that inspired me to go through this project.

(http://www.thebluepotato.net/blog/wp-content/uploads/2012/02/4827272408_9ac47b87661.jpg)

A double grey Mini photo!     I believe that is a Farina Grey Mini hiding in the background behind the Tweed Grey

Love the Tweed Grey.  I saw a Mini in that color at Mini Meet West last year and it was spectacular. 
Title: Re: Basil - Retro Restoraion in progress
Post by: thebluepotato on December 19, 2017, 02:26:15 PM
Quote from: Willie_B on December 19, 2017, 12:01:50 PM
If it's not too late remember to fit the speedo cable to the trans before installing it all in the car.

Yeah - that will need to be done while engine is in place  50.gif

It blows, but can be done.
Title: Re: Basil - Retro Restoraion in progress
Post by: thebluepotato on December 19, 2017, 02:26:56 PM
Quote from: MiniDave on December 19, 2017, 11:54:13 AM
Does it go by any special name, I have a guy getting ready to do his interior and he was asking what to use, that's the exact stuff I would use, I prefer the quiet and the weight is unimportant compared to my peace of mind!

Here ya go:  https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00URUIKAK/ref=oh_aui_search_detailpage?ie=UTF8&psc=1
Title: Re: Basil - Retro Restoraion in progress
Post by: thebluepotato on March 29, 2018, 01:05:52 PM
Uber big....nae, HUGE updates this past few weeks.  Basil rolls out for the first time in 5 years.  Pics and some videos below, but you can get all the updates here:  http://www.thebluepotato.net/blog/  And here: https://www.facebook.com/basilthemini/






Title: Re: Basil - Retro Restoraion in progress
Post by: MiniDave on March 29, 2018, 01:28:38 PM
Fantastic! The car just looks terrific!

I think you're going to want to raise it up a bit, as the cones settle in it might start rubbing.
Title: Re: Basil - Retro Restoraion in progress
Post by: thebluepotato on March 29, 2018, 01:34:42 PM
MiniDave - yup - did raise one side, but watching that closely.  Although I do like the lowered stance  77.gif
Title: Re: Basil - Retro Restoraion in progress
Post by: gr8kornholio on March 29, 2018, 02:06:34 PM
Nailed the color combo!  Love it. 
Title: Re: Basil - Retro Restoraion in progress
Post by: Mudhen on March 30, 2018, 02:09:36 AM
Awesome!!!!

4.gif
Title: Re: Basil - Retro Restoraion in progress
Post by: MiniGene on March 30, 2018, 09:58:53 AM
Great job!  Not only did you put together a very smart looking Mini, but it looks MINT!!

Title: Re: Basil - Retro Restoraion in progress
Post by: thebluepotato on July 26, 2018, 01:26:00 PM
Lots of updates since my last post including refining the suspension, alignment and more importantly - 4 hours of dyno time.  Also spent sometime again inside the "office" with some smaller improvements...but as of today (7/26/18), he's running really well now on M needles (although a tad rich at tip in) and still trying to soften the GAZ shocks - which are really horrendously harsh - even at lowest settings.  More to come....
Title: Re: Basil - Retro Restoraion in progress
Post by: thebluepotato on July 26, 2018, 01:31:09 PM
Interesting to see the last dyno plot - red line is where the carbs were set for first run and assumed it was running correctly....but clearly under powered and very lean...dangerously lean.  Green line shows where it is now and more in line and almost nailed 60hp at the wheels (almost 15hp gain from tuning) on the last run.  Still need to dial in some lean into the curve, but really seeing the strength from the 1293.
Title: Re: Basil - Retro Restoraion in progress
Post by: thebluepotato on July 26, 2018, 01:37:16 PM
Finally, you can see I put my original wheels back on - those MB Racing monsters that I fell in love with 5 years ago when I started the resto-mod on Basil.  I was at a cross road this month with going deluxe arch trip (no arches) or arches - in particular the early 80's type that 1) are built like a truck and 2) fit perfectly.  Went back and forth with fiberglass arches and the ones I got were just a tad wide.  I think Im going with the arches that came on the mini and they are being repainted satin black now.  Im going to need a few beers before I start to put 16 holes into those pristine panels....at least I have some serious stainless hardware to use here....I tend to go overboard with "smart hardware" and not use the standard "sheet metal screws for everything" mindset.
Title: Re: Basil - Retro Restoraion in progress
Post by: 94touring on July 26, 2018, 02:12:54 PM
I'm surprised it even ran that lean!

My gaz full soft feel nearly stock.
Title: Re: Basil - Retro Restoraion in progress
Post by: MiniDave on July 26, 2018, 02:16:32 PM
I know you like the stance, but I'll bet if you raise the front up an inch the harshness will go away....ask me how I know.

