Restoration-Mini

Technical Forums => Restorations => Topic started by: skmini on December 30, 2015, 12:07:37 PM

Title: 79 Canadian Mini
Post by: skmini on December 30, 2015, 12:07:37 PM
My wife has had this Mini for 20 years - it was a daily driver for a few years, but the rust holes have been slowly getting bigger and bigger.  The front right rear subframe mount is really not attached to anything.  The rockers are more hole than metal.

Time to get started on making it safe to drive.

This is a Canadian Mini, so it had the large, heavy bumpers mounted higher to meet North American requirements.  This meant no lip for the front bumper:

[smg id=2136]

The lip at the back is a bit narrower and the bumper was attached to the boot lid:

[smg id=2135]

Front left floor is a bit rusty:

[smg id=2131]

Front right isn't quite as bad:

[smg id=2130]

Boot isn't too bad:

[smg id=2128]
Title: Re: 79 Canadian Mini
Post by: MiniDave on December 30, 2015, 12:30:03 PM
We can sympathize, our Minis get attacked by the tin worm too, and fed copious amounts of salt during the winter!

Will this be a total strip down, rotisserie restoration or a "rolling" resto?

Tell us more about your plans? Same color or time for a change?

Two sets of repeaters on the fenders? Was that also a Canadian rule?
Title: Re: 79 Canadian Mini
Post by: skmini on December 30, 2015, 02:50:53 PM
Strip down, because that seems to be the easiest way to see what all needs to be done.  A bunch of the wiring is questionable and needs to be redone as well.  Some of it has been modified over the years, and the insulation is cracking all over the place.  The wiring harness is also Canadian-specific.  I'll see about the rotisserie.  I might be able to fit it in the garage on a rotisserie without the front panels.

The wife insists on the same colour.

The side marker lamps and reflectors (front and rear) are Canadian as well:

[smg id=2137]

I added the additional ones on the front a few years ago because the originals were corroded away - the socket was no longer attached.  I also removed the blanking plates that were spot welded on the front fenders so I could move the signal lights from the grill to the fenders.  One of the signal lights on the grill was broken by someone backing into the car, and they are NLA Canadian-specific.
Title: Re: 79 Canadian Mini
Post by: MiniDave on December 30, 2015, 03:46:55 PM
So, are you going to try and make it back to Canadian spec or just make it a nice drivable car?

Please don't tell me you're going to put those ugly black overriders back on the front!
Title: Re: 79 Canadian Mini
Post by: skmini on December 30, 2015, 07:37:16 PM
Nice drivable car.  The Canadian spec bumpers are long gone.  We've been driving it for years with no bumpers at all, and I plan to put on the standard ornamental bumpers. I won't be replacing the Canadian spec side marker lights.  I will likely keep the Canadian spec heater and gas tank.   I will probably end up replacing the wiring harness.
Title: Re: 79 Canadian Mini
Post by: Spitz on January 02, 2016, 02:24:59 PM
I think the only diff with the gas tank is the outer lip neck.  Still a 5.5gal.

When buying a wiring harness...which one will you buy?  Not sure if one specific for CA is still available.
Shouldn't be a problem fitting a UK specific one though and just extend the wiring for the centre reverse light ( or fit UK style MkIV ones )
I have a similar looking 78 shell.
I moved my signal lights from the bumper to the body on my 77 also ( only 78,79,80 had them in the grille )

Those bumpers were heavy weren't they!?  They did their job though.  I was rear ended once and the bumper and the added strength to the rear floor of a Canadian MINI save my ass...literally
Title: Re: 79 Canadian Mini
Post by: skmini on January 02, 2016, 08:59:02 PM
I think you're right with the gas tank. 
I think the Canadian wiring harness is still available - everyone still seems to list one anyway.  I think I'll probably use MkIV taillights with the reverse lights built in.  Although the bracket for the centre reverse light is still there, the light itself is long gone.  My current plan with the wiring harness is to make a custom one.  I'm not interested in replacing the side marker lights, and I've had enough of unreliable spade connectors and having the fuses and a large portion of the wiring harness on the firewall.  There are quite a few custom wiring harness kits available now that look a lot better.  Weatherpack connectors.  Fuses/relays/flashers in the boot or under the dash.

The heavy rear bumper really did a number on the boot lid.  Between the weight bending it out of shape and the rust, it's in rough shape.  Luckily, we've never been in an accident with the Mini.
Title: Re: 79 Canadian Mini
Post by: skmini on January 02, 2016, 09:16:42 PM
I finished off stripping the shell today and put everything away again.  I removed the front wings and front panel.  They're all going to be replaced anyway and it made it easier to fit everything into the corner of the garage.

The great thing with a Mini is that you can fit two cars and a Mini in pieces into a two car garage if you put the Mini in a corner:

[smg id=2141]

I knew the right front rear subframe mounting area was more hole than metal:

[smg id=2140]

And I found out early on in the process that the right scuttle closing panel was mostly missing:

[smg id=2138]

But I thought that the right scuttle was in better shape than it is:

[smg id=2139]

Not sure what happened there, but I suspect it was a combination of dirt piled up on top of the ventilation hose and the radio antenna installed in the right side A-pillar.

The plan over the next few months is to take pieces off the shelf and clean/refurbish them one by one in the house.  I had the days off between Christmas and New Year's with no major commitments so I was able to get a bunch of stuff done at once.  I won't have as much free time for the rest of the winter and heating the garage with electricity isn't inexpensive.  It's been below 0F for the past few weeks here.
Title: Re: 79 Canadian Mini
Post by: skmini on August 20, 2018, 08:03:58 PM
I haven't done anything with the Mini in a while.  I figured I would start small and start taking apart the left door.  At some point before we got it, the bracket for the check strap broke off the door frame and the door had obviously slammed into the A panel quite a few times.  Lots of filler in the door skin, which I removed.  There were also a few cracks in the paint around where the window channel meets the door frame panel.  After cleaning it up, it looks like the panel is in pretty rough shape around the hinge and check strap area.  A few of the welds to the hinge mount/reinforcement are also broken.
[smg id=2609]
The latch side isn't quite as banged up, but has also been welded up and brazed
[smg id=2610]
Has anyone seen damage/repair like that?  The door frame panel also has a few dents in it, and the bottom has more holes than metal.  The window channel is fine.  If I knew where I could get a used door locally in better shape I would.  I'm tempted to just get a new door, although they are not inexpensive.

The right side door is in much better shape and only has the expected rust on the bottom.
Title: Re: 79 Canadian Mini
Post by: skmini on March 24, 2019, 09:40:10 PM
Sometimes I think I'm working on a shipwreck not a car.

(http://www.petersteckhan.com/pictures/Mini/mini_1.jpg)
(http://www.petersteckhan.com/pictures/Mini/mini_2.jpg)
(http://www.petersteckhan.com/pictures/Mini/mini_3.jpg)
Title: Re: 79 Canadian Mini
Post by: 94touring on March 25, 2019, 04:17:04 AM
Do you intend to have it blasted?
Title: Re: 79 Canadian Mini
Post by: MiniDave on March 25, 2019, 05:58:45 AM
Dan knows far more about this than I do, but I'm staggered at just how badly, and thoroughly these little cars rust. I'm sure they're no worse than any other car of that time period, but cheeze louise.....

The only good news is that you can get every piece of sheet metal you need to fix it like new again, the bad news is just how many of these pieces you will need.

When I did my old Jag, I started off trying to fix a hole in the floor - my son had commented that he could see the ground one day as were were driving along - and it took an enormous amount of work to find good enough steel to weld the new panels to! $10K in panels and 2 years later I sent it off to the body shop to be painted.

I've watched/read about some of these repairs done by guys in England, it seems like by the time they get a solid car the only original panel left is the roof, and some of those have been patched in the corners.

So you need.......floors and sills complete, rear boot floor, maybe the wheel wells, and I'm sure most of the front end including the flitch panels, the heel panel that the rear subframe bolts to, door skins, A panels......what did I forget?

You're doing a Project Binky without the Toyota engine!

Best of luck, you have a lot of work ahead of you - but it's all doable, just tackle one thing at a time and don't get discouraged!    77.gif

PS. If you want some inspiration, there are a ton of these builds on The Mini Forum in England - look especially for some done by Mill Road Garage - Ben is an absolute master of the rusty Mini! Or look no further than some of the cars Dan has fixed here  and if will make you feel better, check out his Clubman wagon - Rusty! There's a reason I named it that!  ;D

PS2: maybe you should consider a complete new shell? In retrospect I wish I had gone that way with my Jag.....and  couple of guys here have done that with their Moke.
Title: Re: 79 Canadian Mini
Post by: skmini on March 25, 2019, 06:43:50 AM
I've thought about getting the shell blasted, and I might still do it to clean up the rest of the shell that doesn't need to be replaced.  I did get a needle scaler to help assess/clean up.  I cut out the sill panels and rear valence to get a better idea of the shape of everything.

What remains of the lower 6" or so of the shell is mostly iron oxide.  The rear corners are always bad, but especially bad on a Canadian Mini with a bunch of extra holes for bumper trim and a bunch of extra reinforcing panels to trap all the salt used over the winter.  All that's left of the boot floor in the corners is the reinforcing panels.  The lower inch or so of the rear panel is mostly missing.  The boot floor, rear panel and rear valence are so rusted out that the lip that the rear bumper would attach to on most Minis is only barely attached to the rest of the body.  The front fenders and panel were in rough shape and the inner fenders were torn in two pieces.

Although most of the middle of the floor is fine, 6" on the sides and at the inner fenders is either full of holes or extremely banged up.  The rear subframe mount needs to be replaced, but it's really just the outer 6".  The left door is so mangled I'm not sure it's worth saving.  I thought the door step was in OK shape, but I was surprised by how thin the metal was where it meets the sill.

The front bulkhead is in surprisingly good shape.  No holes behind the shock mounts.  The battery box is also really solid.  :-)

So, yes, I'm going to get a lot of practice replacing panels.  I've been looking longingly at complete shells since BMH started making them for Minis.  I should have bought one back then, because they haven't gotten any cheaper.

