Just wondering if it is worth trying or should i just not even bother

Just want to make it clear that i Realise that it wont be as good as if a pro does it

Its not a money saving thing either just more interested to have a go as a hobby type thiing.

Is it just too difficult??

I've done a bare metal restoration on my elf and other than a small bit of welding a friend did for me, I've done it all myself. It probably isn't as good as a pro would have done and I'm sure I haven't saved any money. But i have the satisfaction of looking at it and thinking "yeah, I did that". I've also learned a hell of a lot as I go.
If you do do it your self - don't be afraid to ask questions. there is a a lot of knowledge on this forum and everyone seems happy to share

its not hard at all.

Well that's a lie, it is hard.

You will come across problems but none are impossible to work around.

This place has basically built my mini...... there's enough info here to get you out of the crap a million times over.

_________________

Totally worth doing. As long as you're prepared to learn new things and deal with setbacks. Take your time and do it carefully and properly.

The finished result is worth all the effort.

_________________
1958 Morris Minor 1000 - "Nigel"

I reckon if your game to have a crack at it, you should... (are you talkin about engine rebuilds or full resto on car?)

I will point out, if you are doing any of it without assistance from someone who's doen it before, you almost definantly will make a few mistakes,,, or you could say "plant the seeds for a few lessons"..

If you're prepared to make a couple mistakes the first time, rebuilding engines (or whole cars) is very rewarding. Just don't be put off when ("if" I should say) anything doesn't go according to plan.

Too many people quit when something goes wrong and never come back to it. If you can stick it out thru the first rebuild or two,, you will not only save yourself a lot of money, but have the pride of being able to say its your car and not your engine builders, panel beaters, spray painters, motor trimmers etc.

To give you an idea on the cash you can save... I will do a whole car, bare metal respray, trim, suspension, brakes, engine, gearbox, electricals and I will get change out of $10,000 and have a car that people will comment on. Others who out source everything are typically looking at $25,000 to $30,000 for the same quality job.
.
.
.
.
***BUT*** be realistic too. Make sure that you have the time and the funds to follow thru with your project. Otherwise, pay someone else to do it for you so that it does get done....

My 2 cents

I started doing rebuilds 35 years ago because I was a student and couldn't afford to get someone to do it. I bugged the guys down the service station with lots of questions and made plenty of mistakes but there was no Ausmini then. You can have the benefit of all the mistakes the Ausminier's have made over the years so you shouldn't make any yourself. If you are inclined to do it, have a go. There's nothing like the firing up of an engine you have rebuilt yourself and going for a drive.

Pete

Sage advise indeed. I spent two days over a long weekend stripping the underside of my shell only to realise to achieve the job I want, I need to get it professionally sandblasted. I've also learnt you need more space than I have to paint a shell and a pro will use two pack paint which I can't. But I can do the welding, so I've decided to flip front it (No small task in NZ to get it certified).

Engine rebuilds I will leave to some of Wellington's mini experts. I can see myself taking a huge amount of time to do it, only to realise you can't select reverse, or there's a vital component lying under the bench which means another full strip. Obviously not everyone is the same as me as plenty of guys manage fine. I still have memories of taking a DR600 engine into the shop and saying "I can't get third gear..."

Mind you, I dropped our Volvo wagon in for a service and a couple of days my wife said "It feels like it's got a flat tyre but it hasn't". Turned out our mechanic hadn't tightened the wheel bolts on the left front and was a couple of kilometres from falling off.

Perhaps in the future I will look at doing top end stuff (mild cam, rockers etc) just for the exercise.

Go for it, But be careful its very addictive and once youve realised it isnt that difficult once you see it.

And if you stuff up (we all do) its best to swallow your pride and take it to someone to fix it for you and a lesson will be learnt.

_________________
Simplify and add lightness

Definitely have a crack.

If you're worried, stage the learning a bit. Do a headgasket or head rebuild first, then, as you gain confidence and knowledge, build up to larger assemblys. Have a go at the engine itself. Then if you're game a gearbox. Your Mini will help you do this.

I remember the first time I looked into the gearbox and though
"There is no way I'm ever messing with that!".

Then one day first gear started clicking and I pulled it apart. Knocked a tooth off the cluster gear, so out with the manual work out how it all comes apart, take it to the mini specialist to get a new one, work out how it all goes back together and we're back in business.

"Phew, but I'm not touching that other side it looks way to scary!"

Then third gear starts clicking...

You tend to develop a working relationship with your mini. Things keep breaking, and each problem is increasingly more difficult to fix, so you develop your skills as you go and are not scared off.

Maybe.

Madmorrie

Hi mate, i am embarking on a rebuild right now. i have taken the dive in the deep end and it is daunting, but with some good quality workshop manuals, vizards bibles and this forum, you are unlikley to make any massive mistakes without at least spotting them first.

you may make the odd small mistake but the larger ones that usually happen when your an ametuer are less likley as you will have all the information to cross check and triple check your work as you go.

there are also quite a few mini specialists in this area and all are very helpful and easily approachable about anything.

i currently have my engine stripped to a bare block, the gearbox is in Sydney being rebuilt and the rest of it will travel along as i go.

good luck. go for it.

_________________
'66 BRG Morris Mini Deluxe 60HP ATW

I attempted my first ever engine rebuild just last year and only just have it running. It's not as hard as it may seem, just a lot of double checking that the measurements are correct and then checking again.

Engine is now running and hopefully over time the engine will last. Got lots of satisfaction out of it and learnt heaps.

Didn't know much about the engine beforehand but bought a haynes manual to help.

_________________
1965 Morris Mini Deluxe - 998cc SC12

i am doing a full rebuild shell and engine.
first time doing any work on a car.
other than changing oil and services.
get all the info and work out whats best for you.
dont worry about rebuid time.
i dont expect to have mine finished any time soon.
but i am enjoying the journey

I wish I had pictures of my first engine rebuild at 18....
I lifted the engine with a block and tackle and a long rope, ripped the earth strap out by its roots, broke a drill bit trying to remove the rod change roll pin without a pin punch, and cracked it open and changed the rings and bearings on the garage floor. The engine didn't last that long....

Heaps to be learnt on your first engine, but what a lot of fun.

_________________
SooperDooperMiniCooperExpertEngineering

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

Yeah, I'm with Mick.. my first rebuild went really smoothly on my parents' front patio until I fired it up and got zero oil pressure. Hmm.. might need a bit of a rev to suck up the oil maybe?

Turned out I forgot the gasket in behind the oil pump, so it was sucking air.

That one didn't last long either

_________________
Simon

The adventures of an owner builder in the Tallarook Ranges

Years ago when my mate rebuilt his 1st 850, he put all the conrod caps on backwards, didn't he...
It took 2x 12V batteries in series (24V) to just turn it over. Didn't start.
When we stripped it again all the big end shells were fooked, well derrr...

_________________
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.