Austin Mini Mutley

2010-10-15T20:38:00.002+01:00

So, it's been about a year since I made the effort to update everyone on my progress (or lack of).

Finished painting the shell on the 31st October 2009, and it got moved to the new house (with garage - casa del mutley) around November and has pretty much sat since.

Fast forward 12 months and finally some progress - bought a new headlining and in the process of fitting and also some rose jointed heavy duty tie bars and lower arms. Which means a few more modifications and added parts to the subframe to fit them. Pretty much only need a few more parts to get the old boy on wheels now!

Enough yapping, a few pictures so you can see that 'he' is actually still alive and well and I haven't given up just yet!

Painted Shell - Latest Pictures

2009-10-31T21:30:00.001Z

Colour to Door, Rear Arches & Bootlid

2009-10-24T18:18:00.002+01:00

Some colour added to the rear arches, one of the doors and the F/G bootlid. Plus a token picture of the car with some sunshine on - wow. Left to go at the moment is the other door and obviously the most important part - the car. Fibreglass front end and front arches to be done at a later date, but this all needs to be done as we're on a deadline to move the car from our workshop now we have a garage at our new house!

Interior Painted

2009-10-17T18:12:00.002+01:00

The interior is now finally got it's coat of colour. Sorry about the poor quality pictures - it's hard to see the actual colour true in these due to the lighting. Plus a token picture of the contrast which looks gorgeous (in my opinion of course!)

Black Roof

2009-10-09T18:09:00.000+01:00

We finally have some colour on the car! It's a major achievement and it's been a long time coming, it went very well considering it was the first time we've sprayed. Was a few runs, but as quoted "It was a mind-fart rather than anything technical".

Prepping for Primer

2009-09-24T18:07:00.002+01:00

Etch primer done, it's now time for cleaning out and getting ready for the top coat of primer!

Custom Hinges

2009-08-30T18:05:00.001+01:00

Hinges done. Ordered my fancy nuts from Tastynuts.com

Doors Etched

2009-06-23T18:03:00.001+01:00

Door Prep & Etch

2009-06-21T17:00:00.001+01:00

Guide Coat & Re-etch Part Two

2009-06-13T16:51:00.002+01:00

Etch Primer - Part One

2009-05-23T16:40:00.002+01:00

Alternator, Paint. and Excitement...

2009-05-15T18:03:00.002+01:00

Alternator - Possibly looking at a slim line one - Fiat Cinquecento?

Going to the engineering shop tomorrow to talk with them and see how much monies they want for the drive shafts, fingers crossed it's not as much as I think it could be. Looking at a key and sleeve method.

Planning on spraying the first coat of primer on the 21st/22nd - looking forward to it, very exciting stuff. Only a week to go!

Arches arrived on Tuesday - Big up to Huddersfield Minispares for quick delivery!

Got a rather large basket waiting in Minispares to order - finishing items, seals etc.

After the minispares basket the things left on my list are:
Fuel Cap - Want a black one?
Dash
Carpet
Headlining
Brake Pads/Discs
Rollcage
Top arms
Rose Joints
Threaded Bar
Wheel Nuts

Subframe Progress

2009-05-09T18:01:00.002+01:00

Well, we are pretty much welded up now, just a little bit of gussetting to go and the front bar to make. Have pretty much finished painting the mounts, probably put another coat on them, cleaned up the gear selector and painted that too. Decided to leave painting the frame until we are completely sure that it's ready - possible alternator bracket to make etc.

Ordered Group 7 arches this evening, look forward to those arriving.

Subframe 99.9% Complete

2009-05-04T09:37:00.000+01:00

Well, as you can see it is now 99.9% complete, the front bar is just to hold it solid until we have the turbo (need to buy another :-( ) to make the proper bar up.

When we are next working on it, it's going to be a weldathon to get all the tacks welded and strong, few gussets to do and then it'll be complete.

I'm selling my motorbike to fund the next bits - drive shafts, shock mounts etc etc. (GZ125 if anyone is interested??!!)

Mounts

2009-04-25T09:29:00.003+01:00

Front mounts complete, just the rear mount and the up & overs and front bar to make.

