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As per above its certainly had some identity change at some point, if I were you I would double check that the number on that plate rivetted to the slam panel matches what the logbook says. Otherwise you could be in a very sticky situation if anyone e.g. plod or vosa ever inspect the car for any reason.

Subfame not too bad just filthy, a bit of surface rust present too... was thinking about powder coating possibly?




These were the brakes that came off, anyone recognise them? What make?

Brakes are 8.4" 2 pots as fitted to all 1984 onwards cars.

That's a tower bolt type frame, so the shell is '76 - 81.

Ok, concern starts to creep in. I have checked the logbook numbers against the slam panel plate which checks. Anywhere else on the car I could find some markings?

Love your wagon, definitely looks the part of a modified estate with so much potential for it to be customized. Tub the arches, drop it low with a wide set of arches and enjoy it to the fullest. I personally like it the colour that it is but what are your plans for the final look and colour of your little toy? In regards to your subframe, I'd strengthen it, lighten it and then paint it a contrasting colour to your final choice rather than powdercoat it, as if the powder gets chipped and moisture finds it's way inside, your subframe will rot without you even noticing it but then again that's only my personal opinion on it.

Good luck with your build mate.

Edited by Miniac on 20th Mar, 2013.

Life is always a matter of opinion and quite frankly, no ones opinion really matters.

it is easy enough to swap the vin plates so the numbers are probably matching.

not sure about all models but i'm sure there is also a vin or body number stamped into the bonnet gutter rail than runs along the scuttle. I know my estate does.

I thought they didn't get vins on the scuttle until the early 80s. My 78 car doesn't have one.

Yeah, just been out to check the numbers again.. Everything matches so I guess there is not too much else I can do? I'll just have to put it down to being heavily modified, not much else i can say? I can see it would be very easy to change the numbers from car to car.

Thanks Miniac... I think I will tub the arches but I'm new to welding so may have to get a helping hand when the time comes, there will defo be wide arches on it! Final colour I'm not sure on yet, I was thinking of changing it as its getting completely stripped but I think it looks pretty cool in black so we'll see, I'm forever changing ideas anyway!! Yeah I'll take your subframe ideas on board, that makes sense. When you say strengthen, how would you do that?

Would it be fair to say that these were the brakes fitted to MG metros? The guy I brought it from said that's what he took them off.

Although, it would seem that he has told me one or two porkies already.

the brakes are mini, not metro. The metros all had 4-pot calipers

Thanks Rob... And before anyone asks, when i brought it, no I didn't meet him in a field somewhere littered with caravans!

Full of shite springs to mind!

A bit of an update... I have been busy pulling the mini apart. I have it up on axle stands now, rear wheels are off and next job is to get the rear subframe out.



Took the rear doors off too, when shut they don't close flush properly, the drivers side sticks out about 6mm at the top. I reckon its down to the door seals, they are a bit fooked looking so will need changing.



Finding more bits of rust here and there, most of it looks to be surface rust but there are quite a few bits that are deeper and will need cutting out and replacing with new panels or sheet metal.

Tried to clean up the engine bay earlier on this year, stripped the paint, cleaned it, prepped it and then painted the drivers side of it. Even after a few weeks in the garage there were still a few bits of surface rust coming through again, looks like I'll have to go back to the drawing board on this one.

Rear subframe is a bit battered in fairness, quite a few years of rust and shite showing.
I think I will tub the arches, I wasn't too sure if I was going to but I'm sure it will look pretty cool at the end.



Looking underneath the car, generally the condition is not too bad. Someone, at some stage, has welded in both front left & right foot wells. They didn't do it too well so I'm thinking I'll replace them also at some point. The rear valance is also suffering from rust and corroded pretty bad.. Its quite hard to see the real state of the underneath on the stands, I was thinking about rigging up one of those spits so I can rotate it when it is a complete bare shell, it would be easier to work on also.

Has anyone on here made one of those spits? Easy enough to rig up? I have seen some on ebay but don't really fancy paying £300 for one.

Ok so a bit more... pulled off the rear subframe, it was fairly battered looking. Considered making a spit to rotate the car but thought it'd be cheaper to prop it up on its side... so i did.

looking good what plans do you have engine wise

Done now needs redoing lol

So the underneath is not too clever looking, someone has got at it before with a welder.. Stevie Wonder by the looks of it!
Both front floor pans have been done quite poorly, quite clear to see they are not flush at all... they have overlapped the metal so it all looks a bit gash really!



Now I'm no welder but I wouldn't be happy with that job. I'll have to practice my welding because they'll have to be replaced, along with the sills I guess...



Sorry about the photo quality, took them on the phone and couldn't get rid of the glare.



Below you can see the sort of rot I'm up against, the heel board, rear arches and just above the valance below the lights. I have my work cut out!

Anyone looking for a new jack, check out this beauty.. got it in 'costco' last month, paid £107, worth every penny! A pleasure to use!

Looking at the body, it is all pretty standard stuff to be honest. Practice makes perfect!

So today I had a knock at the door, my knackered old engine had arrived back from Dr. BENROSS with a new lease of life. So finally, after a million and one private messages back and forth here she is...





Fantastic engineering on Steve's behalf, well chuffed... happy as a pig in shite in fact!!