I've certainly been using the restoration threads on here for inspiration, and I appreciate the pictures people post that help me visualize how to tackle this.
Title: Re: 79 Canadian Mini
Post by: skmini on April 24, 2019, 07:26:07 AM
Some interesting cracking around the captive nuts for the accellerator
(http://www.petersteckhan.com/pictures/Mini/accellerator_bracket_mount.jpg)

The rust doesn't look anywhere near as bad when you can't see the floor.  The rust is really only bad where the sand and salt was kicked up by the tires.
(http://www.petersteckhan.com/pictures/Mini/stripping_right_side.jpg)
Title: Re: 79 Canadian Mini
Post by: 94touring on April 24, 2019, 07:45:28 AM
I've seen cracks there before.  Probably not unusual given the metal flexes every time the pedal is pushed.
Title: Re: 79 Canadian Mini
Post by: skmini on April 29, 2019, 08:44:46 PM
Yeah, the cracks were an additional thing I wasn't expecting.  More welding practice, I guess.

I stripped the left side and found a lot of body filler on the quarter panel.  I figured there was something up because the drivers door was from an older Mini (no side impact beam and no catch at the bottom of the door).

(http://www.petersteckhan.com/images/stripping%20left%20side.jpg)

The B pillar/door frame had a few dents that were just filled:

(http://www.petersteckhan.com/images/door%20frame%20dent.jpg)
Title: Re: 79 Canadian Mini
Post by: skmini on January 03, 2021, 06:25:38 PM
Been a while since I updated, but (slow) progress has been made.  I ordered some panels (and later ordered more)
Title: Re: 79 Canadian Mini
Post by: skmini on January 03, 2021, 06:34:49 PM
Added bracing and started cutting out floor.  The seat pan was slightly bent, which I thought happened with a heavy backseat passenger and a speed bump, but turned out to be collision damage that meant the space between the rear wheel wells was about 3/4" too narrow for the new boot floor.  Which meant I took out more panels than I planned.  I'm not sure how many times I removed/replaced the rear subframe to make sure everything was still square/fitting.  Many.
Title: Re: 79 Canadian Mini
Post by: skmini on January 03, 2021, 06:39:47 PM
Some before and after pictures of the rear valence area.  As expected, everything is a lot more solid now.
Title: Re: 79 Canadian Mini
Post by: skmini on January 03, 2021, 06:42:30 PM
Some repairs to the cross member.  I would have saved some time by getting a complete floor, but this was some good welding/fabrication practice.
Title: Re: 79 Canadian Mini
Post by: skmini on January 03, 2021, 06:44:43 PM
And then clecos and a bunch of plug and butt welds.
Title: Re: 79 Canadian Mini
Post by: MiniDave on January 03, 2021, 07:08:52 PM
Good grief!  It looks like the only things you're keeping are the roof and the center tunnel?
Title: Re: 79 Canadian Mini
Post by: Willie_B on January 03, 2021, 07:14:16 PM
Look, a mini transformer.
Title: Re: 79 Canadian Mini
Post by: 94touring on January 03, 2021, 07:24:44 PM
That is an impressive amount of metal replacement  17.gif
Title: Re: 79 Canadian Mini
Post by: skmini on January 03, 2021, 07:32:09 PM
Quote from: MiniDave on January 03, 2021, 07:08:52 PM
Good grief!  It looks like the only things you're keeping are the roof and the center tunnel?

Well, the front bulkhead, seat back and parcel shelf are going to be original.  And I kind of regret not replacing the lower few inches of the seat back.  It's tissue-paper thin and frustrating to weld to the seat pan.
Title: Re: 79 Canadian Mini
Post by: skmini on January 03, 2021, 07:33:56 PM
Quote from: 94touring on January 03, 2021, 07:24:44 PM
That is an impressive amount of metal replacement  17.gif

I'm getting much more confident with the welder.   ;D
Title: Re: 79 Canadian Mini
Post by: skmini on January 03, 2021, 07:53:40 PM
And then, all the various floor clips (I know, the battery cable one is backwards, fix later), rear valence, etc.  I got a solid mount kit for the front subframe and aligned it with the rear subframe to make sure everything in between was aligned.
Title: Re: 79 Canadian Mini
Post by: skmini on January 03, 2021, 07:57:05 PM
Then, turned it over, removed the bracing and finished up all the welding that I didn't complete while it was upside down.  I'm getting better at welding over my head, but it's not comfortable.
Title: Re: 79 Canadian Mini
Post by: skmini on January 03, 2021, 07:59:21 PM
Before and after on the front left floor.  The before and after pictures help with my motivation.
Title: Re: 79 Canadian Mini
Post by: skmini on January 03, 2021, 08:15:01 PM
Which brings me up to this afternoon's project: a bracket. 

The Canadian Minis had goofy bumpers, and part of that required a bunch of extra brackets in the rear corners of the boot to support the ends of the bumper.  This ended up being one monster set of origami'd sheet metal that incorporated bumper support, gas tank strap bracket and the wheel well to boot floor bracket.  I'm not putting the Canadian bumpers back on, so I don't need all that bracketry.  I do want to mount the gas tank the same way, though.  Also, the gas tank is Canadian Mini specific.  Believe it or not, the late Canadian Minis were recalled to replace the gas tank with one that incorporates a completely different filler:

IN THE EVENT OF A REAR END IMPACT THE FUEL TANK MAY RUPTURE CAUSING FUEL LEAKAGE AND THE POSSIBILITY OF FIRE. (https://wwwapps.tc.gc.ca/Saf-Sec-Sur/7/VRDB-BDRV/search-recherche/detail.aspx?lang=eng&mk=2937!2081&mkName=AUSTIN&md=MINI&fy=1970&ty=1980&ft=&ls=0&sy=0&syName=All%20Systems&all=0&rn=1981012&cf=SearchResult&pg=0)

The gas cap is threaded on, which means I can't use any of the fancy Mini aftermarket gas caps.  I'm not sure what other changes were made to the tank to reduce the (inevitable) possibility that the tank would be damaged in a rear end impact.

On the left is my new bracket, on the right part of the original that I used as a template.
Title: Re: 79 Canadian Mini
Post by: MiniDave on January 03, 2021, 08:19:33 PM
Why do you suppose the recall notice says the manufacturer is Jaguar?
Title: Re: 79 Canadian Mini
Post by: skmini on January 03, 2021, 08:31:45 PM
Quote from: MiniDave on January 03, 2021, 08:19:33 PM
Why do you suppose the recall notice says the manufacturer is Jaguar?

I'm not sure.  The recall was issued after they stopped selling Minis (and a bunch of other British cars) in Canada.  I wonder if Jaguar dealers were doing warranty work and recalls on Minis?
Title: Re: 79 Canadian Mini
Post by: Jimini II on January 04, 2021, 07:59:52 AM
If you want to use an aftermarket gas cap and keep your tank you could weld a UK spec neck onto it.
Title: Re: 79 Canadian Mini
Post by: skmini on January 04, 2021, 09:21:16 AM
Quote from: Jimini II on January 04, 2021, 07:59:52 AM
If you want to use an aftermarket gas cap and keep your tank you could weld a UK spec neck onto it.

This is true, although I would have to find a used UK spec tank.  Something I could do after everything is done.  I think it will be the last bit of Canadian Mininess on the outside, for those who know what to look for.  I'm not planning to do anything with the engine, so it still has its smog head, with the ports plugged.  I'm currently planning on reinstalling the Canadian-spec heater with the blower just behind the grill, although I'm not planning on driving it in the winter again.
Title: Re: 79 Canadian Mini
Post by: skmini on January 06, 2021, 09:44:08 PM
Started fitting the rear panel.  The braces are there to keep the rear window opening from going out of shape.  At first I started clamping from the bottom but couldn't get the rest to fit nicely.  I started again from the rear window opening and then going to the top of where it meets the quarter panel and then the bottom just seemed to fall into place.  Spot welded most of the window opening and then ran out of time.  I'll still bolt up the boot lid before welding the bottom; apparently a little bit of a tweak on the position of the hinges can make a big difference on how the boot lid fits.

Title: Re: 79 Canadian Mini
Post by: 94touring on January 06, 2021, 11:28:44 PM
What are you using for a spot welder?
Title: Re: 79 Canadian Mini
Post by: skmini on January 07, 2021, 06:43:27 AM
Quote from: 94touring on January 06, 2021, 11:28:44 PM
What are you using for a spot welder?

I'm using one of these:

240V Spot Welder (https://www.princessauto.com/en/240v-spot-welder/product/PA0008784720)

I've tried pulling apart a few welds, and the metal tears before they come apart.  The only really tricky thing is there's no timer, so it keeps the power applied as long as you engage the switch.  The amount of time between "it's a solid weld" and "it's a hole" is short.  Some people have added timers and foot switches, which would be handy.  It's heavy, so you often have to think through how you're going to support the thing, engage the tongs and hit the on switch.  The wood handle provided for supporting it is almost useless, so I usually end up holding it by the main body/transformer.

I'm still doing plug welds with the mig where there were only a few spots from the factory, like the sills, or where the tongs can't reach.  I'm using the spot welder mainly on joints that were originally done with a roller welder like the seams on the rear quarters and front fenders.
Title: Re: 79 Canadian Mini
Post by: 94touring on January 07, 2021, 06:46:41 AM
The welds look nice.  The 240v is the way to go.  I've had a few cars in the shop where they used the 110 version and I could just about pull the panels apart by hand.
Title: Re: 79 Canadian Mini
Post by: skmini on January 07, 2021, 07:43:34 AM
The other thing is there's almost the same amount of prep required. Just like with plug welds, if the parts aren't clean and together tightly, you can end up with something that looks good but is not.
Title: Re: 79 Canadian Mini
Post by: MiniDave on January 07, 2021, 07:44:17 AM
That car is really coming along, spot welds look terrific....the other thing about spot welds is you don't have to dress them like you might a plug weld.

A guy in England has one of those that works with only one tong too. I'd like to see how that works but I don't think he's posted a pic of it....

The 120V one HF sells just isn't powerful enough, especially when you're trying to weld three layers like that on the back lip.
Title: Re: 79 Canadian Mini
Post by: skmini on January 07, 2021, 07:59:43 AM
Quote from: MiniDave on January 07, 2021, 07:44:17 AM
The 120V one HF sells just isn't powerful enough, especially when you're trying to weld three layers like that on the back lip.

