Hello all,
I've been looking forward to joining this forum & now I'm here!

I've just acquired a '62 850 that is reasonably original, except for a colour change. It was recently painted in 2 pak, however, not a particularly good job.

I bought it from an old workmate, who had rebuilt the gearbox, & started fitting it up with a rebuilt 1100 motor (+.040 rebore, reground crank, new oil pump, recoed head etc.).

The plan is to put it all together & drive it, whilst tidying up any bits that are deemed necessary. I've ordered new window & body rubbers & seals for it to tighten things up a little, plus a purchased a disc front end set up so it will stop ok (Thanks Justin).

I have a spare engine that was part of the deal, so future plans being mulled around include either a K100 or CBR head or a small turbo (I just happen to have a couple sitting on the shelf).

A repaint, a proper one, further down the track is also on the agenda.

First priority, though, is to get it usable (Drivable) & go from there.

I also have a '51 FX Holden that is nearly finished (~2 mths work left, guesstimate), plus a Ducati Darmah that is in the early stages of restoration.

Needless to say, I'm seldom bored!

I'm fortunate to have a reasonably well equipped workshop, with MIG, TIG, Lathe & Mill to play with, as I like to do as much as I can in-house.

I come from a mechanical repair background, however in recent years I've specialised in Motorcycle suspension repair & set up.

Oh, & by the way, believe or not, I did own a Cooper S, back in the day! Needless to say, what I would do to have it now.

I'm also fortunate to have a better half who is something of a petrol head too.

Anyhow, I'm looking forward to participating in the forum, picking people's brains & hopefully contributing something useful in return.

Edit: Sorry Mods, I've put this in the wrong section!

welcome

Be careful what you say around here when it comes to altering 850's.

You'll have a large mob after you if you aren't careful

Welcome aswell!

_________________
You're so square
Baby I don't care

Thanks Adam!
I wasn't planning on modifying the body etc., however, I am up for improving the running gear, as stated.

The plan was to do it so as to be able to return it to its original iteration, so no extra holes or similar bastardry.
I'm sure that may still upset some purists. You can't win 'em all!

Having said that, if some one is so distressed they want to swap me a different model roller in similar condition that I can modify without sending the earth off its axis, then suggest away!

Welcome to the mad house rabbit, another Victorian YAY

Watercat is my new desktop!

Hi rayrabbits...for a minute I thought you were the Rugby League commentator...his name is Ray "Rabbits" Warren. But I see you come from that place far, far away and you wouldn't know what I was talking about.
Welcome the forum. There is space for everybody and anybody...We have everything from geniuses to nutjobs. And the're all a pretty helpful lot.

Good man

BTW, where the hell is stanley

stanlys not home maaaaan ^^^^

Welcome and enjoy, Mr Rabits.
Do you have pictures of boobs for the poolroom



Tombo

_________________
Dean Hutton's first car was a Mini.

Welcome rayrabbits,

Amongst my collection, I also have a 51 FX Holden. Can we see some photos of yours please.

Heres mine...

_________________
Have a Nice Day.
If already having a nice day please disregard.

mini maxx,
Stanley is about 9km from Beechworth, between Wangaratta & Wodonga, east of the Hume freeway.

MG rocket,
I do know of Ray Warren, didn't know of the "Rabbits" bit, learn something new... I was an avid follower of league until about 10 years ago.

850 man,
I'd be happy to post some pics of the FX, it's not quite original as yours appears.

When I bought it, it had already had an HR front end, Torana discs, red motor, Toyota 4 speed & a CRS chassis fitted to it. It's still a nice car though, & remarkably rust free. I have basically done a bare metal repaint & tidy up on it. Just got the interior to finish & a few bits & bobs to paint & bolt it back together.

Can someone school me on how you incorporate pictures into your post, as 850man has??

Tombo,
I'll do that when I get bored!

OK, I went & read FAQ's & Googled the rest.

Before:



During:



After to come.


The Mini:




We are also in the middle of house renovations!

OK, you've seen the pics (FX & Mini) What do you think?
I've ordered a heap of bits from Mini spares (UK), which should be here next week, all things being equal. You know, seals etc., for sliding windows, suspension bushes & so on.
Are there any Mini wreckers/parts place people would recommend, particularly in or around Melbourne, as I get down there every few weeks.
Cheers.

Both beautiful mate, well done