Winter Project

[ianking]

Just bought myself a wee 2000 X Cooper Classic in red.

1 owner car with 27k and full rover History with a pile of reciepts.

It was sold new by Nobles and the woman traded it in there at the weekend. I spotted it lying round the back so spoke to Dave Noble and he said I could make him a bid for it if I was interested.
took a good look round it last night, wee drive and deal done.

Mechanically it is perfect but bodywork is pretty rough.

The old lady has been parking it off walls and other cars I think and due to leaving it out all the time and using over winters it needs a bit welding done to the front inner arches where it meets the sill.
Def needs 1 A panel but it may need a door skin due to a dent with corossion starting at it. Going to try and grind the corrosion on the door down but if its bad, new skin.

Everything will need painted except the roof.

Plan on starting to strip everything down this weekend.

Its currently residing along with the Calibra in my folks double garage (yes they love me ;))

Only pic I have at present taken with my phone just before I took her home

Follow this thread over the next 3-4 months for the full restoration jobby.

http://i74.photobucket.com/albums/i260/ianking82/Image0168.jpg

[GCA3N]

looking forward to seeing the shiniest classic ever.

[euan]

Don't do this to me Ian - you'll have me wanting a classic again :-) With the work we're doing to our house my garage will only be big enough for a classic!

[baptie]

Nice one, I was kind ahoping to get the front end of my Paul Msith over the winter......we wait with baited breathe

[Crombers]

Excellent :clap:

[MINI William]

Looking good Ian

[Craig]

Look forward to seeing the results. If you ever fancy a helper for any of the work, let me know. :thumbs up:

[Duncan Stewart]

Very nice Ian :D Looking forward to reading about the restoration

[Just Jade]

Very nice Ian :D Looking forward to reading about the restoration

Me too :)

[ianking]

OK so I got a chance on Saturday to strip a fair bit of the mini down.

It defo needs 2x A panels and the front seam covers and the 2 rear lower seam covers so I ordered these along with decal sets from minispares.
Ordered the proper heritage panels as they are a much better fit.

It may need a near side wing as well but will wait to see what the panel beater says when he gets it.

Some pics of the car just before I started to strip it.

http://i74.photobucket.com/albums/i260/ianking82/DSCF1227.jpg

http://i74.photobucket.com/albums/i260/ianking82/DSCF1228.jpg

http://i74.photobucket.com/albums/i260/ianking82/DSCF1229.jpg

all 4 wheels will need refurbed as they have all been kissing kerb stones
http://i74.photobucket.com/albums/i260/ianking82/DSCF1230.jpg

http://i74.photobucket.com/albums/i260/ianking82/DSCF1232.jpg

http://i74.photobucket.com/albums/i260/ianking82/DSCF1237.jpg

http://i74.photobucket.com/albums/i260/ianking82/DSCF1233.jpg

http://i74.photobucket.com/albums/i260/ianking82/DSCF1234.jpg

http://i74.photobucket.com/albums/i260/ianking82/DSCF1231.jpg

http://i74.photobucket.com/albums/i260/ianking82/DSCF1235.jpg

http://i74.photobucket.com/albums/i260/ianking82/DSCF1238.jpg

fuel tank out as well
http://i74.photobucket.com/albums/i260/ianking82/DSCF1239.jpg

http://i74.photobucket.com/albums/i260/ianking82/DSCF1240.jpg

http://i74.photobucket.com/albums/i260/ianking82/DSCF1241.jpg

http://i74.photobucket.com/albums/i260/ianking82/DSCF1242.jpg

not the worst scuttle I have had but its not the best either. Think it should repair OK though
http://i74.photobucket.com/albums/i260/ianking82/DSCF1244.jpg

Car should be getting trailored away in a couple of weeks and will be getting worked on by the body shop over a couple of months when they have slots available as Im not in a big rush for it back.
Just need to scrape the pennies together to pay the bill as its gonna be £££. Anyone want any detailing done???

[baptie]

those A Panels and Scuttle look great compared to mine.
Great start Ian, keep pics of progress coming coming

[ajamesj]

Another classic getting saved woohoo!!! :thumbs up:

[N12 JLK]

Will have a good look next weekend.

[ianking]

Well had to purchase 2x genuine front wings, 2x genuine A-panels, 2x genuine front seam covers and 2x rear lower valance seam covers.

Hopefully thats it for the moment.

Also found out that the car left the factory with bonnet stripes and a white roof and mirrors. The old lady that owned it didnt want it looking sporty. It will be going back to white as per factory spec.