I'm not sure I trust the spot welder to properly weld those three layers.  I already spot welded the valence to the floor, but I prepped the rear panel with holes for plug welding that to the other two.
Title: Re: 79 Canadian Mini
Post by: skmini on January 07, 2021, 08:57:33 PM
Rear panel welded in.  The bootlid is slightly off-center.  Rear lip plug and spot welded.  It all feels a lot more solid than it was before.
Title: Re: 79 Canadian Mini
Post by: Hercplt on January 08, 2021, 06:59:33 PM
This is going to be an amazing car... very nice work...  :-\
Title: Re: 79 Canadian Mini
Post by: 94touring on January 08, 2021, 07:15:54 PM
I'm sure you know this, but loosen the boot lid hinges to shift it to center.
Title: Re: 79 Canadian Mini
Post by: skmini on January 08, 2021, 07:20:30 PM
Quote from: Hercplt on January 08, 2021, 06:59:33 PM
This is going to be an amazing car... very nice work...  :-\

Thanks.  I don't know about amazing, the main goal is better structural integrity.   ;D

Quote from: 94touring on January 08, 2021, 07:15:54 PM
I'm sure you know this, but loosen the boot lid hinges to shift it to center.

Yeah, I figured there will be enough play there to move things side-to-side.  If not, holes can be shifted.  :-)  I mainly wanted to make sure the bottom followed the curvature of the boot lid and it wasn't completely cock-eyed.  Luckily, Minis aren't designed with tight panel gaps.
Title: Re: 79 Canadian Mini
Post by: skmini on January 10, 2021, 07:18:41 PM
Started work on the left side today with the little panels in the bin area.  Cut a hole in the quarter panel (which I'm replacing) to get at them.  Another Canadian Mini-ism is the floor stiffener panel: they didn't come with them.  Instead, there was a much larger panel that closed off the entire bin an inch or two above the closing panel.  I spot welded the closing panel to the wheel well.  Another nice thing with the spot welds is you get the same dimple as with a factory spot weld.
Title: Re: 79 Canadian Mini
Post by: skmini on January 10, 2021, 07:27:49 PM
Then, the other big job on the side: the door step/surround, A-post and front inner fender.  I've removed it all, fitted the new panels a couple of times and welded in the A-post stiffener plate.  A few welds had failed (a long time ago) where the parcel shelf meets the stiffener plate and the dash rail.  I straightened that all out, re-welded it and got the stiffener panel welded in before I had to call it quits for the day.  The lower threaded plate for the shock mount fell off as I pulled the inner fender reinforcement plate off; once again the welds there were not the best from the factory.  Luckily, the bulkhead crosspanel where the subframe tower mounts are still looks really good.
Title: Re: 79 Canadian Mini
Post by: skmini on January 13, 2021, 08:47:57 PM
Left inner fender welded in.  I couldn't resist laying the fender, door step and door skin in place to remind me what it's supposed to look like.
Title: Re: 79 Canadian Mini
Post by: skmini on January 16, 2021, 04:35:43 PM
Door step/frame welded in.  Pretty happy with the way it all came together, although I haven't fit the door yet.   ;D  The door needs to be completely rebuilt and re-skinned, so hopefully I can tweak things enough as part of that process.  The door skin fits in the opening, so it can't be too far out.
Title: Re: 79 Canadian Mini
Post by: 94touring on January 16, 2021, 08:01:43 PM
Looks great.  Might have to hire you to work in my shop lol.  I'd usually recommend fitting the door when doing that frame, but if the skin fits you're probably good.
Title: Re: 79 Canadian Mini
Post by: BruceK on January 16, 2021, 10:39:50 PM
So the new door sill does not have the button unique to Canadian Minis that ties the door to the sill when closed.  I'm guessing that is an unobtainable part now?
Title: Re: 79 Canadian Mini
Post by: skmini on January 17, 2021, 06:57:49 AM
Quote from: BruceK on January 16, 2021, 10:39:50 PM
So the new door sill does not have the button unique to Canadian Minis that ties the door to the sill when closed.  I'm guessing that is an unobtainable part now?

Yes, although it was missing on the left side anyway.  Sometime before my wife bought the car, the driver's door was replaced with an earlier one that didn't have the matching receiver in the door (or the Canadian Mini door reinforcement) and the captive nut that the button screws into was filled with Bondo.
Title: Re: 79 Canadian Mini
Post by: skmini on January 17, 2021, 06:37:30 PM
Got the left rear quarter panel welded on.  Mainly happy with the way it fits, although the way the rear valence, boot floor and quarter panel come together is not the neatest.  Once the seam trim and seam sealer is on, it should be fine.
Title: Re: 79 Canadian Mini
Post by: Willie_B on January 17, 2021, 08:38:38 PM
Very impressive work.
Title: Re: 79 Canadian Mini
Post by: skmini on January 18, 2021, 09:46:50 AM
Quote from: Willie_B on January 17, 2021, 08:38:38 PM
Very impressive work.

Thanks!  All the time spent looking at restoration threads here and on The Mini Forum has given me a good idea of how things fit together and the confidence to do it.
Title: Re: 79 Canadian Mini
Post by: skmini on January 20, 2021, 08:42:45 PM
Met my match on the mk1 taillight adapter plates.  Hopefully I've learned lessons on the left side that will make the right side go a bit more smoothly.  I'll have to see how close I can get it with the hammer and dolly and then filler.  Kind of regretting not getting the full rear panel with the mk1 taillight pressing.
Title: Re: 79 Canadian Mini
Post by: 94touring on January 20, 2021, 08:46:14 PM
I would have welded that from the back just to not have to grind the welds down.  If you have to do the other side still it will save you some time.
Title: Re: 79 Canadian Mini
Post by: skmini on January 20, 2021, 08:48:58 PM
Quote from: 94touring on January 20, 2021, 08:46:14 PM
I would have welded that from the back just to not have to grind the welds down.  If you have to do the other side still it will save you some time.

That's a good idea.  I haven't done the right side yet.  Need to let the experience percolate first.
Title: Re: 79 Canadian Mini
Post by: skmini on January 21, 2021, 09:31:23 PM
Right side done.  I did weld it from the back, and then filled some pin holes from the front.  I also took my time, so there's not as much heat distortion.  Not perfect, but quite a bit better than the left side.
Title: Re: 79 Canadian Mini
Post by: skmini on January 24, 2021, 07:55:37 PM
Onto the right side.  I welded a couple of guide pieces to my brace to help locate the A pillar.  Just like on the left side, the little brace between the parcel shelf and the inner fended was spot welded to the inner fender, but not to the parcel shelf.  The end of the parcel shelf wasn't spot welded to the dash rail either, so that end of things was likely a bit floppier than necessary.
Title: Re: 79 Canadian Mini
Post by: BruceK on January 25, 2021, 07:10:11 AM
That side-by-side look at Mk I vs Mk II taillights is great.  Really shows how much better the Mk I one is IMO.
Title: Re: 79 Canadian Mini
Post by: skmini on January 25, 2021, 10:10:33 AM
Quote from: BruceK on January 25, 2021, 07:10:11 AM
That side-by-side look at Mk I vs Mk II taillights is great.  Really shows how much better the Mk I one is IMO.

I think so too.   ;D
Title: Re: 79 Canadian Mini
Post by: MiniDave on January 25, 2021, 10:45:53 AM
Not sure I agree, I like the bigger lights......
Title: Re: 79 Canadian Mini
Post by: Jimini II on January 25, 2021, 11:37:01 AM
Quote from: MiniDave on January 25, 2021, 10:45:53 AM
Not sure I agree, I like the bigger lights......

I am not against the early bigger MK II lights but I dislike the later ones with the reverse light built in.
Title: Re: 79 Canadian Mini
Post by: cstudep on January 25, 2021, 01:11:16 PM
I like both, maybe he should have left it one of each  :D
Title: Re: 79 Canadian Mini
Post by: skmini on February 03, 2021, 08:57:43 PM
Right side welded.  This side had some collision damage, and the quarter panel took a bit more persuasion to fit. 
Title: Re: 79 Canadian Mini
Post by: MiniDave on February 04, 2021, 06:33:23 AM
To see the shell coming together like that HAS to make you feel good! Really making progress   77.gif
Title: Re: 79 Canadian Mini
Post by: skmini on February 04, 2021, 08:58:02 AM
Thanks.  It is extremely satisfying, and there's usually a big smile on my face (except with the taillight adapter plates).  I regret not figuring out how to weld and do this kind of body work sooner.  Someone asked me if I've sat in it and made "vroom" noises yet.  Maybe when the front end panels are installed.   ;D
Title: Re: 79 Canadian Mini
Post by: skmini on February 07, 2021, 07:00:07 PM
Scuttle welded in.  Also welded up some holes and a crack in the firewall.

I've had the fenders and front panel fitted/clamped a few times now.  As per the advice on the front panel fitting article, I made sure the scuttle/fender/hood fit was good before welding it.  The order of clamping that seems to work is fender to inner fender by the cross member support and scuttle, then bottom of A panel to fender, then top of A panel to fender, then fenders to front panel making sure the hood fits with OK gaps. Going in the opposite order doesn't work at all.
Title: Re: 79 Canadian Mini
Post by: skmini on February 08, 2021, 09:47:07 PM
Spent some more time clamping, checking gaps, double checking and then welding everything.  There are still quite a few miscellaneous bits to weld like the seam welds at the rear closing panels, the reinforcements at the A-panel to fender, etc.  Rebuilding the doors is next.  The body hasn't been this complete for five years, and it hasn't been this solid in over 30.

Once I got myself cleaned up,  I poured some of the better stuff to celebrate.
Title: Re: 79 Canadian Mini
Post by: 94touring on February 08, 2021, 11:10:40 PM
Fantastic job  77.gif
Title: Re: 79 Canadian Mini
Post by: skmini on February 09, 2021, 09:27:36 PM
Quote from: 94touring on February 08, 2021, 11:10:40 PM
Fantastic job  77.gif

Thanks!  I'm pretty happy with the way the front end turned out.   71.gif

I welded in the little reinforcements between the A panel and fender.  I was surprised how much rigidity they add.
Title: Re: 79 Canadian Mini
Post by: 94touring on February 10, 2021, 06:53:12 AM
That's an often overlooked piece.
Title: Re: 79 Canadian Mini
Post by: skmini on February 14, 2021, 04:40:06 PM
Started working on the right door, which is Canadian-specific.  The left door is from an older Mini, so doesn't have the Canadian-specifc crash bar and "button catcher".  Since the left door doesn't have these features, and the door step no longer has the button, I'm going to remove them.  The crash bar is heavy and makes getting the glass in and out a pain.  Interestingly, it looks like it's plug welded to the door frame, not spot welded.  The button catcher no one would ever see, but it seems like a dirt/moisture catcher.  I've already done some rust repair on the lower front corner, and I'm going to replace a bit more of the metal where the skin folds over.

The left door is in much worse shape rust wise.
Title: Re: 79 Canadian Mini
Post by: skmini on February 17, 2021, 09:01:02 PM
Right door frame repaired and inside painted.  Now, working on getting it shimmed/fitted and then the skin.  How much does that crash bar weigh?  11 pounds.  How much does the frame weigh without it?  11 pounds.
Title: Re: 79 Canadian Mini
Post by: 94touring on February 17, 2021, 09:08:35 PM
Those doors are surprisingly heavy with all the gear and guts.  I mentioned in another thread this week I did a winder to slider conversion with plexi and aluminum skins and dropped a ton of weight. 
Title: Re: 79 Canadian Mini
Post by: Jimini II on February 18, 2021, 07:37:17 AM
A friend of mine owned a 90's Rover Mini cabriolet and the po had converted the doors to outside hinges without removing any weight from them.
The doors were so heavy the pins were starting to wear out with less than 3k miles on them.
Title: Re: 79 Canadian Mini
Post by: skmini on February 22, 2021, 08:44:45 PM
Right door in.  Hard to tell in the picture, but he gaps aren't perfect just above the door handle and along the A panel.  I'll be doing an extra bit of work there with some filler rod.  I also made a bit of a mess of things as I bent the flange over, but I'm hoping a bit more work with the hammer and dolly and some filler will help there.  Other than that, it actually fits better than before I took everything apart.

Title: Re: 79 Canadian Mini
Post by: 94touring on February 22, 2021, 09:00:18 PM
Will hinge shims solve the problem?
Title: Re: 79 Canadian Mini
Post by: skmini on February 22, 2021, 09:22:49 PM
No, although I have done a bunch of fooling around with hinge shims already to get it mostly square in the opening.  So, the swage line lines up, the latch lines up, the latch side is mostly good, the rear lower corner is good and the lower edge is good.  The hinge side is just a bit too close near the top and a bit too far at the bottom.  If I shim it so the hinge side is good, then the rest is too far out.  I ground the edge back a bit at the top, so that's now looking good, but I just need to add something less than a 1/8" on the bottom of the hinge side to even it out.

Some of this comes back to your previous comment about mounting the door when fitting the door step, which I didn't do, claiming the door skin seemed to fit.  Next time.
Title: Re: 79 Canadian Mini
Post by: MiniDave on February 24, 2021, 04:39:00 PM
yes, but even so it will still be better than it was when new! Remember, these were cheap throwaway cars when new.....don't get your door-to-panel gaps too tight, have to leave room for the paint.

I think it's coming along great!  4.gif
Title: Re: 79 Canadian Mini
Post by: skmini on February 24, 2021, 10:28:29 PM
Quote from: MiniDave on February 24, 2021, 04:39:00 PM
yes, but even so it will still be better than it was when new! Remember, these were cheap throwaway cars when new.....don't get your door-to-panel gaps too tight, have to leave room for the paint.

I think it's coming along great!  4.gif

Thanks!  I get a big grin on my face when I look at what I've got done so far.  Considering all the panels I replaced without the benefit of factory jigs, I'm pretty happy with how everything has fit.  I wouldn't want to try rolling a marble on them, but the gaps around the door are much better now.  If you look carefully in the before picture, you can see how the right rear side was hit at some point: the seam trim is bent and you can see the outline of the inner fender on the outside.  Also, the door stuck out a bit at the bottom rear corner.
Title: Re: 79 Canadian Mini
Post by: skmini on February 24, 2021, 11:05:56 PM
As I was looking through old pictures of the Mini, I found this one with the Mini and my '77 VW Bus.  Just like the Mini, I had maintained it mechanically, even putting in a rebuilt engine, but the rocker panels were mostly rust.  The floor was in pretty good shape, but the nose had a bunch of filler in it and there was enough rust around the windshield that water would leaked in and drip onto the fuse panel.  Too bad I didn't buy a mig welder and some replacement panels at that time instead of selling it.  Also, I was running out of parking spots.
Title: Re: 79 Canadian Mini
Post by: 94touring on February 24, 2021, 11:40:48 PM
I've been bus obsessed since buying mine! 
Title: Re: 79 Canadian Mini
Post by: skmini on February 25, 2021, 04:37:38 PM
I spent a fair number of years obsessing over air cooled VWs.  I also had a '58 Canadian standard Beetle.  The bus was my daily driver for a few years.  The gas heater they put in the later busses was great, instant heat even in extreme cold.  I had a set of Hakkapeliitta winter tires for it in the correct size and load range.  Winter tires, engine over the drive wheels and lots of ground clearance made it great in the snow.  4x8 sheets of plywood?  No problem.  5x5 sheets of baltic birch?  No problem.  14' pieces of baseboard?  No problem.  All the gear for a 17-piece big band?  No problem.  Camping trip to California?  No problem.
Title: Re: 79 Canadian Mini
Post by: skmini on February 28, 2021, 07:33:14 PM
The checkstrap bracket had been ripped out of the left side door at some point before my wife bought the Mini.  Someone had also pointed a welder at it before she bought it, which didn't help.  So, this whole time there has been no checkstrap, which meant the door had a crease in it where it had been opened too far and hit the A pillar.  I spent a lot of time thinking about how to fix this and decided to cut the sheet metal back a fair bit, cut the hinge reinforcement back and then replace it all with good metal including a new checkstrap bracket.

I bought a used door in anticipation of this, but it turned out to be fairly badly rusted, so I fixed what I had.
Title: Re: 79 Canadian Mini
Post by: skmini on March 21, 2021, 11:49:19 AM
Left door is in.  The frame required a lot of work to fix all the rust, and fitting the door involved a lot of trial fitting, tweaking, etc.  Not perfect, but it will hopefully look good from 20 feet once everything is painted. 
Title: Re: 79 Canadian Mini
Post by: MiniDave on March 21, 2021, 11:51:15 AM
Wow, looks like the shell is mostly done?
Title: Re: 79 Canadian Mini
Post by: skmini on March 21, 2021, 11:59:49 AM
Getting close.  The welding is almost done.  I still need to get the boot lid to fit properly, and then finish welding a few more spots.
Title: Re: 79 Canadian Mini
Post by: BruceK on March 21, 2021, 12:44:47 PM
Looks great.  I'm sure the panel fit will be better than what was done at the factory when new!
Title: Re: 79 Canadian Mini
Post by: skmini on March 22, 2021, 10:33:20 PM
I started trial fitting the trim.  I'd hate to figure out after painting that I needed to drill a hole, or that I didn't need a hole, or something needs to be bent a bit to make it fit.
Title: Re: 79 Canadian Mini
Post by: MPlayle on March 23, 2021, 07:07:01 AM
Are you going to add the "whiskers" for the MK-I grill mustache?  It looks like you may need the holes for the mounting clips if you are putting them on.

Title: Re: 79 Canadian Mini
Post by: skmini on March 23, 2021, 07:25:05 AM
Quote from: MPlayle on March 23, 2021, 07:07:01 AM
Are you going to add the "whiskers" for the MK-I grill mustache?  It looks like you may need the holes for the mounting clips if you are putting them on.

Yes, I ran out of time last night.  I also want to fit the door mirrors, rear license plate frame, and boot/bonnet badges.  I was going to put on Morris Mini Minor badges, but since I put on a version of a Morris Cooper grill, I might as well put on Morris Cooper badges too.  Don't tell the Cooper police.
Title: Re: 79 Canadian Mini
Post by: Hercplt on March 24, 2021, 03:56:05 PM
Looks kinda cool not painted like it is...
Title: Re: 79 Canadian Mini
Post by: BruceK on March 24, 2021, 04:39:33 PM
All the good Mk I vibes! 
Title: Re: 79 Canadian Mini
Post by: skmini on March 24, 2021, 05:00:17 PM
Quote from: Hercplt on March 24, 2021, 03:56:05 PM
Looks kinda cool not painted like it is...

I have thought about putting it all back together and driving it around a bit before painting it.
Title: Re: 79 Canadian Mini
Post by: skmini on March 25, 2021, 07:25:47 AM
Just need to fab up the bracket that moves the lamp down so the license plate fits properly.
Title: Re: 79 Canadian Mini
Post by: Spitz on March 25, 2021, 01:06:02 PM
Thanks Dan... I'm in ( unrelated to the post )

At first glance I thought this was one of my old MINIs...but didn't have the pinstriping.

I'm up in PA....   if ever up this way, stop in.  I sold a 77 this past summer and a 61 Van.  Presently have an 89 and a 62 Woody.

Matthew
Title: Re: 79 Canadian Mini
Post by: skmini on March 25, 2021, 01:34:02 PM
My wife bought the car from a family of Mini enthusiasts in Weyburn about 25 years ago.

As it happens, we go through PA quite often - we've got a place at Elkridge.  Once the weather warms up I'll see if I can stop by to say hi.
Title: Re: 79 Canadian Mini
Post by: Spitz on March 25, 2021, 06:35:17 PM
If not already a member of the British Car Club...look into it.  Tonnes of members in Stoon
Title: Re: 79 Canadian Mini
Post by: skmini on April 11, 2021, 04:53:01 PM
The whiskers took a bunch of fiddling, but they also forced me to get the moustache exactly right.  Also, drilled the holes for the bonnet badge.  I'll have to weld up the three holes that come pre-punched for the newer badges.  Also got the door mirrors on.
Title: Re: 79 Canadian Mini
Post by: Jimini II on April 11, 2021, 05:21:46 PM
Looking good.
Title: Re: 79 Canadian Mini
Post by: skmini on January 23, 2022, 02:37:28 PM
I re-added pictures that went missing and now re-addng some posts that went missing.
Title: Re: 79 Canadian Mini
Post by: skmini on January 23, 2022, 02:39:38 PM
Being dissatisfied with my welding job on the mk1 tailight plates and not wanting to have too many regrets, I got the heritage rear panel with the mk1 tailights and newer window opening.
Title: Re: 79 Canadian Mini
Post by: skmini on January 23, 2022, 02:41:11 PM
In addition to filling in the large variety of holes left in the bulkhead by various modifications over the years, I also filled in the RHD wiper holes in the scuttle.
Title: Re: 79 Canadian Mini
Post by: skmini on January 23, 2022, 02:43:16 PM
Took all the rusty leftover metal and arranged it artfully in the scrap metal section of the landfill
Title: Re: 79 Canadian Mini
Post by: skmini on January 23, 2022, 02:47:47 PM
I got a new fancy wood-rimmed steering wheel from Steveston Motor and figured out I actually would be able to use a Monza-style gas cap with my Canadian tank if it was the type that fit to the outside of the fuel tank neck.
Title: Re: 79 Canadian Mini
Post by: skmini on January 23, 2022, 02:52:58 PM
Bringing things a bit more up to date, once I got the Mini on the rotisserie, I was able to weld up the closing panels between the rear wheel wells and the heel board.

The left floor had quite the oil can in it.  The panel was a bit twisted when I got it, but I welded it in anyway, forcing it into place as I went.  It would pop in and out by about 1/2".  So, I took a look at a few shrinking videos on YouTube, thought "how hard could this be" and went to town with the oxy-acetylene torch.  It worked!  The floor is straight and no longer oil cans.
Title: Re: 79 Canadian Mini
Post by: 94touring on January 25, 2022, 07:54:27 AM
Quote from: skmini on January 23, 2022, 02:39:38 PM
Being dissatisfied with my welding job on the mk1 tailight plates and not wanting to have too many regrets, I got the heritage rear panel with the mk1 tailights and newer window opening.

I remember you posting pics of the rear light patch panels.  How difficult would you say replacing the whole rear panel was?
Title: Re: 79 Canadian Mini
Post by: skmini on January 25, 2022, 08:41:04 AM
Quote from: 94touring on January 25, 2022, 07:54:27 AM
I remember you posting pics of the rear light patch panels.  How difficult would you say replacing the whole rear panel was?

Easier than most of the panels, and easier than the lower rear panel.  It's spot welded to everything else and no butt-welds are required.  Not as much fiddling to get together as the front end.  Once you get the corners to line up the rest falls into place.  Welding to the roof panel was likely the trickiest, mainly because I started doing that with the spot welder.  Getting the tongs in the gutter without touching the sides of the tongs on the roof, gutter or rear panel was not straightforward.  Would have been easier to do plug welds, which is what I ended up doing on part of it.
Title: Re: 79 Canadian Mini
Post by: MiniDave on January 25, 2022, 09:04:04 AM
Don't forget the seam sealer when you're done welding.....
Title: Re: 79 Canadian Mini
Post by: skmini on January 25, 2022, 09:30:12 AM
Quote from: MiniDave on January 25, 2022, 09:04:04 AM
Don't forget the seam sealer when you're done welding.....
I am planning on doing the seam sealer after doing the filling, priming and blocking.  Basically, just before the paint goes on.
Title: Re: 79 Canadian Mini
Post by: MiniDave on January 25, 2022, 11:15:06 AM
I don't remember for sure, but I thought the seam sealer went on before the primer?  8.gif

Are you painting the car yourself?

Do you have a timeline for when you think you'll have it done and back on the road again?

"I love deadlines! I love the whooshing sound them make as they go by...."  Was that Douglas Adams that said that?
Title: Re: 79 Canadian Mini
Post by: skmini on January 25, 2022, 11:27:20 AM
Quote from: MiniDave on January 25, 2022, 11:15:06 AM
I don't remember for sure, but I thought the seam sealer went on before the primer?  8.gif

Are you painting the car yourself?

Do you have a timeline for when you think you'll have it done and back on the road again?

"I love deadlines! I love the whooshing sound them make as they go by...."  Was that Douglas Adams that said that?

As far as I can tell, seam sealer goes on after primer.  It isn't recommended to be put on bare metal and you generally don't want to sand it.

I am planning to paint the car myself; another learning experience.

I was hoping to get it back on the road this year, if only to free up room in the garage before next winter.   ;D

I'm not sure that's Douglas Adams, but sounds like something he would have written.
Title: Re: 79 Canadian Mini
Post by: 94touring on January 25, 2022, 12:04:22 PM
Depends on the seam sealer. Some is designed for bare metal. I'd primer over it though before painting.
Title: Re: 79 Canadian Mini
Post by: skmini on February 21, 2022, 08:52:48 PM
Trying to get the roof as close as possible before filler.  There were a few small dents I added myself when I had it upside down and dropped the occasional tool, but the roof always had a bunch of dents in it.  There are also a couple of small dents in the right front fender that i assume I added at some point.
Title: Re: 79 Canadian Mini
Post by: BruceK on February 22, 2022, 12:11:33 PM
It's funny, when the car is on the ground the roof really appears to be symmetrical front back, but in that photo you can really see how much wider it is at the front.
Title: Re: 79 Canadian Mini
Post by: skmini on April 10, 2022, 08:51:31 PM
Still working on it.  Filling and block sanding the sides with the doors on.
Title: Re: 79 Canadian Mini
Post by: skmini on May 08, 2022, 09:10:47 PM
After spending a bunch of time trying to get the roof straight and get the various oil cans out of it (the middle of the roof went in and out a couple of inches), I decided to just replace it.  The worst part of the job is getting the old roof lip out of the gutters.  One side came out relatively easily, the other side not so much.  I used pneumatic shears to snip most of it out, a chisel and grinder to get the remains out of the gutters and then plug-welded the new one in.  Ben_O (Mill Road Garage) on theminiforum recommended plug welding from the bottom because it's relatively easy to get to the bottom to clean up the welds.  It's also easier to drill all the holes in the gutter.  The roof skin all by itself is flimsy.  The new skin wasn't completely dent-free and it also has a subtle crease in it that I think I mainly got out.  Now that it's welded in, it's much more solid than the old roof.
Title: Re: 79 Canadian Mini
Post by: 94touring on May 08, 2022, 09:19:10 PM
I feel like you've almost replaced every panel!
Title: Re: 79 Canadian Mini
Post by: skmini on May 09, 2022, 06:11:19 AM
Me too!  This project has deviated a long way from "replace the rockers and rear valence".
Title: Re: 79 Canadian Mini
Post by: skmini on May 29, 2022, 04:50:32 PM
Seam sealing!
Title: Re: 79 Canadian Mini
Post by: skmini on June 01, 2022, 09:49:15 PM
Primer!   71.gif The plan is to do the underside and interior while it's on the rotisserie.  Figured I'd start with the underside since it won't be seen.  Neither will most of the interior.  I did the rear valence too just to see what something more finished would look like.  The most painful part was inside the front fenders.  There's not much room in there to accommodate the cup/gun/regulator/filter combo.  I was thinking a 90 between the gun and the regulator would help but haven't seen anyone do that.
Title: Re: 79 Canadian Mini
Post by: 94touring on June 01, 2022, 10:08:49 PM
You need the throw away cup system I use that gives you the ability to use small cups and use them upside down for areas like the front fenders.  You hate painting those but wait for the interior slinging a big cup around that you can't go inverted with.
Title: Re: 79 Canadian Mini
Post by: skmini on June 02, 2022, 06:33:05 AM
I am using PPS cups, which are half the height of the cup that came with the gun.  I can spray inverted, although being able to turn the Mini while painting helps with that bit.  And yes, anticipating interior and boot being fun.
Title: Re: 79 Canadian Mini
Post by: 94touring on June 02, 2022, 07:18:15 AM
I like using the I think 10oz cups for interior and boot. Some knooks I just have to adjust the gun stream to flow like a fire hose however too. 
Title: Re: 79 Canadian Mini
Post by: MiniDave on June 02, 2022, 07:48:38 AM
What a great feeling to get the paint started!  Do you seam seal before or after the primer?
Title: Re: 79 Canadian Mini
Post by: skmini on June 02, 2022, 04:57:01 PM
I ended up taking your and Dan's advice and seam sealing before the primer: the seam sealer I ended up with didn't have restrictions around self-etching primer and claimed to be able to be applied to bare metal.  Some of the other sealers I was looking at said they couldn't be applied under or over self-etching primer.  The primer I'm using is direct-to-metal (DTM) urethane high-build primer which is supposed to combine acid self-etch and high-build.
Title: Re: 79 Canadian Mini
Post by: skmini on June 04, 2022, 07:13:56 PM
Got the interior primered.  I think I have a better plan of attack after doing a few coats of primer.

I went to a few different local paint suppliers looking for GR-4 "Tweed Grey", but none of them were able to look up a formula based on that code or any of the others in the paint code spreadsheet.  The one shop actually phoned up PPG to see if they could do a cross-reference on the PPG/Ditzler code, but no luck.  autocolorlibrary doesn't ship to Canada, so I don't have anything that could be scanned for a match.

So then I got to thinking, I've never actually seen Tweed Grey outside of pictures on the internet.  I'm not matching any panels here, I'm repainting the car inside and out in a new color.  I just need a slightly blue-ish grey that will match the red interior I've got.  So, I got a spray-bomb made up in Toyota "Cement Grey" and sprayed a boot lid to see what it looks like.  They used this in a two-tone with a white roof on FJ Cruisers.  I've also seen a few Tacomas painted this color.  Besides being able to get any shop to mix me up this color, another advantage is being able easily get touch-up paint.  It's a metallic but the metallic is fairly subtle.
Title: Re: 79 Canadian Mini
Post by: 94touring on June 04, 2022, 07:24:55 PM
Nice looking color actually.  I didn't know autocolorlibrary didn't ship to Canada.  They're so convenient for getting old paint mixed up.
Title: Re: 79 Canadian Mini
Post by: skmini on June 15, 2022, 06:34:05 PM
Trying out some BMW Mini colours: "Pepper White", aka "Old English White" and "Moonwalk Grey".  Left grey is Toyota "Cement Grey", right grey is "Moonwalk Grey".  I think "Moonwalk Grey" works better with the white.
Title: Re: 79 Canadian Mini
Post by: gr8kornholio on June 15, 2022, 07:29:28 PM
Agreed,  the right one has more contrast.  Is the moonwalk a Toyota color also?  Hadn't heard of it, but they do have a grey called lunar rock, it leans into the greens for a grey color.
Title: Re: 79 Canadian Mini
Post by: skmini on June 15, 2022, 10:18:01 PM
Moonwalk is a BMW Mini colour.  I figured if you can order a new Mini in Moonwalk Grey with a Pepper White roof, they should work together.
Title: Re: 79 Canadian Mini
Post by: skmini on June 19, 2022, 08:00:31 PM
Primer everywhere except firewall, boot, doors, bootlid and bonnet.   I did some primer sanding prior to do putting primer everywhere, and it does look good when wet.  Step by step...
Title: Re: 79 Canadian Mini
Post by: skmini on July 04, 2022, 10:00:59 PM
Sanding, sanding and more sanding (I'll be more careful with overspray next time) and the underside and inside is ready for painting.  Underside first.  I added a short piece of hose between the regulator and filter on the spray gun to make it easier to get into tight spaces.  The color looks a lot darker in the garage than it did in the sun, unless the spray can I had made up is a different color.  The ventilation in my temporary spray booth did a really good job of clearing the air of overspray.  A little bit of a sag in the clear coat on the rear valence, but I'm hoping it won't be all that noticeable once the car is right-side-up, bumper is mounted, etc.
Title: Re: 79 Canadian Mini
Post by: MiniDave on July 05, 2022, 07:22:02 AM
Ooooohhhhh..........shiny!!!   77.gif
Title: Re: 79 Canadian Mini
Post by: skmini on July 05, 2022, 05:49:21 PM
 ; 71.gif

I'm pretty happy with it, and excited to see initial success with the paint.  Looking at it again this morning, a few spots have a slight bit of orange peel, but many spots are pretty darn smooth.  If I can get the rest of the car to a similar finish, I'll be really happy.  I'm looking forward to seeing it in sunlight.
Title: Re: 79 Canadian Mini
Post by: skmini on July 06, 2022, 09:17:10 PM
And now, the interior.  A bit more trouble with dust.  I blew out every nook and cranny a couple of times, tack rag, etc., but still managed to stir up a few more dust particles with the spray gun.  Also, a couple of runs in the clear coat that will be covered by upholstery/carpets/seats.  I'm hoping the exterior will be easier.
Title: Re: 79 Canadian Mini
Post by: gr8kornholio on July 07, 2022, 08:23:26 AM
Dan had the same issue with mine cause I'm not covering the cross member.  I wanted the stripe of body color to break up the all black floor.

Colors looking good. 
Title: Re: 79 Canadian Mini
Post by: skmini on July 20, 2022, 09:53:51 PM
Took the shell off the spit and started sanding the roof.  3 coats of primer, sanded through in a couple of high spots then another 3 coats of primer.  I've got one last guide coat/sanding to do at 800 grit and then I'll paint it.  I'm likely going overboard here, but I'd hate to rush things and regret it later.
Title: Re: 79 Canadian Mini
Post by: 94touring on July 20, 2022, 11:10:36 PM
You're better off sanding too much  77.gif
Title: Re: 79 Canadian Mini
Post by: skmini on July 22, 2022, 09:35:04 PM
Roof painted.  Pretty happy with my bodywork and prep, there's only a slight wave in one corner that you can really only see in the florescent lights, although if you look carefully at the reflection of the filter on the front left of the roof you can see it.  Quite a few dust nibs that I'm hoping I'll be able to sand/buff out.  In hindsight, I think the dust was coming off me as I reached across the roof.  I should have been more meticulous in blowing the dust off me before painting.
Title: Re: 79 Canadian Mini
Post by: 94touring on July 23, 2022, 07:13:14 AM
Assuming the dust nibs aren't bad, those come right out and a certain amount are to be expected.  Especially in our makeshift paint boothes. If your clear layed down smooth and you have minimal orange peel I recommend 2000 then 3000 grit before buffing.
Title: Re: 79 Canadian Mini
Post by: skmini on July 23, 2022, 10:29:32 AM
I'm pretty happy with how the clear smoothed out, there is very minimal orange peel.
Title: Re: 79 Canadian Mini
Post by: skmini on August 27, 2022, 08:36:09 PM
After more priming and sanding, moving on to painting doors.  Getting closer to the end of painting, just the outside of the body, engine bay and boot plus all the hardware (hinges, etc.) to do.  One fruit fly managed to entomb itself in the clearcoat on the hood right next to the crease that runs down the middle of the hood.
Title: Re: 79 Canadian Mini
Post by: 94touring on August 27, 2022, 08:43:04 PM
Sucks about the bug. I keep a needle handy to fish out the occasional mishap like that while I'm spraying.  Looking really good though!
Title: Re: 79 Canadian Mini
Post by: skmini on August 27, 2022, 09:20:40 PM
Even with the bug, I'm pretty happy with it.  I get a giddy smile on my face after finishing each panel.  Partly because I'm amazed it looks as good as it does, partly because of all the time I've spent getting to that point, and partly a sort of Dr. Frankenstein "It's alive!"
Title: Re: 79 Canadian Mini
Post by: MiniDave on August 28, 2022, 06:03:06 AM
It looks fantastic - you should be very proud of your efforts!  77.gif

Once it's all painted, then the long task of putting everything back in it!
Title: Re: 79 Canadian Mini
Post by: BruceK on August 28, 2022, 07:35:29 AM
Great progress. The paint looks good!
Title: Re: 79 Canadian Mini
Post by: skmini on September 11, 2022, 11:14:57 PM
After a week of sanding...
Title: Re: 79 Canadian Mini
Post by: skmini on September 11, 2022, 11:17:00 PM
I re-masked and glued the seam strips on...

(http://www.restorationmini.com/forum/gallery/1-100123132934-28562291.jpeg)
(http://www.restorationmini.com/forum/gallery/1-100123132930-28521066.jpeg)
(http://www.restorationmini.com/forum/gallery/1-100123132930-285214.jpeg)
(http://www.restorationmini.com/forum/gallery/1-100123132928-2850753.jpeg)
Title: Re: 79 Canadian Mini
Post by: skmini on September 11, 2022, 11:20:14 PM
And then painted.  Sealer, base and clear.  I think I'm done the paint?  Small sag on the left rear quarter.  No bugs that I can see, but I'll take another look in the morning.
Title: Re: 79 Canadian Mini
Post by: gr8kornholio on September 12, 2022, 07:17:46 AM
Looks great.  After attending 1 show the big question is who painted it.  So hard these days to find a good painter that isn't a a custom shop wanting to to $250 an hour.  I'm half tempted to take a shot at our bug.  Will need a bigger air compressor at least.
Title: Re: 79 Canadian Mini
Post by: skmini on September 12, 2022, 08:04:13 AM
Thanks, I'm pretty happy with the way things turned out.  I closely followed your build thread and I'm looking forward to getting mine out to a show/cars&coffee. 

I didn't do bodywork before this because everyone said it was "tricky" Tricky to weld sheet metal, tricky to get things straight, tricky to paint, etc. After going through the whole thing, I would say it isn't "tricky", it's more work than you can imagine.  I likely went a bit overboard here, but I must have sanded each panel by hand over a dozen times.  I don't have a big air compressor (20 gallon 10CFM).  A nice spray gun makes a difference.  I got an Iwata Kiwami 4, which isn't super expensive but works so much better than the cheap Princess Auto (Canadian Harbour Freight) gun I started with.
Title: Re: 79 Canadian Mini
Post by: MiniDave on September 12, 2022, 08:58:40 AM
Looks fantastic - still have to do the doors, bonnet and boot lid then?

People say you can paint them separately and they'll match as long as you use the same procedure and paint out of the same can, but I can almost always see a difference - I hope yours turns out great - you've put enough work into it that's for sure!  77.gif
Title: Re: 79 Canadian Mini
Post by: gr8kornholio on September 12, 2022, 09:19:38 AM
That's good to know.  I'll look at that paint gun.  I have done body work and yea it's not tricky it's tedious.  Then after going through a full build, everything was tedious. Lol

The crazy thing was I feel most people were surprised that a younger guy, with a family did a full car build.  Most of the guys there probably had a good 20 years on me.  And the ones who didn't had the just throw money at it cars. 
Title: Re: 79 Canadian Mini
Post by: skmini on September 12, 2022, 10:24:26 AM
Quote from: MiniDave on September 12, 2022, 08:58:40 AM
Looks fantastic - still have to do the doors, bonnet and boot lid then?


Everything is done. The doors will likely look slightly different since I painted them in a different orientation from the body.  I'll find out shortly and see how much my gaps have shrunk.
Title: Re: 79 Canadian Mini
Post by: skmini on September 14, 2022, 09:26:52 PM
And now with doors/boot/bonnet back on and taillights.  The paint booth is dismantled so we can park one of our cars in the garage again.  In daylight, the Moonwalk Grey looks less green than it does under fluorescents.

Next, cleaning up the subframes and engine and starting to put stuff back together.

Title: Re: 79 Canadian Mini
Post by: MiniDave on September 15, 2022, 08:00:28 AM
Well, I think it looks fantastic, and you have to be feeling pretty chuffed about how far you've come with this car! You'll have it running again in no time!  77.gif
Title: Re: 79 Canadian Mini
Post by: BruceK on September 15, 2022, 12:44:11 PM
Looks so good!!!   Love the color.
Title: Re: 79 Canadian Mini
Post by: skmini on September 15, 2022, 05:09:09 PM
I'm also pretty happy with the color.  Hopefully putting everything back together goes relatively smoothly.
Title: Re: 79 Canadian Mini
Post by: MiniDave on September 15, 2022, 05:32:33 PM
Wiring harness first!  77.gif
Title: Re: 79 Canadian Mini
Post by: skmini on October 02, 2022, 12:46:44 PM
Before reassembly, wet sanding and polishing.  I also had a couple of paint runs to fix, which I was more successful at this time.  Instead of scraping them off with a razor blade, I used a 1000 grit wet sanding stone which worked much better for me.

It might be hard to tell in the pictures, but it is much shinier now.   71.gif
Title: Re: 79 Canadian Mini
Post by: 94touring on October 02, 2022, 01:06:35 PM
When I get the occasional clear run I'll actually mask around it right along where it's flush to what it should be, then hit it with 320, 800, 2000, 3000.  I can get it pretty much perfect if I'm careful and take my time.
Title: Re: 79 Canadian Mini
Post by: skmini on October 02, 2022, 06:10:22 PM
This sanding stone worked pretty similarly, and cut really well despite being 1000 grit.  Paint drip pre, after the sanding stone, after 1500/3000 wet sanding and then after polishing.

The sanding stone is a Meguiars "Unigrit" sanding block:

https://www.meguiars.com/professional/products/meguiarsr-mirror-glazer-professional-unigritr-sanding-block-1000-grit-k1000 (https://www.meguiars.com/professional/products/meguiarsr-mirror-glazer-professional-unigritr-sanding-block-1000-grit-k1000)
Title: Re: 79 Canadian Mini
Post by: skmini on October 02, 2022, 06:15:54 PM
I couldn't resist and installed the lights, bumpers, grill, and various other exterior jewellery. I'll have to take the lights out/apart to wire them up.  Also put the rear parcel shelf in place just to see how the red looks in sunlight with the rest.
Title: Re: 79 Canadian Mini
Post by: Willie_B on October 02, 2022, 06:20:39 PM
Looking super nice.
Title: Re: 79 Canadian Mini
Post by: 94touring on October 02, 2022, 06:23:22 PM
Looking sharp!
Title: Re: 79 Canadian Mini
Post by: gr8kornholio on October 02, 2022, 06:28:43 PM
Looking sweet.  Love the way the red looks with the color.
Title: Re: 79 Canadian Mini
Post by: BruceK on October 03, 2022, 10:40:34 AM
It looks great!!
Title: Re: 79 Canadian Mini
Post by: skmini on January 23, 2023, 06:30:19 AM
I thought I was done painting.  I couldn't just put the engine/subframe/suspension back in looking like this:
Title: Re: 79 Canadian Mini
Post by: skmini on January 23, 2023, 06:48:13 AM
So, inspired by all of MiniDave's engine rebuild pictures, I've been taking everything apart, cleaning, painting and in some cases replacing with new.  I put in a new timing chain because it seemed pretty floppy.  I'm going to replace most of the clutch actuation mechanism.  Now that it's all clean, the amount of play is more obvious.  I plugged the air injection ports with grub screws instead of the brazed-up air injection fittings that were there.  New bushings, engine mounts, etc.  The red pieces are the Canadian-specific tow hooks on the front subframe.  The rear subframe had tow hooks too, but unfortunately I tossed them when I replaced that subframe 20 years ago.
Title: Re: 79 Canadian Mini
Post by: MiniDave on January 23, 2023, 09:51:53 AM
Looks terrific!

Won't be long till it's making those good noises again!  :great:
Title: Re: 79 Canadian Mini
Post by: LarryLebel on January 23, 2023, 10:34:45 AM
Congrats! It looks like you got the fan on the right way.
Title: Re: 79 Canadian Mini
Post by: skmini on January 23, 2023, 10:54:15 AM
Quote from: LarryLebel on January 23, 2023, 10:34:45 AMCongrats! It looks like you got the fan on the right way.
I checked and double-checked.   :grin:
Title: Re: 79 Canadian Mini
Post by: MiniDave on January 23, 2023, 11:33:49 AM
Just noticed the thermostat housing faces the other way????
Title: Re: 79 Canadian Mini
Post by: MPlayle on January 23, 2023, 11:42:25 AM
As he stated earlier: Canadian Smog head.
Title: Re: 79 Canadian Mini
Post by: skmini on January 23, 2023, 11:54:49 AM
Quote from: MiniDave on January 23, 2023, 11:33:49 AMJust noticed the thermostat housing faces the other way????
This was to accommodate the air injection pump, which used to be above the alternator in the space where the upper rad hose would normally go.  The air injection pump and associated plumbing is long gone, but the thermostat housing, rad, top rad support bracket and water pump pulley with an extra pulley are still there.  I replaced all the accessory studs on the engine, which is when I found out that the thermostat housing not only points a different direction, but is taller and requires longer studs.

I briefly thought about getting a new rad, bracket and thermostat housing but decided not to since there's actually nothing wrong with them.

Photo from a Canadian Mini brochure.  Just noticed this engine bay is missing the Canadian heater blower that replaces the air intake elbow in the lower left of the picture.

Title: Re: 79 Canadian Mini
Post by: MiniDave on January 23, 2023, 01:15:49 PM
Looks the same as a smog era Sprite!
Title: Re: 79 Canadian Mini
Post by: 94touring on January 23, 2023, 05:39:17 PM
Excellent!
Title: Re: 79 Canadian Mini
Post by: skmini on February 20, 2023, 07:04:16 PM
I think I might be done cleaning and painting most of the parts.  Various other bits and pieces will be done as I get to them. I've done the front and rear suspension pieces, steering column, pedals and box, shift linkage and the subframes.  All the bolts and nuts have been cleaned up or replaced.  Now to start putting stuff together.
Title: Re: 79 Canadian Mini
Post by: skmini on February 20, 2023, 07:09:55 PM
As I was taking the rear swing arms apart, I noticed they've got bearings on both ends instead of a bearing and a bushing.  I know I replaced these, and I replaced them with rebuilt ones from MiniSpares.  I'm not sure if I decided to put bearings on each side, or they came like that.  When I got those rebuilt swing arms, I also replaced the pot joints and wheel bearings.  The wheel bearings were still in good shape, but the pot joints have some wear.  I looked through my email to see when I ordered those.  2001.  In 2001, the car was 22 years old.  It's been 22 years since I did all that work.  I guess it's time to replace things again?
Title: Re: 79 Canadian Mini
Post by: 94touring on February 20, 2023, 07:42:36 PM
May as well while it's all apart. Wheel bearings and joints aren't anything expensive. Hate to put it all back together only to have them fail shortly after.
Title: Re: 79 Canadian Mini
Post by: skmini on February 25, 2023, 10:23:00 PM
Started reassembly.  Steering rack in, steering column, pedals and master cylinders in.  Brake lines in on rear subframe, front to rear brake line, fuel line and battery cable in.  Rear subframe in.  Next up, putting together the front subframe.  Included a "before" picture of the engine bay.
Title: Re: 79 Canadian Mini
Post by: MiniDave on February 26, 2023, 11:33:55 AM
I've found it easier and less stressful to put the engine in the subframe and raise it all up into place at once rather than dropping the engine in from the top after the subby is in - after all, that's how the factory did it!

It's amazing how far you've come with this, you should be feeling right chuffed about how well it's coming together! 
Title: Re: 79 Canadian Mini
Post by: 94touring on February 26, 2023, 11:55:12 AM
Definitely sharp looking!
Title: Re: 79 Canadian Mini
Post by: skmini on February 26, 2023, 12:11:43 PM
Quote from: MiniDave on February 26, 2023, 11:33:55 AMI've found it easier and less stressful to put the engine in the subframe and raise it all up into place at once rather than dropping the engine in from the top after the subby is in - after all, that's how the factory did it!

That's how I got it out, I'm trying to figure out how I can easily lift the body over the engine/subframe and get everything lined up.  When I lifted the body off, I didn't have to worry about that and just grabbed the front panel and tilted the whole body.
Title: Re: 79 Canadian Mini
Post by: MiniDave on February 26, 2023, 01:51:15 PM
It almost looks high enough as it sits, if you have a way to crib the front jackstands higher you can lift it up with your engine hoist, crib the stands then slide the subby/engine under the car and pull it up into place with the engine host attached to the motor.

Otherwise, put the rear tires on and set it down on them, roll the subby in front of the car and get a couple of buddies on each side to pick it up and roll it forward over the engine, set the front on stands and use the hoist to pull the engine/subby up into place.

It's much easier with some help but if you don't have any the first way will work
Title: Re: 79 Canadian Mini
Post by: skmini on February 26, 2023, 07:31:32 PM
For some reason I was stuck on how I was going to lower the body in a controlled fashion onto the subframe/engine.  Hadn't even occurred to me to lift it into the body.  I can make that work.  Thanks Dave!
Title: Re: 79 Canadian Mini
Post by: gr8kornholio on February 27, 2023, 07:29:35 PM
Looking really good. 

I want to say Dan and I dropped it in from the top with his hoist and it was a very tight fit.  Had just about everything off the engine to do it.  Think the only thing we didn't remove was the oil filter line.  Probably should've. 

Also one of the last things I put in was the steering column and wheel.  Just blocks so much access to the dash area and moving around in the cabin in general. 
Title: Re: 79 Canadian Mini
Post by: skmini on February 27, 2023, 08:47:43 PM
The wheel I put on for the picture, it's back on the shelf.  The column I put in just to make sure the steering rack was rotated correctly before tightening it up.  I may take it out again if necessary.  I think I've taken everything apart and put it back together a few times now checking for fit, replacing fasteners, etc.
Title: Re: 79 Canadian Mini
Post by: gr8kornholio on February 28, 2023, 12:16:39 PM
Yea there was a lot of that.  Especially for anything new. 
Title: Re: 79 Canadian Mini
Post by: skmini on March 03, 2023, 06:25:59 AM
More bits and pieces.  I put in the bootlid seal, which I was kind of dreading after hearing of complaints with the clips, but it they all went in no problem.  I did buy new clips, half the old ones snapped or were missing.

I finished up the brake lines and couldn't see a reason I couldn't move the front brake lines to make more sense for a LHD car.

The clevis pin on the brake pedal was pretty worn. 

I found this article (https://mk1-performance-conversions.co.uk/rad-rep.html) on refurbishing radius arms that had an interesting modification to the pins that I had to try.  Basically, instead of relying on the tube to push grease towards the two ends, why not add a grease nipple to the inboard end and drill the passages to deliver the grease to the middle of the bushing/bearing.  Seemed like a good idea to me.

The plastic ball on the end of the shifter was worn, so I got a replacement.  I need to replace the bushings in the housing; there's a lot of play.  The rear of the housing has a neutral safety switch on it that IIRC was used for the seatbelt buzzers.   I'm redoing the harness, so I might use it to disable the ignition when in gear.
Title: Re: 79 Canadian Mini
Post by: MiniDave on March 03, 2023, 09:39:16 AM
What are the red brackets on the front subframe for?
Title: Re: 79 Canadian Mini
Post by: skmini on March 03, 2023, 10:01:08 AM
Quote from: MiniDave on March 03, 2023, 09:39:16 AMWhat are the red brackets on the front subframe for?

The Canadian Mini tow hooks.  The rear subframe had these too, but I tossed them when I replaced the rear subframe 20 years ago.
Title: Re: 79 Canadian Mini
Post by: skmini on March 05, 2023, 09:00:39 PM
Started assembling the front subframe.  Finished up the last of the brake lines, assembled the radius arms and put together the left rear.  Couldn't resist putting a wheel on for the first time in 7 years.
Title: Re: 79 Canadian Mini
Post by: 94touring on March 05, 2023, 09:11:46 PM
It's great seeing everything so perfectly pristine come together  :13:
Title: Re: 79 Canadian Mini
Post by: skmini on March 06, 2023, 05:58:52 AM
It is extremely satisfying.
Title: Re: 79 Canadian Mini
Post by: skmini on March 09, 2023, 10:41:12 PM
And the other side.  One of my new studs wasn't threaded, so this side is missing one.
Title: Re: 79 Canadian Mini
Post by: skmini on March 12, 2023, 09:45:44 PM
I got the front subframe finished, engine in and brakes put together.  I managed to roll the whole works under the car, lower the body and lift the subframe in.  On its wheels for the first time in a long time.

The only thing I took off was the distributor cap, although I might have been able to just leave that on.  It took a while to lower the body and raise the subframe, but on the other hand it went in smoothly.
Title: Re: 79 Canadian Mini
Post by: cstudep on March 13, 2023, 07:26:29 AM
That looks fantastic!
Title: Re: 79 Canadian Mini
Post by: MiniDave on March 13, 2023, 09:09:45 AM
What a journey you've been on! It looks amazing   :13:
Title: Re: 79 Canadian Mini
Post by: 94touring on March 13, 2023, 09:20:46 AM
Very nice job  :clap:
Title: Re: 79 Canadian Mini
Post by: LarryLebel on March 13, 2023, 09:26:26 PM
You also did a great job documenting your work.
Title: Re: 79 Canadian Mini
Post by: skmini on March 14, 2023, 06:29:30 AM
Thanks!  It has been quite a journey so far of new tools and new skills. 
Title: Re: 79 Canadian Mini
Post by: skmini on April 08, 2023, 04:22:28 PM
Next up, wiring!  I got a Painless generic wiring harness with a few more circuits (12!) than the factory harness, modern fuses, etc.  First step was dismantling the old harness to get the ignition and turn signal switch plugs and the wiper wiring harness that goes from the stalk to the wiper motor.  Next, I laid out the new harness with everything going in the general direction it needed to go.  I put the fuse block inside under the dash on the right side, which cleans up the engine bay a fair bit.

Then, wrapping and terminating.  I took the wiper motor and wiper "cable" apart, cleaned and regreased everything.

For the license plate lights I bought two of them and put them on either side of the plate, Japanese style.

I used Mk1 headlight and wiper switches and used the wiper switch for the heated rear window.  I put the hazard light switch in place of the ignition switch.

Knock on wood, everything worked.
Title: Re: 79 Canadian Mini
Post by: skmini on April 08, 2023, 04:25:59 PM
And then, I figured since I've got the wiring done and the fuel lines are in:

Title: Re: 79 Canadian Mini
Post by: 94touring on April 08, 2023, 05:27:50 PM
Sweet, it's alive and running  :13:
Title: Re: 79 Canadian Mini
Post by: skmini on April 20, 2023, 10:53:59 PM
And now, interior.  First, sound deadening.  Dynamat on the floor, rear seat. in the doors, rear quarter panels and roof.  I also put some foam sound deadening on the floor under the carpet.
Title: Re: 79 Canadian Mini
Post by: skmini on April 20, 2023, 11:05:04 PM
Then, seats.  This is the second time I've done the upholstery.  Last time I did all the sewing, but this time I got covers from Newton Commercial.  The seat frames have a backwards bend at the top to accommodate the Canadian-specific headrests, which results in a bit of a bulge on the back of the top of the front seats.
Title: Re: 79 Canadian Mini
Post by: skmini on April 20, 2023, 11:14:01 PM
I still need to take hair dryer to some of the wrinkles in the upholstery.  I got the headliner in, and I've started on the doors and glass. Once again, I think I had the glass and regulator in and out about 6 times before I was happy with it.  The window glass seal was a bit tight where it meets the top of the door skin and I had to trim it a bit.  I also had to tighten the tracks a bit before getting them on the glass to keep them from coming apart from the glass when lowering the window.
Title: Re: 79 Canadian Mini
Post by: MiniDave on April 21, 2023, 05:38:23 AM
Wow you've been busy! That red interior looks the business.... :great:

So, where will your first trip to a Mini meet be? You have to show it off and drive it someplace special. There's Mini Meet West this year, I know it's a haul but......why not?   :celebrate:

I don't know why, but my car never starts from dead cold on the first turn of the key, it always pops right off on the second! Strange but that seems to be how it works.....
Title: Re: 79 Canadian Mini
Post by: skmini on April 21, 2023, 06:55:54 AM
I'm really happy with the grey and red combination.  I might see if I can adapt a Mk1 heater.  I decided to not put in the dash pad, so the heater controls stick out a bit.  Or, I need to fabricate a little hood that hides the wiring and mechanism.

I think I'm going to be a bit less ambitious with the trips.  I joined the local British Car Club, and they're doing a meet that will only require a 120km drive.
Title: Re: 79 Canadian Mini
Post by: cstudep on April 21, 2023, 09:23:13 AM
This looks really good. That is the color my car should be but it is severely faded and in need of a redo. It also has the red interior and I have always liked the combo.

My 20yr old paint and dinged up body don't look anywhere near that good however.

Great Job!
Title: Re: 79 Canadian Mini
Post by: skmini on April 22, 2023, 05:40:33 PM
Interior done!  I think I've just got the front and rear glass left.
Title: Re: 79 Canadian Mini
Post by: skmini on April 23, 2023, 10:36:14 PM
Got the glass in, did a quick wheel alignment (the rear is slightly out; I'll have to ponder what to do there) and took it for a drive around the block.  It was dark, so no pictures of it outside, but there's mud (and snow) on the tires in the last picture.   :celebrate:  :dance:
Title: Re: 79 Canadian Mini
Post by: skmini on April 26, 2023, 07:28:59 AM
Cleaned it up and drove it to work.  Looks pretty good in the daylight.  :grin:
Title: Re: 79 Canadian Mini
Post by: 94touring on April 26, 2023, 08:40:22 AM
Sweet, bet it felt good to drive it!
Title: Re: 79 Canadian Mini
Post by: MiniDave on April 26, 2023, 08:48:28 AM
I looks fantastic! How is it to drive now, compared to your last memory?

I really like the look you went for both the paint/interior and the wheels. Great looking Mini!!!   :great:
Title: Re: 79 Canadian Mini
Post by: skmini on April 26, 2023, 11:33:51 AM
It was nerve-wracking to drive for the first time. Paranoid I'd screwed something up. Of course, it's paranoia like that that means everything is fine.   :grin:

It's all much tighter than it was before, and highway speeds aren't as terrifying. Before, there was so much rattling and shaking you weren't sure if you were going to start shedding parts.  Now, it's rock solid.

I'm not sure it's any noisier with the solid subframe mounts.  No oil leaks yet, which I'm surprised by.  It used to leave drips everywhere I parked it.  I did replace a bunch of seals when I took it apart to replace the timing chain and paint the engine.
Title: Re: 79 Canadian Mini
Post by: Tim on April 26, 2023, 05:35:27 PM
Quote from: skmini on April 26, 2023, 11:33:51 AM...when I took it apart to replace the timing chain and paint the engine.

Haha!  That's how it all starts.  Maybe just a little scope creep on that job.  Very well done!

Tim
Title: Re: 79 Canadian Mini
Post by: MiniDave on April 26, 2023, 05:55:23 PM
 :grin:  :grin:  :grin:  :grin:
Title: Re: 79 Canadian Mini
Post by: skmini on April 26, 2023, 06:15:17 PM
Quote from: Tim on April 26, 2023, 05:35:27 PMHaha!  That's how it all starts.  Maybe just a little scope creep on that job.


Considering I was originally just going to replace the rocker panels and do a couple of patches on the rear panel, yes just a little bit of scope creep.
Title: Re: 79 Canadian Mini
Post by: skmini on April 26, 2023, 06:27:59 PM
I don't have a lot of pictures of the Mini before I started.  I took a few right before I took it apart.  Some before and after comparisons.
Title: Re: 79 Canadian Mini
Post by: skmini on April 26, 2023, 06:31:55 PM
Some more.
Title: Re: 79 Canadian Mini
Post by: skmini on April 26, 2023, 06:34:13 PM
I've got the minilights on it now because, believe it or not, I got a nail in one of my front tires on Monday.  I think it almost looks better with the narrower steel wheels and hubcaps.
Title: Re: 79 Canadian Mini
Post by: 94touring on April 26, 2023, 06:39:06 PM
That's an impressive transformation  :13:
Title: Re: 79 Canadian Mini
Post by: skmini on June 22, 2023, 06:54:42 AM
Finally got the grill whiskers put on, not that you can really see them behind the bumper overriders.  I fitted them before painting, but couldn't find them when putting everything back together, so I ordered a new set.

Title: Re: 79 Canadian Mini
Post by: skmini on March 21, 2024, 06:38:30 PM
I pulled the engine/transmission out of the Mini to rebuild the transmission.  2nd gear was a bit crunchy, and it shows.  Unfortunately, I don't have a replacement but hopefully the new baulk rings will help out.

I entered the Mini in a large indoor car show: I have one week to get everything back together, cleaned up and get the car into the exhibition area.  If I'm lucky, the weather stays below freezing and the back alley is still frozen.  If I'm unlucky, it and all the streets on the way to the show will be a muddy mess.
Title: Re: 79 Canadian Mini
Post by: MiniDave on March 21, 2024, 09:28:39 PM
Yikes, that operating sleeve is ruff!   :undecided:

You can clean up the worst of the damage and it might help a little.....

I  know what you mean about the roads.....I had the Inno all cleaned up to take to a show and about  a mile from the venue there was a huge puddle in the middle of the road that I could not avoid, by the time I got to the show it had dried and I had to practically wash the car.....the only good part for me was that it was outside, but I had no water to clean with.....