I thought I'd start a thread on paint stripping, cos I couldn't find one.

I've taken this week off to prep my mini for the paint shop and am currently stripping the paint off it.

What methods to people like to use?

So far I've been through over 4 litres of paint stripper, and I've still got a lot of the interior to go. Next stage is sanding it smooth and clean. I've got an orbital sander, one of the square types. All the guides I've read recommend a dual action sander, is this the round orbital ones which also spin? Do I get a fast rotation one or a slow rotation one and can anyone recommend appropriate sand paper grades to use? What grit should I use?

If anyone has a step by step restoration guide I'd love to read it.

While I'm at it, does anyone have any tips for removing the fuel tank. My tube spanner is slipping on the drainage nut on the bottom, so I can't get the tank out.

I'm also having trouble getting the windows out of the door. The manual says to remove the door hand mechanism, but I'll be damned if I can get it off the rail, and I can't move the divider to get the window out.

Cheers,
Richard

I'm using a wire brush on my angle grinder - I did the front-end of my deluxe last night and it's got all the junk off after paint stripper....



you and me both... JAM's site has some handy tips.... www.justanothermini.com



if you can't get a 7/16 spanner on there, do what I did and put a pry bar underneath the tank, lift enough so that the tube and nut come up through the hole, if you still can't undo it, use a chisel or screwdriver to break the tube off, then fix any dents you made with the pry bar

can't help with the windows, I'm leaving mine in...

Simon

I have removed my windows before they are apin to do as I had to repalce the Quarter Glass, Just make sure you losen the screws that are around the toop of the Window frame that hold on the metal strip for the quarter glass.

I had some trouble when I did my fisrt one But now it is all easy and I have repalced the winder twice and each time i did it wuicker then before.

Do not be ruoght but take your time and you will get them out.

_________________
I've Got One
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What Is It



A Bloody Mini

1970 Mini K, 1380cc, 1.75 HIF SU, 30 70 Cam, 2" Zorts
1969 Mini K, Stock Standard and Orginal. (Slow as Hell)

I bought a really good book the other day called practical classics,Mini Cooper Restoration.Published by Kelsey Publishing LTD,1997.
It has good tips on buying and restoring older cars.
Editor was Peter Simpson and I got it from a car bookshop in Claret St ( I think) Sydney for around $30.

Just found the sticker.Auto Book World, ph:(02)9299 6669,Cost was $34.95

Thanks for the advice all.

Got the fuel tank out using my tube spanner, a rightangle screwdriver and a bit of an extension bar. It took quite a bit of force .

Got one window out as well. Ended up having to use a hammer to budge it.

Gotta get the handle off the door now, the outside one.

Next time I restore a mini, I'm going to pay someone else to do it .

Simon bet you didnt use a pry bar on the cooper did you? Hey I used a hatchet on the blue cooper I got from you but thats another story.

Try roughing befor paint stripper. I use a 20or 40 grit pad on a low speed 9" disk. Run it all over the panel then apply the stripper. you can see the scratches letting the striller get under the paint.

nah, not on my cooper - just the little deluxe.... there are at least 6 coats of paint on it - I've got my work cut out

Brake fluid takes everything straight off in one go! Happened on my firewall when the cap came off.

Using the sand paper first is the best idea..my brother is currently doing that on his Capri and it works well....

Alternatively use poly stripper from the hardware shop....takes a while to work(overnight is usually good) but it does a damn good job

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[Maverick] 1971 Mini K

Another good trick with paint stripper is bung it on then cover it with gladwrap. That way it attacks the paint better, instead of evaporating..

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DrMini- 1970 wasaMatic 1360, Mk1S crank, 86.6HP (ATW) =~125 @ crank, 45 Dellorto (38 chokes), RE282 sprint cam, 1.5 rockers, 11.0:1 C/R.

I am with you on the Drmini.. I did that with evil.. It worked a treat..

I took a pic of it 2..