[Craig]

any update on this Ian ? ;)

[ianking]

Update is wallet is lighter than I had hoped it would be.

Since I stripped it down it has been trailored away to the bodyshop that I like to use. Its a one man outfit with good personal service. He has done a fair bit of work for me before and I have also done valets and a detail for him so he is doing me a good price, however as a result I told him just to work on it when he gets the time.
Graeme has told me when I spoke to him the other day (about another job, im not pestering him for the mini :D) that I should have it back mid-end Dec.

Then it will be a case of cleaning everything and putting the car back together. Then I want to get it up on axle stands for a month or so and get the underneath spotless and send the wheels away to get refurbed.

[GCA3N]

Update is wallet is lighter than I had hoped it would be.

Since I stripped it down it has been trailored away to the bodyshop that I like to use. Its a one man outfit with good personal service. He has done a fair bit of work for me before and I have also done valets and a detail for him so he is doing me a good price, however as a result I told him just to work on it when he gets the time.
Graeme has told me when I spoke to him the other day (about another job, im not pestering him for the mini :D) that I should have it back mid-end Dec.

Then it will be a case of cleaning everything and putting the car back together. Then I want to get it up on axle stands for a month or so and get the underneath spotless and send the wheels away to get refurbed.


Don't need to ask that you've been taking pics as you go along, can't wait to see the finished article.:thumbs up:

[ianking]

Don't need to ask that you've been taking pics as you go along, can't wait to see the finished article.:thumbs up:

At the moment it just looks like it did when I stripped it down except its got loads of dust on it as its been sitting in the corner of the bodyshop for a month.

I will get Graeme to take some pics when he cuts the panels off. They always look strange when they have no front end on.

[Craig]

Cool. Looking forward to seeing it painted... :yes nod::yes nod:

[ianking]

OK so got a call from Graeme the other night to pop up and see him.

Good news is that the inner arches are fine. Doors will be fine as well and the front panel is fine so dont need to change it.
Just the A panels and the wings.

Pics at the moment

http://i74.photobucket.com/albums/i260/ianking82/x224wsg/2.jpg

http://i74.photobucket.com/albums/i260/ianking82/x224wsg/6.jpg

http://i74.photobucket.com/albums/i260/ianking82/x224wsg/1.jpg

http://i74.photobucket.com/albums/i260/ianking82/x224wsg/3.jpg

http://i74.photobucket.com/albums/i260/ianking82/x224wsg/4.jpg

http://i74.photobucket.com/albums/i260/ianking82/x224wsg/5.jpg

Going to have to pop up after work tonight and do some work to it for Graeme. He needs the dash out so that the repair to the scuttle can be done and I want to remove the wires and pipes etc from the front inner wings so that they can be painted as well.

Will take more pics after I have done this.

[GCA3N]

Nice one. Looking forward to the pics.

[euan]

They really are bonkers little cars when you see them stripped like this, you really understand the engineering that went it to making it all fit! It also makes me think I'd never want to get into a crash in one!

[ianking]

If you ever had a crash in one at say anything over 30mph I dont think you would know about it as you would be proper DEED with the engine resting where the driver used to be.

[Scottie]

got to disagree Ian I crashed mine at 60mph and I am still here.

[Craig]

Nice one Ian - glad to see the work getting done. :clap:

[ianking]

well you are very lucky then and your car musnt have had any corossion in it.
Minis didnt even get an ncap rating.

[MrMischief]

well you are very lucky then and your car musnt have had any corossion in it.
Minis didnt even get an ncap rating.

My dad rolled his Mini end over end three times & then barrel rolled twice from around 70mph....his seat became dislodged inside the car & he hurt his back, but he's still with us :thumbs up:

Maybe the rollcage helped & the fact it was in autocross the field gave a (slightly) cushioned landing :Whistle:

[ianking]

Further update.

The front panel is goosed. Took the sand blaster to it to clean up the blisters and it just fell appart. Big holes in it. Old one cut off and new one on order.
holes in front panel
http://i74.photobucket.com/albums/i260/ianking82/x224wsg/7.jpg

I removed the dash as well to allow for easier repair to the scuttle.
http://i74.photobucket.com/albums/i260/ianking82/x224wsg/8.jpg

Whilst the car has no front end on it I thought it would be an ideal time to steam clean the engine. Particularly as Graeme has a hot jet wash that goes up to 90degrees.
All engine bay and inner arches at the front done. Megs super degreaser and various brushes made light work of it

Engine before
http://i74.photobucket.com/albums/i260/ianking82/x224wsg/6A.jpg
http://i74.photobucket.com/albums/i260/ianking82/x224wsg/3.jpg

afters

Its no wonder these things rust as they have hardly any paint on the inner wings

http://i74.photobucket.com/albums/i260/ianking82/x224wsg/15.jpg
http://i74.photobucket.com/albums/i260/ianking82/x224wsg/13.jpg
http://i74.photobucket.com/albums/i260/ianking82/x224wsg/12.jpg
http://i74.photobucket.com/albums/i260/ianking82/x224wsg/11.jpg
http://i74.photobucket.com/albums/i260/ianking82/x224wsg/10.jpg

[GCA3N]

That is incredible great results man, is there no end to your talents.

