I just purchased a Mini Leyland Clubman S 1976 as my first car. It has some rust that needs attention. The brakes are spongey, foot too the floor to stop it at all. The speedo dosn't work over 50km it just bounces up and down and also the RPM Meter doesn't work.

I was just wondering if you all could give me some advice on restoring my Mini. And best ways to fix some of these problems . I have a few pictures below but will get more detailed pictures ASAP.

Thanks Ian

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Ian - My Ve SSV Ute - Looking for a Mini

Similar rust in the sill panels to what my Sprint car has.
I'll let you know how I get on with rust repairs and paint, when the time comes.
I'm not doing any of the work, so I'll let you know the price a professional charges to do the work.
I don't think I will get away from it too lightly, however, but I am hoping none the less

That rust looks VERY serious and will take some welding to repair it. Are you or your old man handy with a welder?

In NSW that is no where near roadworthy. In SA that might pass with flying colours

Are you in WA?

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Website: www.justanothermini.com

Thanks willy

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Ian - My Ve SSV Ute - Looking for a Mini

that is some evil looking rust in there, start by stripping everything out and off of the shell, even the paint, and see what sort of rust ther is, and looking at those pics, that will keep you ocupied for a while, then get it painted, and build it back up piece by piece... thats how i built mine.

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Potato

I am in WA, I work am an Apprentice Sheet Metal Worker, I use MIG welders at work Have welding helmet and all etc, I would put my own panels on just not sure on how remove the old ones and if my welding would be good enough....

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Ian - My Ve SSV Ute - Looking for a Mini

No rust is too serious... have a look at what the Poms do with their Minis

SA - you'll be fine until someone catches you.
Thank god for not having annual inspections

Do you mean the engine etc aswell because I have no idea with that side of things....

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Ian - My Ve SSV Ute - Looking for a Mini

thats the best way to learn about it then... you will find you will be more confident in the car if you build it all.. that way you know whats in it and whats bad about it..

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Potato

the best way to repair it is to take it to a mini specialist and give them a list of things to fix

But the charge you heaps and you don't get the same sense of achievment..

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Ian - My Ve SSV Ute - Looking for a Mini

he pretty lucky those are replaceable pannels, cill will cost $40, part behind the wheel i remember seeing it somewhere but it was $35,

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any parts for a 76 clubby pm me or ring 0405 329 326

http://www.ausmini.com/forums/viewtopic.php?t=44717

Hi Ian. You have the time, & will gain the experience.
Do it yourself

My son is doing the same for his first car (1971 Mini K)
You need to make a plan of how far you intend to go:

- if it's a total rebuild & restoration, strip the car & have the body sandblasted first. Will save much time, and you can see exactly what you have to work with

- if you just want to patch the rust, start by cutting out the rust back to sound metal. Make the sills yourself at work/tech & fit them first. This is a good practice piece, as it's not hard & you won't really see it if your welding needs a bit of grinding!

Then tackle the beaver panel at the rear. Buy it (not worth making for that price). See if Cono at Mini Craft in Bayswater has any.

Use the SEARCH feature on here, there will be answers to most of your questions. Good luck!

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Too many cars, and too little time.

i wouldnt fix rust like that myself, brakes are best left to the pro's, you'll need a new speedo most likely, though its less likely to be just the cable. the tacho shouldnt be hard to fix at all, and a petrol smell sounds dangerous, it definately shouldnt smell like petrol.

i'd take it to a specialist and get them to check it out, find out whats necessary and what you can do yourself.

Cono has all the panels I need, he gave me a quote to do it at $66 an hr. I was thinking about taking it apart but I just have no idea with the mechanics and how to take the stuff out, let alone put it back in working order....

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Ian - My Ve SSV Ute - Looking for a Mini