Bank Holiday Fun

2009-04-13T22:42:00.004+01:00

Just the front bar and the tower to front bars to go, then it's just engine mounts! eek!

Subframe (Again)

2009-03-29T21:40:00.002+01:00

So after a hiatus in proceedings we had a rethink and have gone back to the subframe. Ready to hang the engine to check clearances and then do the gussets on the rear and start the front bars (which are currently the straights coming forward).

Providing no distractions or complications it only should take a few more weekends to finish (fingers crossed).

Completed Doors

2009-02-01T21:45:00.000Z

Both door are complete, and the final 'a' panel is on. Slight prep as you can see to do to the edges due to the crimper leaving a few unsightly marks.

The Subframe - Progress

2008-12-21T18:02:00.002Z

More progress, welded in the bottom rear bar and got the top bar cut and welded in.

Subframe - The Start

2008-12-20T22:04:00.002Z

Well, the jig has been finished and lined up - put a brace bar in to make sure that nothing was out of place and made the first piece which was the bottom rear bar, was a good successful day and now we are in the swing of things it shouldn't take too long at all.

(Click the pictures for bigger images)

Subframe Jig

2008-12-15T07:13:00.003Z

Again, I've been very lacking in updates due to being pretty lazy with the whole blogging thing - however I thought I'd better update and say that we've started the subframe! Major breakthrough I hear you cry!

The electronics are 99.5% done now, thanks to Chris and the passenger door is nearly re-done for the second time - due to the first one having a rather crooked frame which no amount of bending and twisting could have solved.

The aim over the next few weeks is to hopefully have a subframe for the engine - you never know it might get done before the New Year?! Ha ha ha!

Hydraulic Box

2008-10-17T10:27:00.003+01:00

Much eBay hunting and patience led to us buying the part for the gearbox we needed to convert it from cable to hydraulic - a part that retails at £70 odd pounds we won for £1 with £5 postage. Most impressed and relieved that we saved money which is more than can be saved/spent on Mutley.

Having to re-do one of the doors - passenger - as once mounted was awfully flexible and just wouldn't line up - found the frame was extremely flimsy and weak. Managed to get another door we only bought for glass for another eBay sum of £10 and a local pick up.

Other than that we have built the engine top end up, and it looks amazing, just getting the rest of the gaskets together and it'll be complete, which is a rather scary achievement considering how long it's been apart.

Torque steer ahoy! Got to love the Vauxhall shafts!

Doors complete and trial fitted

2008-08-22T14:25:00.004+01:00

It turns out I have readers! Yes, I know we have 3145 hits - but I've never had a comment or anyone say that they have been following my (and Mutley's) progress until today - made me really chuffed! So much so that I thought I would give an update.

Trial fitted doors so we can fit the 'a' panels and then it'll be the turn of the front end alignment - it pretty much lines up nicely already, so *fingers crossed* that it won't take too much fettling and adjusting!

Chris has been working had on the electronics and managed to save this screen - hopefully it will go into the car - obviously this picture is just a test run but when finished it should output diagnostics or similar - which will be incredibly cool!

Doors

2008-08-14T19:26:00.001+01:00

Paint inside door and rear of skin - put together and we have some doors!

Also spent some time painting the grille and the cam cover - ready for some orange paint in the lettering and some lacquer.

Will hang the doors within the next few days and line and weld 'A' panels on.

LED Clusters - Update

2008-08-07T22:32:00.003+01:00

Just wanted to share with you all my LED clusters - thought a few of you might be interested.

41 U/B LEDs in each rear indicator cluster.
35 U/B LEDs in each brake cluster.
24 U/B LEDs in each reverse cluster.

41 U/B LEDs in each front indicator cluster.
18 U/B LEDs in each side light.

4 U/B LEDs in each side repeater.

In total 326 LEDs just for lights - and number plate illumination and interior light still to be done.

Final Push

2008-06-28T08:26:00.004+01:00

We're on the final push towards the spraying stage! I hate to admit it, but I am enjoying it more than usual, maybe it's the excitement of seeing it all in one colour!

