Summary

Owned for many years, has undergone an extensive rebuild which is now nearing completion.

Totally rebuilt all over, with standard components. Will be the nearest thing you can get to a new Mainstream Mini Cooper Carburettor once it is finished, one of the most sought-after later mini models.

Bodyshell is completely rust free, with new wings, A-panels and and front panel, 2 new doors, full respray in custom Rover white with black roof, underneath stonechipped to match, hammerited subframes, rebuilt brakes and suspension, valeted standard interior, and completely rebuilt and painted engine.

Upon completion will hopefully feature in a magazine before being available for purchase worldwide.

Engine

Bottom end

The engine was fully stripped and sent to Bromsgrove Engine Services to have the block skimmed and offset bored by +20thou, increasing capacity to 1293cc. Offset boring means that the block can be taken safely all the way up to 1380cc as necessary, extending the life of the engine. New pistons and rings were fitted. The crank was ground and new bearings and shells were fitted througout.

Top end

The cylinder head was pressure checked and skimmed to ensure a perfect seal with the block. New valves, guides and springs were fitted. There was found to be an MG Metro camshaft, so this remains to give a slight increase in driveability.

Gearbox

The gearbox was fully cleaned and inspected at Bromsgrove Engine Services. No work was required aside from the usual renewal of oil seals.

Clutch

New clutch plate and slave cylinder fitted.

Paint

The engine and cylinder head has been painted with numerous coats of engine red. The gearbox and aluminium casing parts were cleaned then prepped with Hammerite special metals primer before recieveing numerous coats of Hammerite silver.

Cooling system

A new double stack thermostat housing was fitted, along with electric fan sensor. A new thermostat was fitted as well as a new waterpump and various hoses.

Fuel, exhaust and emission control systems

The HIF44 carburettor was fully dismantled and cleaned, then rebuilt. The jet was hand filed by Malc at TTP Performance to ensure the fuelling is matched perfectly to the engine. The standard exhaust was replaced with a stainless steel RC40 twin box setup, with a long centre branch (LCB) manifold. All exhaust mountings were replaced. This removes the optional catalytic converter that was fitted to the car, an expensive and power throttling part that is not required by law.

Ignition system

New HT leads, distributor cap, spark plugs and coil were fitted. The electronic ignition distributor was cleaned and checked for operation. The starter motor and alternator were both rebuild by the experts at Auto Electrics Redditch.

Braking system

Front

New discs were fitted, the calipers were rebuilt using stainless steel pistons in place of the standard chrome version which are prone to rusting and seizing in the bore. New brake hoses fitted. All brake lines were replaced.

Rear

Spacer drums were replaced and new shoes were fitted. All mechanisms were cleaned and greased, including quadrants mounted on the subframe. All brake lines were replaced.

Electrical system

New headlamps and indicators fitted. Replacement relays to ensure correct working of hazards and indicators. New rear foglamp assembly. Standard cassette radio and speakers remain.

Suspension and steering

Suspension

New standard shock absorbers all round, new front and rear rubber cones. New radius arms fitted to the rear. Both subframes were fully stripped and painted with Hammerite. The rear subframe was replaced with a new item. All subframe mountings replaced.

Steering

New steering rack. New track rod ends, adjustable bottom arms fitted to enable superior alignment and camber setup. New bushes all round, new ball joints top and bottom both sides.

Driveshafts and universal joints

Wheels & tyres

All 5 alloy wheels fully cleaned, sanded back, etch primed and repainted in base silver with 4 coats of clear lacquer. Brand new set of 16 wheel nuts, 4 brand new Falken tyres fitted, spare wheel also has brand new Toyo tyre.

Bodywork and fittings

Metalwork

New wings and front panel, new interior and exterior A panels, refurbished doors fitted from The Mini Door Company with new door skins. New door hinges and shims. New sills both inner and outer were fitted both sides.

Paint

The entire car was repainted using a HVLP system. The roof recieved many many coats of gloss black and has been polished to within an inch of it's life. The body is a custom shade of white selected upon purchase through the Rover Employee scheme, I had it matched by an expert called Paul who runs Specialist Car Colours in Bromsgrove. A tin of the paint will come with the car for future matching. The underside of the car has been coated in several layers of white stonechip. The entire car has been detailed from top to bottom using Meguiars polish and carnuba wax for a brilliant shine. New arches were fitted along with rubber trim and deluxe sill covers.

Interior and trim

New windscreen, new rubbers all round except for door rubbers.

Brand new moulded carpet from Newton Commercial. Interior as standard, fully valeted. New genuine floor mat set with Cooper logo. Lower dash liner replaced. Heater box stripped and rebuilt, new heater matrix fitted. Replacement genuine Cooper steering wheel with red stitching, correct version for car. Original boot mat in place, new replacement genuine mudflaps fitted. Full set of vinyls available to purchaser.