I called into KJR Coachbuilding in Albury and had a chat with Karl. A very impressive workshop and old school workmanship on some fantastic classics. Restoration, fabrication and a passion for the old classics. He's going to make a house call and see what I have. He told me he won't do half a job and there are no short cuts so please don't ask him to as he values his reputation. Very knowledgable about Mini's and also has some great contacts for other local old school craftsmen. Haven't had a discussion about costs.....bit scared about that.....

I'm just a little excited at the prospects...... Now what do I have to sell to fund this?

Good to here...AFAIK he does good work...whether he knows all the intricacies of Mini bodywork is another matter (but you have Sime locally who might translate for you if you asked him nicely)...

ask Karl if has done any before and ask him to ballpark the cost (he will probably quote an hourly rate but try and get a firm estimate of time). Of course, if you can get a firm price that is acceptable, all well and good.

Hope it all goes well...let us know how it turns out

He does have a connection with minis - another fella named Steve Ortlip used to work out of the front half of the same shed and he did a couple of minis that are a bit famous in local circles for their body & paint workmanship. Steve's brother Greg has a MK1 S, a GT and a clubby van.

I've seen a couple other cars Karl has done that've been lovely, but I'd be really really scared of what it'll cost

Thanks Sime...can't beat local knowledge

As for being expensive, from my chats with Karl...I would say, wait and see.

There is a big difference between someone asking for a concourse restoration for an expensive vintage or veteran where parts are unobtainable and need to be manufactured and someone asking for a good job on something like a Mini that was mass-produced and parts are relatively "plentiful".

Thanks for the info guys and your bouncing of ideas particularly about costs. After Karl has a look, we'll talk about plans and costs etc. you've given me some great pointers about this whole process. In the interim, does any one want to buy a kidney? Used but in reasonable nick for its age....?