Have been rather lazy on the update side of things recently so have a few things to update you all on.

Front indicators/Side lights
Got them done and looking really good - very pleased with the results, even more pleased that I know I'm going to be the only one with them!!! Made rear plates for them instead of using standard ones - which seem few and far between, and go for stupid money.

Head
Have painted the head parts - should be ready to put together in the next few weeks!

Rear Beam
Just come back from shot blasting - needs a top coat and it'll be ready to mock up.

Shell
Completed shultz underneath and have made good progress on the prep on the body - should only be another weekend or so before it's finished.

Coilovers
Have talked to GAZ and you can buy the offset tops of the coilovers separately, which solves the problem of having to cut and adjust the rear shock mounts - extremely pleased with that bit of news!

Valance - Fitted

2008-05-11T18:56:00.000+01:00

Fitted the valance, all went well, nothing else to report at the moment.

Shultz - DONE

2008-05-10T08:55:00.000+01:00

Sticky Shultz

2008-05-09T19:29:00.001+01:00

Finally it's shultz.

Is it time to open that bottle of champagne yet?

(I've vowed to save it until he's passed his MOT)

Alarming

2008-05-08T16:25:00.001+01:00

Never fear, it's only a clifford!

Another salvaged part from another car, works perfectly and will be put into the loom nice and easy.

Sideways

2008-04-20T18:00:00.002+01:00

Previous bodge fixed (bonnet hinge) and we're sideways again - this time for some exciting shultz work. My masking tape and newspaper is at the ready!

I'm waiting for something to come up and delay it again now.

On other news, the unit is lovely and cool inside when the temperature outside is warm - hopefully it'll be the same when the 'summer' arrives.

Big Hairy Privates!

2008-03-30T20:19:00.001+01:00

Showering pieces of sh*t!

How about we repair a rotten piece of metal with some sh*t weld and a piece of metal we randomly cut out and drilled holes in?

Excellent work.

Bollocks.

Beautiful Mock up

2008-03-29T20:21:00.001Z

Nothing really needs to be said, inspiring.

Naked

2008-03-24T22:19:00.002Z

Finally - you can see some progress, from maroon to.... bare metal!

Next weekend should see us putting the Shultz on the underside.

Then doing the final preparation to the bodywork and then we will be ready for our first coat of primer!

The war of the classics

2008-02-04T10:53:00.000Z

Managed to get a fair bit done ready to put the valance on, couple of tiny things to do and to dress the welds and we are done on the shell. Unfortunately our Land Rover (Suetonius) has decided that it's time to break his gearbox, so the time we had to spend on Mutley will be put into that to get him back on the road as he is our main car at the moment.

2008 - The year of the Mutley

2008-01-26T19:27:00.000Z

Deep breathe.

We finally have managed to get some time to work on Mutley!

Today I un-skinned my doors ready for re-skinning when I get the skins tomorrow at Bingley whilst Chris cleaned the underneath of the boot floor which was thick with waxoyl and crap!
Hopefully during the week we'll get the little tiny strip along the floor finished and then shultz and put the rear valance on!

Found out that we'll be moving in a few months to a wind proof building - so spraying will hold off until that time!

How very naughty of me!

2007-12-11T09:16:00.000Z

Sorry to everyone who has been keeping an eye on the blog for updates - life has been decidedly busy recently and we've not had that much time for poor old Mutley.

However a few weeks a go the boot floor edge had been repaired, and we just need to flip him on his side to finish off and then Schultz the bugger underneath!

We also have everything apart from Primer now too! Yay! I will get the picture to show you all how lovely it looks.

Mutley got a Christmas present (early!) of some carbon fibre door escutcheons - which will be a really good finishing touch!

Hopefully more updates before Christmas! Fingers crossed!

Soul Destroying? Possibly. (Part 2)

2007-11-11T17:32:00.000Z

More progress on the sanding, done part of the boot lid too - motivation on my part was lacking.
The wholes in the drivers side window have now been done and sorted - not really much more welding to go now - just finishing bits mainly.

I'd like to add that black snot is a must when sanding a car.

Woo.

Soul Destroying? Possibly.

2007-11-10T17:24:00.000Z

Maybe that possibly should be a certain yes, to start with it wasn't too bad - I managed to get the drivers side rear quarter done and the passenger door. Found a few little bits on the window that needed replacing (as seen in the pictures).

The window on the other side needed some fresh metal putting in, and that has been done as well.

Fairly good progress I suppose!

Finally moved

2007-11-03T18:32:00.001Z

and nearly settled in!

Managed to pick up the crane on the right for a really good price (from an old garage!)

Mutley is on the move!

2007-11-01T12:02:00.000Z

Today we are on the move! The day has finally arrived and we are moving - well Mutley is. He is off to his new dry home where we will start to prep him ready for his lovely coat of orange paint!

Finally a huge relief for us to find somewhere reasonably priced and dry (with electric and water) to work on him - and any other mini's that may crop up in the future!

In parts news - we have a set of coilovers - yipee! In the next few weeks I'll order the rear brake parts so I can build the beam up.

Not really much else to say - I feel like an excited child to know that it's getting close now!

Suetonius - a new friend

2007-10-11T16:57:00.000+01:00

Mutley's newest friend - a Series IIa 1966 Landrover! (Yes I understand he has Series III looks!)

Finally - a practical car - he's our daily driver, but will also tow Mutley to track days!

Talk about little and large!

Ray of Light

2007-10-01T21:17:00.000+01:00

Looks like there is a possibility that we will be in a workshop within the next month! Which is permitted to have a spray 'booth' setup! Mutley should seen the road sooner than we originally thought - it's taken a weight off our shoulders!

Here are my new door cards as well! Flock with Vinyl Insert.

Courtesy of www.retroretrims.net (For all your interior needs)

Slow Progress

2007-09-21T17:18:00.000+01:00

I thought I'd better update and let everyone know what we are up to, currently we are trying to find the money to get 'Mutley' resprayed, this is proving pretty difficult and becoming frustrating as winter is approaching us fast and it would be nice to have a painted and 'sealed' shell ready to bolt bits onto.

The head is currently in for cleaning and to get studs extracted, and then that will be built up - which means having a shed clear out so we can do it in the dry.

We are running out of space, and mini parts are taking over our house.

I might start selling my bodyparts soon so we can get him on the road! He is greatly missed!

LED Clusters

2007-09-11T21:58:00.000+01:00

Having already soldered the LEDs onto the board it was time to connect them to the resistor board and the voltage regulators.
Once they were all connected together it was time to fit them into the lenses. This wasn't how I was going to mount them originally but they look ok and it made life a lot easier!

And finally, here is one of the completed clusters. They are still a little rough around the edges and I'm not sure that the brake/tail light is bright enough. This is mainly down to the extremly dark lense, another we have is much lighter and the LEDs shine through very brightly so I will be trying to source a pair of these lighter lenses.

Radius arm strip down - Bye Bye Rear Subframe!

2007-09-02T14:40:00.000+01:00

Stripped down the rear subframe and radius arms, which I will be rebuilding sometime this week when the parts arrive. It's bye bye to the old rear subframe - in exchange for the rear beam.

Not much else to say really!

Passenger Corner - Finished (Plus a Yoshi!)

2007-08-27T19:09:00.000+01:00

Just the rear valence to put on....(and a few bits of tidying)

added Yoshi-ness to pictures too!

Hole Pt2 - Boot Floor Driver Side Complete

2007-08-26T17:06:00.000+01:00

Just other side and valance to go.

Hole Pt1

2007-08-11T17:03:00.000+01:00

Driver side boot

Arse Rot

2007-08-05T12:52:00.000+01:00

I thought I'd better make it an amusing title, just so it lightens the mood a bit on the situation.... blind monkeys have again been attacking the car, this time welding new stuff over rusted old stuff - leaving the valance corner full of rust and grim.

I think I must have a sign on my forehead saying 'This person is a mug and will do anything'.

Oh well, we will persist....!

O/S Shock Mount - Complete

2007-08-04T19:25:00.000+01:00

So, like I said - it was nice and simple - all went smoothly.

Welded the vent hole on the N/S up - and put in the scuttle closing panel.

Did a bit of tidying on the N/S shock mount - looks much nicer.

To do:
O/S Scuttle closing
O/S Vent Sealing
Rear Valance
Various Tidying

N/S Shock Mount - Complete

2007-08-03T19:11:00.000+01:00

N/S Shock mounting panel made up, and welded in - was a bit of a pig to do, but it was better than buying a whole new wing just to use a section of it.

As you can see the O/S isn't as bad and won't take very long at all to complete.

Attacking the Shock Mounts

2007-08-01T20:09:00.000+01:00

As you can see, the side is complete, and we've started attacking the shock mounting points - rotten isn't really the word for it, I think non-existant covers it.

Really not much left to do now, but still plenty to do on the trailer, so once the shell is complete least there will be something to do.... well apart from building the engine, but we need to find somewhere dry and stuff to start that really.

Blind Monkey Welding?

2007-08-01T20:07:00.000+01:00

Do you think it's been let loose by the previous owner?

If I knew the person responsible for such appalling welds I would name a shame, but alas I don't!

Passenger Side Complete.. Nearly!

2007-07-31T20:05:00.000+01:00

Just need to weld inside - then the sides are finished.

Left to do: Shock mounts (both sides), Rear Valence & Some Tidying!

Then we need to find some money to get it sprayed?!

Trailer Rot

2007-07-31T20:02:00.000+01:00

Anyone for some tasty trailer rot?
I spent the afternoon in the shade cleaning of the underseal and waxoyl from the bottom of the trailer, found lots of lovely little nastys.

Extended Doorstep

2007-07-29T18:57:00.000+01:00

Today was putting the extended doorstep on, and fixing a few bits - had to do the bracing between the outer sill and the inner sill (unforunately I didn't get a picture - sorry).
I'm happy to say that it all went without a hitch - must be a first!

The shock mount looks a bit daunting - don't you think?

The start of the day - 'Mind the Gap'

The day progressed...

The end of the day and no gap to be seen!

Back down to earth with a Bump!

2007-07-28T18:52:00.000+01:00

Cleaned a bit more up on the front, and then it was time for more mini tipping - and finally he was back down to earth with a bump and looking a little sad for himself around the shock mounts....(I blame a certain person for mentioning it last weekend!)
So, now back on the belly, we can sort that shock mount out over the coming week, weather permitting and tomorrow will be putting the extended door panel on.

Back on the belly - and better for it!

Ouch - looks a bit sore *glum*

Clean Floors & Resprayed!

2007-07-22T20:01:00.000+01:00

Cleaned all the crap off the floor, what a nightmare that was! Took awhile, was an extremely messy job, and I now need to jetwash the drive! Looks nice and clean now tho - very pleasing feeling when spraying it! Looks like progress is finally being made!

New Sill!!! Woohoo!

2007-07-18T19:59:00.000+01:00

Todays updates *GRIN*

Mutters now has a new outer sill!!! Rock'n'roll! Also a repair healboard corner!

Can count the amount of panels left to sort on one hand now *BIG GRINS* Big smiles from me.

Oh and the cluster sections are now complete too - woo!

LED Clusters

2007-07-12T19:57:00.000+01:00

I know there where a few people interested in the rear clusters that are being made, so here are some more pictures of the passenger side one. Not too far off completion now. Oh, and MATT BLACK FTW! I'm spraying all my 'accessories' in it.

Shed Clear.... Trailer Started

2007-07-08T19:49:00.000+01:00

Trailer time! First we had to clear the shed, and then clear the mini of what we had stored inside it - and then pack it all back into the shed - a few shelving units later and lots of hard work - we had fitted it all in!

This is the one of the last pictures I have of him whole. It's all a bit sad for me, being my first car and whatnot. Needless to say I felt really bad when we started cutting the roof off once it was braced.

Then he under went 'roof chop'...

Then he under went half and half.....

and now he sits like this...

But we had some laughs along the way....

RIP to my first car....

Repairing Floor

2007-07-07T19:47:00.000+01:00

Apologies for those who are following my tale, but as you know, in England the weather has been horrible, and that's stop most of the progress being made.

