Sounds like you've found the right car then. You might be surprised after you clean it up and give it a wash, those dents may push out and you can drive it as is. Not every mini needs to be in perfect condition

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did I tell you that I won a trophy?

So...what are you waiting for? Go for it!

Great Father and Son project...and promise to leave it to him when you fall off the perch (if he is keen)

As previously stated...grab it, clean it up, fix the brakes Number #1...then see how the body is, whether it will run etc...everything is fixable either on a shoestring or money is no object budget...

Get the Mods to change or modify this thread if necessary and keep asking for advice and posting progress!!

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"Show me the Mini!"

Yah I think I need to start having some more pointed conversations with the owners and see what it can look like after a good tub, removing 37 years of dust.

What they both said , rust will be your biggest problem, BUT , if just maybe, it doesn't have a lot and you can get it for the right price it may be just a matter of fixing up the mechanicals and driving it as is with it's original Patina .

When speaking to the owner, mention some of the above. If they've owned it for so long they will have some sentimental attachment and want it to be driven again, which is your preferred intention.
Good luck with your project. It is a 'long road' but lots of satisfaction that you've done it yourself.

Just don't clean it up at the owners property to avoid them getting unrealistic dollar signs in their eyes!

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"Show me the Mini!"

I think you should give it a go.... While it might cost 20+K for a full on job, you can do a lot for a LOT less.

I have one that looks a lot like yours... but its quite solid, so as long as you're not too fussed by cosmetics, the body could provide years of service at no real cost.

More than likely you'll need an engine rebuild. A standard rebuild from a non Mini engine specialist can be quite economical. Spend some time looking for bargains and you will be surprised what comes along.

You will find more opportunities to spend money than you want.... brakes you can't compromise on but a lot of other bits can be re-claimed or replaced with second hand items...

A few eyes ago it cost $1600 to get my Daughters $25 school Mini back on the road... and that included $500 for a fully reconned Cooper head that the PO had no further use for.

As I originally said, it depends what value the owner places on that wreck .... I just wanted the doors on a car sitting in a paddock.. but the owner wouldn't sell. The deal was "you can't buy the doors ...but you can take the whole car for nothing."

Cheers, Ian

Well, they are not willing to sell it cause apparently in their 70's they still think they are going to get around to doing it themselves
So I am back on the search.

Keep in touch and leave your contact details...you could ask if you could quickly clean it up and take piccies...they may see sense...

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"Show me the Mini!"

To get a complete resto done the cost is $50.000 upwards unless you do most of the work yourself. Engine and gearbox reco $8.000.
The average cost of a car restoration now is $100.000.I used to teach car restoration for 30 years..Sure you can do cheapies that fall apart in 5 years or less.I see the cheapies all the time always needing follow up work where the filler or paint cracks, under the paint is never done correctly,usually because of cost and low skill levels of the restorer.My friend has a car restoration business, he has a 2year waiting list if you want you car done by him. He has done restos that have cost $400.000 Iso Revolta rare car, some people have plenty of money.
Allen

The scare tactics don’t really work.

Sure, a Pebble beach restoration may cost 100K but a very decent rebuild can be had for LOTS less....

Cheers, Ian

A decent rebuild means Half Done with all the problems down the track. I have seen many guys wish that they had done the resto correctly as they said it was money done the drain, as they were always working on minor repairs and the rust had came back after a short time. Do the job Correctly for the sake of the car .How much does a decent rebuild cost ?Common Sense ,use it then you wont get the stress and you will retain resale value.

Hmmmmmmmm...some of us here have seen outstanding, long lasting restos done for a fraction of the costs you are quoting (and not even on a 10 foot long box!!).

There is also such a thing as over-restoring or trying to make a silk purse out of a Sow's ear!
One vintage restorer I know of is well known for it...all based on maximising his profit from each job...

Resale value?? Is this a joke? 100K spent equals 10's of Ks less when put on the market...especially when buyers aren't impressed with your colour choices or what else has been done...so much of the detail work can't be proved without stripping the car for inspection anyway! Receipts mostly aren't worth the paper they are printed on UNLESS you know the work was done by a reputable, knowledgeable person.

Its like the young guy I was talking to once, when I was looking for a car for #2 Daughter
The guy was asking way over the market price, ..."but its got chameleon paint! Costs $1000 litre!" he says...I'm more concerned that it is mechanically sound and the paint has been applied correctly I said...then walked away after seeing a few oil leaks etc

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"Show me the Mini!"

Reminds me of the used car purchase negotiating technique used by a colleague of mine. Had his eye on a lime green vehicle that had everything he wanted, including in his preferred colour. But he told the salesman it was a nice car except it was in a dreadful green colour that he absolutely hated. Colour choice is personal so the salesman couldn't argue. He was walking away when, as hoped, the sale price came down by quite a bit.

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ex-NSW Police 1970 MK II Cooper S
VMCI #43

Fine Comments, I just don't like young guys to be ill informed about doing up a car. First you have to now wherever possible what has to be done to the car. Then you can figure out what work you can do on the car. After that work out a cost ,panel paint mechanical parts trim electrical tyres brakes rubbers etc. Also do you have the time and skills for the project ? I just like to see old cars restored correctly. You don't need a spread sheet to calculate the costs ask some of the experienced members on the site they will give the good oil. I taught car restoration ,body, for 30 years and I have seen the majority of projects are never completed and the car is usually sold off or for parts. Sounds great doing up an old car not so great when you run out of money or lose interest.
Allen