The Brazilian Job

Monday, 12 April 2010

Paint Shop Pro's - MINI 3 Getting a Makeover

Second in the queue for the paint shop is my 1970 Mini 1000. Oh how I hate that colour.

The plan is for a 90% respray of all visible paint except for the engine bay. That's a job for another day.

These pics are of the car at the paint shop before it's stripped. Hopefully will get a couple in progress.
If all goes to plan the car should emerge from the workshop in Tartan Red with an English white Roof.

The prep work started. Unfortunately the passenger side front wing was not repairable. The wing will be replaced.

Bonnet complete. Like the colour. :)

Boot lid cmplete.

Does my bum look big in this colour? Looking good.
Hoping to have it completed this week.

Now for the sides.

In the end the front wings needed to be replaced.

And finally it's complete. White roof an'all. Wow.

Maybe the grey would have looked good. Not!

Sunday, 11 April 2010

Wonkey Rear End? Radius Arm Bushes!

Noticed when cornering that the rear left wheel was rubbing on the damper. The Common worn radius arm.

The radium arm bearing shaft was badly worn. Recondition time.

Leaving the wheel arch pretty empty.
Replaced the original rear brake hose while I was at it. (Note: Next time do this after fitting the radius arm as it's not easy to clamp the new hose. Hence lots of fluid on the floor)
Then Bolted the rear brake hub back on with new bolts. Radius arm put in to place and bolted in with new bolts.
Connected the Brake line and handbrake cable. Bolted shock back in to place and filled the radius arm with grease.
Brakes set up and bled before finally putting the wheel back on. Job done.

Sunday, 28 March 2010

Mini 1 - Now Were Rocking (and Rusting) - Can of Worms #1

While the engine was cold today I thought I would have a crack at adjusting the Valve Timing. Normally a fairly simple task. However after removing the Rocker Cover, I was greeted by a grim looking sight.
It seems that the engine has been left for a long time in a damp atmosphere and resulted in the adjustment screws on cylinder 2 to rust solid.

As you will see in the pictures it's pretty messy. There is a thick layer of carbon deposit which has probably lead tot he blocking of oil distribution. The actual rockers are the original ones that were later replaced with more reliable cast ones.

First thing I did was to remove the Rocker Shaft. After closer inspection the actual shaft was badly worn and needs replacing also.

Replacing with a new set of originals is not possible as the presser style rockers were replaced with cast ones. To buy the cast ones new would be quite expensive so some eBay skills were required to secure a replacement second hand set. £12 later and hey presto I have some. Just hope it fits ok now.

Note: Always read instructions...... When removing the bolts for the Rocker Shaft you may notice water leaking from the head. That's because you just removed the head bolts.. Doh!
Head off time!!!!

Got all the new parts. New studs and gaskets all round. Hopefully should help the afternoon job to get the engine running a bit easier.

Head back on and rocker shaft carefully lowered in place. New washers and nuts added to the new studs. All with a twist of Torque Wrench and hey presto it looks a bit like there is finally an end to the task. Back to the task I initially intended to do and correct the Valve Timings.
Also notice the new Thermostat Housing. Let's just say Club Hammer 1 - Old Stuck Thermostat 0. :)

Final stretch not too bad.
With a bit of added paint to brighten up a couple of rusty parts. Filled with water (remember to add coolant later!!). All electrics connected and time to shut my eyes and turn the key.
Eyes shut...... Turn the key..... Vrrrooom! Started first time. :)

Sunday, 21 March 2010