Repairs to the floor have been carried out. Haven't done really much else to the shell this weekend due to needing the nut that welds into the healboard for the subframe, once we have the we can make the panel and get the new sill sorted and put him back the right way up!

Fixing the Bin

2007-06-17T19:45:00.000+01:00

You can see we had to remove some of the inner sill to be able to get to repair the bin, the bit we took of was nice and clean, so it just got cleaned up and put back on.

Afraid it's not much of an update, and there isn't much progress, but hey ho.

Where is the sun?

2007-06-10T19:43:00.000+01:00

Weather has been against us again recently - It's June but where is the sun and the dry days? Ugh! Mildly annoying considering it wouldn't take long to finish up if the weather was in our favour for once.

Seem to be replacing alot, but it's all nice and simple stuff.

Mini Tipping

2007-06-09T19:41:00.000+01:00

A complete cock up is all I can describe this as..... again Previous Owner Syndrome - a common thing in Mini's it seems....

Anyway....

3 sills... and a wedding?

so we tipped - which was easy!

then we found this.....

but my help advised me that we could get thru this and come out the other side with something rather special....

Passenger Side - Headache

2007-06-08T19:37:00.000+01:00

The panel to be fitted....

So, some previous clever sod thought it was clever to weld a new panel to an old panel - leaving old rusty panel inside to rust even further - around of applause to that clever c**t!

Oh and hang on - let me weld a patch - and then put a genuine panel over the top of it shall we?

Leaving one big hole - and me with a damn headache.

It makes you wonder.

Passenger Side Sill

2007-06-03T19:31:00.000+01:00

We then spun him around baby! Right right round - like a record...

Sorry!!

To start on the passenger side, this was going to be the worse side by far, but to be honest I didn't expect what is coming up....

Driver A-Panel

2007-06-02T19:31:00.000+01:00

Bit of a Mid-day update I guess - and another one to follow this evening.

Sorry it's taken me so long, haven't felt like updating recently.

The Drivers side is now complete - A Panel is on, and it looks fantastic, I'm really pleased that it's coming on so quickly.

Dakota Digital Dials

2007-05-28T19:25:00.000+01:00

Thought you'd like to see my Dakota Digital Dials!

Gorgeous aren't they?

eBay US bargain :)

Bulkhead / Floor Repair

2007-05-27T19:23:00.000+01:00

Bulkhead Repair

2007-05-25T19:21:00.000+01:00

LED Clusters

2007-05-18T19:17:00.000+01:00

The LEDs arrived this morning and plenty of these are needed now!! my eyes are hurting!!!

Just a sneak preview of how bright they are, this is only 12 LEDs. Each segment will have around 40 !!!!!!!

LED Clusters

2007-05-15T19:14:00.000+01:00

The below (29/04/07) has now been finished and complete - and tidied to a much better standard than it was left in, however I haven't any pictures as it started to drizzle and wanted to get the car covered and safe from weather before it chucked down.

Wet weather work has started, design and mock up of the LED rear lights, and design of the loom has started - everyone that has owned a mini knows how unreliableable and shocking the electrics are in the mini - and this was to be one of the main priorities to replace when we started to rebuild.

Some mock up pictures for you, and the design.

Ordered some 5mm Ultrabrite LEDS from HK - £1.36 and they are 130,000MCD (in other words - f**king bright!)

Rear Arch Repair

2007-04-29T19:08:00.000+01:00

Things have taken some progress this weekend, I have started and nearly finished a doorcard, and I have got both visors sorted, but I didn't take any pictures because I know how boring it is to see some random fabric!!!

Here are the pictures from the weekends work, if you've been keeping up with the blog you'll see the bits that have been added in and I have sat outside and skim filled over the top of them.

Not really much else to say so I'll get on with the pictures.

Companion Bin Repair!

2007-04-27T17:55:00.000+01:00

Here is the "Companion bin closing plate' welded in and done.

Door step complete, and you can just see the template to make that rear bit, as they don't do a 'repair' panel, you can only buy a huge lump including the sill.