[Craig]

Getting there Ian. :thumbs up:

[Scottie]

well you are very lucky then and your car musnt have had any corossion in it.
Minis didnt even get an ncap rating.

Yeah I was it was restored by my Dad for my first car. What he didn't know about building cars was not worth knowing. Ask me one day about him.

[MrMischief]

Time for the Curley carbon front end :yes nod:

It's progressing well :thumbs up:

[ianking]

Time for the Curley carbon front end :yes nod:

It's progressing well :thumbs up:

Nah its all going to be proper OEM, just as it left the factory. Spent a fortune getting the proper Rover panels. Not using any cheap poorly made copies.

I like my classic minis to look as original as poss.
Only thing that I will change is the side repeaters from orange to clear as Im not a fan of the orange.

[Crombers]

Nah its all going to be proper OEM, just as it left the factory.
I like my classic minis to look as original as poss.
Only thing that I will change is the side repeaters from orange to clear as Im not a fan of the orange.

By staying OEM I'd assume that you'll also get more for the car ££££ when you decide to move it on

[ianking]

By staying OEM I'd assume that you'll also get more for the car ££££ when you decide to move it on

Thats what I tend to think anyway and when looking at the autotrader all the late coopers that are as they came get more money than ones that have been changed.
Certainly worked that way for me with the last 2 late coopers.

[Duncan Stewart]

Great work Ian. Your pics are tempting me to restore another classic - must resist :smilewinkgrin:

[ianking]

Another update.

Graeme has welded the new front end on

http://i74.photobucket.com/albums/i260/ianking82/x224wsg/16.jpg

Then on Saturday the car got into primer and the roof went into colour

http://i74.photobucket.com/albums/i260/ianking82/x224wsg/18.jpg

http://i74.photobucket.com/albums/i260/ianking82/x224wsg/17.jpg

Rest of car should be going into colour this week. I will then be machine polishing it all to flatten it then bring it to shine. Graeme will then fit the stripes and decals then I can get it home and slowly clean everything and build it back together. Aim to have it taxed and tested at the start of May.

[Craig]

Nice one ! Oh to have the time, money, friends and space to do one myself ;)

[ianking]

Nice one ! Oh to have the time, money, friends and space to do one myself ;)

Its OK Craig, I will be your friend. :p

[Crombers]

Well I ain't giving you any money :rolleyes:

[baptie]

great progress

[Scottie]

great pics, it's like watching overhaulin:thumbs up:

[ianking]

Finally got the car back from being painted.
Been cleaning everything and putting it together.

http://i74.photobucket.com/albums/i260/ianking82/x224wsg/19.jpg

Interior going in
http://i74.photobucket.com/albums/i260/ianking82/x224wsg/20A.jpg

Got a chance to do more last night
http://i74.photobucket.com/albums/i260/ianking82/x224wsg/21A.jpg

Put a battery in it the other day after wiring and plumbing the car back up and it started first turn. Hadnt been turned over for about 7 or 8 months.

[Stewart]

The wee car is looking good.

Was it a case of string and washing up liquid, I remember the Windows going back in my friends.

[baptie]

Looking good

[ianking]

The wee car is looking good.

Was it a case of string and washing up liquid, I remember the Windows going back in my friends.

Yeah thats exactly how the front and rear screens were put in. Took two of us though. Not an easy job.

[Gismo]

Good stuff Ian, soon be back on the road

[Scottie]

looks great

[J66NY H]

looking good

[audrey]

Looks great

[Stewart]

Yeah thats exactly how the front and rear screens were put in. Took two of us though. Not an easy job.

Your talking to the original second set of hands here with regards to mini rebuilding, not mechanical minded at all but I do a mean “hold this and press this” when need be. :smilewinkgrin:

[ELFMAN]

Ian 'Chip Foose' King!

