MK1 cooper restoration (TURBO)
Turbo Mini Forums

Recently started work on my mini, its a 1966 mk1 cooper in OEW with a black roof. Had it for around four years and not done much other than take it apart.

Needs a little work as one of the subframe mounts on the bulkhead had rusted and already taken a wing off to replace. Been lurking around on hear for ages with the odd post and really feel that turbo is the way to go :). Most probably going to go remote as I dont want to be chopping the body up.

Big confession!
Even though im obsessed with mini's I have never driven or been driven in one and the only one I have sat in is the shell of mine so need to get cracking.

Crappy phone pic of how it looks at the minute.

Adrian

Looks good, I had an oew 66 cooper 998 too! Well it was grey when I had it...

well with lots of hard work etc your dream will happen!

you are only a stone throw from the Benross HQ so if you want a natter come on over for a brew and a sit in my turbo mini ....... may be i will take you out for a spin........... but not as fast as Tom Fenton drives or john harper ............. they realy do shit me up .........lol

Im keeping the 998 to one side at the minute as got some bits to build a 1298 which seeme the way to go.

Need to let my lass know that I need to start spending some cash . I originally used some of our house deposit to buy it with!

Looks like a nice little project!

https://www.facebook.com/pages/Fusion-Fabri..._homepage_panel

www.fusionfabs.co.uk



1/4mile in 13.2sec @ 111 terminal on 15psi

looks like a solid enough basis; now get on with it!

If something is worth doing, it's worth doing half of.

I wouldnt-Steve is a fast driver but a nervous passenger!

On 5th Oct, 2014 Shauna said:
What that's crazy, you go commando hahaha! How heavy is your helmet ?

You're right Oli. First time he took me out in the ballistic banana I needed a change of kecks.

When I took him out in the van of doom on 6psi he had his foot up on the dash in the brace position! lol

If something is worth doing, it's worth doing half of.

yes your right a Very Bad passenger.

i have been in 2 other cars over the years in the 1970 when the piled it up with me in big time...................... so understandable

Ok Steve ,was only jesting, I can see why that would make anyone nervous


Sorry, just to say whilst Im hijacking looks like this is going to a great project-best of luck with it!

Edited by oli79 on 27th Jul, 2011.

On 5th Oct, 2014 Shauna said:
What that's crazy, you go commando hahaha! How heavy is your helmet ?

Yep you told me about you having a smash or 2.
I was only jesting as I'm sure you know.

If something is worth doing, it's worth doing half of.

i know, gents ......lol

Looks good, I do like Mk1/2 Coopers. I've got a 69 that I will get round to doing some day. Which engine are you using? You could use the 998 Cooper engine with dished pistons and keep it subtle or maybe a 1300 block which wold still look 'correct'. If you are thinking of using an A+ block would you use a remote gearbox? It is quite possible with not a lot of effort. What are your plans for the interior / exterior? It would be cool to keep it standard for the sleeper look but that's just my opinion!

Not thought about gearbox yet, need to make a big thing to do list.
Going to keep it standard ish looking/ period retro.

Looks good mate.

I have started posting on Instagram also my name on there is turbomk1golf

Nothing is impossible it just costs more and takes longer.

Have fun with the restoration. Biggest mini regret I have is selling FHU 850D a 1966 Mk1 OEW with black roof 998cc Cooper :(
If you haven't yet popped round to Steves I would recommend you do.
M

I get told that by a lot of people. My grandads biggest regret is selling his ss100 ( 1st production car to do 100 mph!) To help pay for his wedding, he also had a bristol 401 that was. later owned by the aston Martin guy, think its david brown. Both fetch well over 100 grand nowdays.

The worst part of my cooper .

Anyone know the best way to fix this?

Get a wire wheel on your grinder and drill and clean all the rust and gunk of, see what it's like underneath. It doesn't look too bad from the picture.

Mini Machine list a repair panel that is just the end bit of the bulkhead crossmember and also the bracket between the bulkhead and inner wing. But better you than me

Thats my job for today, just need to find my wire wheels in my very messy shed.

Anyone any tips for removing that bracket on rear subframe that holds the arm on? already smakd my fingers trying to get bolts off.