Door fits nicely!

Re-trim

2007-04-27T17:44:00.000+01:00

This won't be a very interesting update - but I'm doing interior retrimming - I'm wondering why I don't do this for a living??!! HAHA!

Total spent on material: £12 (for a 3 sheets that would carpet several living rooms)
Total spent on foam: £7 (for a sheet that would carpet several living rooms)
Total spent on machine: £FREE!

I work this out to be cheaper than getting a company to do it for you, I found that one re-trimmed sunvisor was £25!!!!!!!

My weapon of choice, a Singer 748 (has a sticker saying 1300SPM!!!) this was a free machine from FREECYCLE - got to love it! (www.freecycle.org)

I cut some card from a Strongbow box - I'm an alkieholic! hehe! Good excuse to get another box maybe? The layers worked out as:
Foam > Card > Metal Frame > Card > Foam

I'm not hot on this sewing machine stuff, it was my first attempt since school, the top one is the second and the bottom one is the first.

Then I glued all my layers together with Industrial Spray Mount, and tried to work out how to get the layers into my material pouch?!

Little bit of a push and struggle I got them in....

Drivers Side

2007-04-21T17:40:00.000+01:00

Well, just to prove that there is no slacking going on, I'll update a little. (I'll try and explain so you understand, but I'm never good with words!)

The new outer sill wasn't welded on very well (previous owner) - so tidying of the bird poo welds and re-welding the panel properly has been started, and general tidying up and sorting out. Not much really left on the drivers side to do, few little bits really, and the most major part is part of the rear arch (outer). Which is a lot less than we'd have had to do on Mutley Mk1, most of the rear arch would have needed replacing. So it's saved time and money on that front.

Anyway, picture time!

Rear arch section that needs replacing, shouldn't be to tricky, and this is the most major bit we have to do, which is nice. You can see the old sill inside the new one - I'm not sure what has gone on here, I think it was to do with them lining up the new one?! You can also see that huge bare metal patch... it was covered in filler - but nothing underneath - panel is totally straight as well - again not sure what's going on there?!?!?!?!

Tidying the sill and drilling the wholes to weld it on properly, I'm really pleased how clean this shell is - just minor bits and bobs to do really.

Ready for spotting - I was feeling a bit artistic at this point, can you tell?

I think we are on target to finish and get the shell solid before the end of summer, hopefully even before the end of summer. Fingers crossed!

I'm getting excited about the prospect of seeing 'him' sprayed and looking lovely - as I have been doing lots of bits and bobs with trim etc.

Brief History

2007-04-14T17:07:00.000+01:00

Brief History

Mutley was bought in October 2004, with the intention of driving him for a few years until I wanted to start him as a 'project'. However in April 2005 we found that this was not possible due to POS (previous owner syndrome) everything that was supposed to be solid was actually a lie, but being new to mini's we didn't realise this, I now know alot more and kick myself daily for the amount I spent on Mutley MK1. The ends of the scuttle where stuff with newspaper, and fillered over at one end, the other had a plate of metal welded in with 3 inches thick of filler and fibreglass. Lots more of this kind of thing continued throughout the car. However much it dishearted me, I didn't have the heart to give up.
We come to present day, when I have just picked up Mutley MK2, simply because it is a much solid shell - and a lot less work is to be done - it's basically a bit of tidying, plus who could refuse at the tidy sum of £65 (INCLUDING DELIVERY!)

Pictures

Mutley in October 2004

(the day he was bought)

Some of the things we found
(Warning - these pictures are shocking)

The day he moved from my Mums house to my pad

The Boys together

Mutley MK2

Some of my Plans

Few of the plans on the cards, I've forgotten most of it, but I'm not surprised - new ideas come up every day with 'Mutley'.

Aiming to have a water-tight shell by the end of the summer (which hopefully will be painted!)

Tidy bodywork & strip yucky sound deadening
E16SE Turbo
Dakota Digital Dials
Bodywork to be finished in Volkswagen Brilliant Orange & Fiat Broom Yellow
Mutley MK1 to be made into trailer
Lots lots more!

Tasty Wheels