I wound up with my front shocks almost dead soft and the rears up 4 notches - those were the ProTech shocks.
Title: Re: Basil - Retro Restoraion in progress
Post by: 94touring on July 26, 2018, 02:33:25 PM
Or keep it low with smootharides?
Title: Re: Basil - Retro Restoraion in progress
Post by: gr8kornholio on July 26, 2018, 06:07:46 PM
Keep it low, add padding to seats.  77.gif
Title: Re: Basil - Retro Restoraion in progress
Post by: thebluepotato on July 27, 2018, 05:53:15 AM
Its only harsh on the rears and it is not harsh in terms of compression - like it is bottoming out.  It is not bottoming out.

What is happening on the rears is that any time I go over a reflector (below) in the road (for example), the loudness is like a BANG on the back end and really shocking (lol).  Set GAZ on rear to full soft and also did 2-3 clicks above soft.  The rear arms (where the brake pipe attaches to the metal tab on top - pictured here (http://www.theminiforum.co.uk/imgreq/img/7ea391181374691ec526357a608c83244b51069a/71414b79fde829667fe1a111fc46acc2a35fa3ad.jpg) are close but not contacting the body of the car - which is what I thought was happening.  Also, rear suspension do not have bump stops built in - like the front.

So I am not sure why this is happening.  I suspect that even if I raise the rear - same reflectors and same BANG when it go over any kind of straight edge in the road.

(http://highwayservices.net/wp-content/uploads/2013/11/pvmentmark1.jpg)
Title: Re: Basil - Retro Restoraion in progress
Post by: gr8kornholio on July 27, 2018, 08:12:40 AM
Loose shock mount or subframe mount.

Battery bouncing or spare tire.

Loose gas tank. 

Lost tool.

My first thought was the brake line tab, but that should leave pretty obvious marks if its hitting.
Title: Re: Basil - Retro Restoraion in progress
Post by: MiniDave on July 27, 2018, 08:37:10 AM
Not just a noise, he can feel it as it hits a sharp edge.....some more miles on the shocks might ease that, it did on mine.
Title: Re: Basil - Retro Restoraion in progress
Post by: thebluepotato on July 27, 2018, 08:38:03 AM
Quote from: gr8kornholio on July 27, 2018, 08:12:40 AM
Loose shock mount or subframe mount.

Battery bouncing or spare tire.

Loose gas tank. 

Lost tool.

My first thought was the brake line tab, but that should leave pretty obvious marks if its hitting.

I double checked all mounts prior....but it is almost like the bushings are missing from the top shock mounts - at least it feels that way.  Will take a peek.
Title: Re: Basil - Retro Restoraion in progress
Post by: jedduh01 on July 27, 2018, 09:44:57 AM
Are your Gaz confirmed the Lowered set?
   I have mistakenly run a standard set of gaz before at a low ride height and they would bottom out on  neighborhood speed bumps with a solid thud.

I would just add an inch of overall height for a general 'change' and see how that does.
  Your stance looks great but you could be on the bump stops as it sits.

Title: Re: Basil - Retro Restoraion in progress
Post by: 94touring on July 27, 2018, 10:42:17 AM
Was going to suggest the lowered shocks as well.  Very well could be standard bottoming out.
Title: Re: Basil - Retro Restoraion in progress
Post by: Jimini II on July 27, 2018, 05:56:20 PM
Quote from: thebluepotato on July 26, 2018, 01:37:16 PM
Finally, you can see I put my original wheels back on - those MB Racing monsters that I fell in love with 5 years ago when I started the resto-mod on Basil.  I was at a cross road this month with going deluxe arch trip (no arches) or arches - in particular the early 80's type that 1) are built like a truck and 2) fit perfectly.  Went back and forth with fiberglass arches and the ones I got were just a tad wide.  I think Im going with the arches that came on the mini and they are being repainted satin black now.  Im going to need a few beers before I start to put 16 holes into those pristine panels....at least I have some serious stainless hardware to use here....I tend to go overboard with "smart hardware" and not use the standard "sheet metal screws for everything" mindset.

If you have not installed the Mini special arches yet the Wood & Pickett ones install with screws into the seam/lip so if you change your mind no holes to fill, just a thought.
You are right of all the flares available for Mini's the Special's fit the best. I have thought of instead of painting the textured special flares to use a set of the stainless look covers that fit over them but sand and etch prime them good and then choose your colour, they cover up all the screws and give it a finished look imo.

Beautiful build and colour combination congrats.
Title: Re: Basil - Retro Restoraion in progress
Post by: thebluepotato on August 03, 2018, 08:37:26 AM
Quote from: jedduh01 on July 27, 2018, 09:44:57 AM
Are your Gaz confirmed the Lowered set?
   I have mistakenly run a standard set of gaz before at a low ride height and they would bottom out on  neighborhood speed bumps with a solid thud.

I would just add an inch of overall height for a general 'change' and see how that does.
  Your stance looks great but you could be on the bump stops as it sits.

Yes, GAZ GTO-2024...unless MiniSPort swapped out the shocks in the box  8.gif