ok now i have done a few minis now and after each one i have thought after a few months ahhh wish i had done this differently, bought a new one of these, paid extra on that instead of that type things

for example the last one which got sprayed now has a dodgy sagging hinge on the drivers side door meaning i have to get a new one and get that part painted again I wish i had just put new hinges all round ect

what about you fellow mini restorers any tips past experiences

I havn't had this experience myself, but I know plenty of people who have bought and payed alot of money for newly "reconditioned" engines/boxes and have ended up with a lemon. It may cost you more, but if you are wanting a reco engine, go buy a cheap tired engine and box and get them recoed yourself. At least this way you know exactally what you are getting and won't get burned!

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I wish I had bought one with less rust to start with

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Too many cars, and too little time.

yeah big one there
Buy the best body you can find/afford

1. Check hinges and replace all rubbers/seals
2. If wanting recon by cheap and get it rebuilt rather then paying for what you dont know
3. Pay extra for less rust to start
4. Replace brake lines while under the car and things are apart
5. Pay extra for better quality paint if getting sprayed
6. Always check the price of what new parts cost rather then paying for a reco sometimes cheaper and with better warrenty
7. Leave interior/cd player till after the body and mechs are done

If you are doing an engine conversion do a dry build first before you paint. I did not have an engine covnersion in mind when I painted my car however, I've got nicks and sctratches all over the bloody thing now. Piss Poor Preparation Promotes Piss Poor Performance.

My next one will be a dry build.

Pain prep! i painted my shell last year and i wish id done the inside etc at the same time, im now having to do them, and ill probably redo the rest too cos i didnt prep enough and got a very average finish.

yea, regret buying a car with a "recon engine" dosent mater how good the rest of the engine is(IT WAS GOOD), it only takes one loose rod bolt to wreck an engine!

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speed costs....how fast do you want to go...

I wish i didnt spend so much on a car that will never see half that amount if its ever sold......

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http://www.youtube.com/user/Hanras

46k is still cheeper than a hsv or similar, and minis have more fun!!!

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speed costs....how fast do you want to go...

When restoring a car, put all bolts, washers, small plates, tags, brackets, anything...into a bucket and have them nickle plated for about 30 dollars. You would pay someone 30 dollars just to get the grease and dirt off. They are new once again and look fantastic on a restored car. You can choose between gold and silver finishes. Apparently cars from the factory had a mix of both.

Powder coat everything you expect you will have to paint. Subframes, brackets, control arms, brake backplates, steering column, anything that will be painted. 200 dollars saw everything on the car powder coated (about 40 items including the subframes) and ten years on they only need a soapy sponge to look like they were when I picked them up. (Don't go gloss finish though, it can scratch from abrasive sand and gravel etcetera and lose it's luster)

That is all.

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SooperDooperMiniCooperExpertEngineering

All garage work involves equal measures of enthusiasm, ingenuity and a fair degree of irresponsibility.

i wish i had found ausmini earlier.

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Sunday Morning Mini Sprint http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UtGuzqBQ32Q my "rendezvous"

I wish i had Matt Read build me a Twin cam 16v turbo injected Fastback Monaco GT

now that would have been cool & he would have done it right the first time

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No offence intended here but--> anyone writing a book about minis 30 years ago may not have experienced such worn or stuffed-with components as we are finding these days.

You should put your heart & soul into everything you do.

I wonder if he would have done it quicker? "Ha ha, take that ya Mother F........"

I wish id saved more cash and gotten a decent mini in the beginning.

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No more Minis!......For now.

yes yes my son,,,all good things come to those who wait

ah bugga it,,,get phuked ya barstool it`ll be done when it`s good & Pharkin ready

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No offence intended here but--> anyone writing a book about minis 30 years ago may not have experienced such worn or stuffed-with components as we are finding these days.

You should put your heart & soul into everything you do.

Pot ->Kettle -> Black my friend.... not that I can talk...

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"Life is not like a box of chocolates... it's more like a jar of jalapenos. Whatever you do today, may burn your arse tomorrow."