If my garage wasn't full of my dear Mum's Pug 106 (which I'm running about in these days), I'd be sorely tempted... not often you can buy a Classic and be totally sure it's a top-notch car. If it was Pepper white with a Black roof I'd be tempted beyond control!

Well done Ian, looking forward to seeing the finished article.

[Craig]

Looking Good Ian ;) can't wait to see the finished article :yes nod:

[ajamesj]

Looking good mine is a long way fromt his stage yet

[ianking]

Well thats it finished.

Went for an MOT on Fri after work and then got it Taxed on Sat morning. Been out in it a couple times since.

Some pics from Fri before taking it for the MOT.

http://i74.photobucket.com/albums/i260/ianking82/x224wsg/IMG_0001.jpg

http://i74.photobucket.com/albums/i260/ianking82/x224wsg/IMG_0007.jpg

http://i74.photobucket.com/albums/i260/ianking82/x224wsg/IMG_0008.jpg

http://i74.photobucket.com/albums/i260/ianking82/x224wsg/IMG_0010.jpg

http://i74.photobucket.com/albums/i260/ianking82/x224wsg/IMG_0013.jpg

http://i74.photobucket.com/albums/i260/ianking82/x224wsg/IMG_0022.jpg

http://i74.photobucket.com/albums/i260/ianking82/x224wsg/IMG_0034.jpg

http://i74.photobucket.com/albums/i260/ianking82/x224wsg/IMG_0023.jpg

And a pic of the under floor. Almost burnt my eyes out degreasing and cleaning this as forgot to wear goggles when lying under the car spraying chemicals, but at least its all clean.
http://i74.photobucket.com/albums/i260/ianking82/x224wsg/IMG_0029.jpg

Pic of the car at the MOT station.
http://i74.photobucket.com/albums/i260/ianking82/x224wsg/mot.jpg

[GP BILLY]

:thumbs up:Wee cars looking ace Ian:thumbs up: you have done a great job, look
forward to seeing it on the Thistle Run

[ianking]

Fingers crossed I make the thistle run as my mate has now said he may have his stag doo the night before. I wont be in much of a state to drive if he has it on the Sat night. Ive got ther car entered though just incase I can make it.

[GCA3N]

Well done Ian very very nice, :thumbs up:

[Bazthemod]

Outstanding.... miss my classic :( but i dont miss the constant fear of rust lol

[Stewart]

What a great wee car.. I think it would just be great opening a garage and seeing an original like that.

[Crombers]

I take my hat off to you Mr King, top notch :clap:

[Scottie]

well done it looks amazing

[Craig]

Superb work Ian.... Mind and let me know when your selling ;)

[ELFMAN]

Absolutely spot on Ian! Make your next 'Classic' project an Old English/Pepper White with a Black roof and I'll have it.

[audrey]

Looks brilliant WELL DONE

[Gismo]

Exactly as i expected it to be Ian, top job mate, good on ya for keeping another classic on the road :thumbs up:

[zimbo]

Awesome job Ian :clap: I still miss my classic, but like Baz I dont miss the thought of imminent rust appearing... hats off to you :thumbs up:

[euan]

Looks awesome ian, lovely car.

(I'm off to measure the dimensions of the garage...)

[RyanK]

Love it Ian!

[Hamish]

Look great Ian... top job! :D

[ianking]

Thanks folks.

[baptie]

can I drop my Paul Smith off with a new front end and get it back in the same condition as yours?.......:yes nod:

P{roper Job

[ianking]

can I drop my Paul Smith off with a new front end and get it back in the same condition as yours?.......:yes nod:

P{roper Job

Could sort something out for a small fee :smilewinkgrin::smilewinkgrin:

[ajamesj]

Looking amazing making me want to work on mine 24 hrs a day to get it finished hopefully I can get it done in time for the summer season

[N16SHP]

Stunning is the only thing I can say Ian! Sounds like an excuse to maybe get my car detailed by you just to see it lol!!!

[norrie]

Looking good.
I wouldn't mind doing another classic Mini but don't have the room or the time.
Here is the last one I did way back in 96/97.
It was featured in the December edition of Mini World 1997.

http://i93.photobucket.com/albums/l75/norried/Mini/scan0004.jpg
http://i93.photobucket.com/albums/l75/norried/Mini/scan0005.jpg
http://i93.photobucket.com/albums/l75/norried/Mini/scan0022.jpg
http://i93.photobucket.com/albums/l75/norried/Mini/scan0021.jpg
http://i93.photobucket.com/albums/l75/norried/Mini/scan0018.jpg

[Duncan Stewart]

:thumbs up: Great work Ian :cool: