1997 Mini MPI into a MK1 Lookie Likey

[mercwagonman]

Well another quick profit maker...turns into a keeper.....A very clean 97 MPI Mini, it needed a bulb, and 2 small patches and a valance repair...

Well the valence came off....it had to, ...got to do the job proper like!...and then, well I just got carried away!...the pics say it all!

[mercwagonman]

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Where am I going?.....its only been in the garage 15min![/div]

[mercwagonman]

Mk 1 back light units to go in....well I did have a white mk1 many moons ago...and I have to paint the valance anyway...just paint the rear panel!...

[mercwagonman]

!

[mercwagonman]

[mercwagonman]

The boot didnt look right....not , mk1 enough...so thought...well paint the boot, after a little metal work....

Mark it up with the marker...cut carefully....



And see how it fits...not bad for a 1st guess, and the panel was quite a good shape..shame the boot was already full of pug from a previous shunt...



And tack it on....slowly. Spread the heat!

[mercwagonman]

Well that was some of day one....I had 4 days to get it all done...and then , I got carried away...little worm of rust under the paint...I will pop out the rear window....

Well I can blend in the gutters.....side windows out...oh , and here we go!...


Mod that bonnet...lip removed..and no holding out now...it might as well get the full treatment, it is only day 1.

[markgenesis]

Great stuff so far, are you going to convert it to 10" wheels ?, also would be great if you converted the doors to external hinges, will also need a right hand filler cap (even if it's just a dummy neck and cap)

[steveg]

Minis look so much better with MK1 lights. I once had the rear corners off a MK1 to fit rear light to my car but ended up letting someone else have them.
Could I ask where you got the panels from ?

[mercwagonman]

All the Mini places do patch panels, or conversions...these are from mini spares, the hinges...thats just a step too far, cant be assed, its a 5 day marathon , bit of fun!, and I have the twin tank, but this is not a "s" lookie likey, its a cooper lookie likey!

[mercwagonman]

So...end of day ! all filled, sealed, and masking to start.....oh sod it , might as well paint the whole thing!

All masked up....

And the start of day 2...

[MrOtter]

Blimey, how fast do you work?! Cracking progress, I like what you're doing with this as it reminds me of what I did with my 92 City E! I look forward to seeing the finished article.

[wheeler]

Thats some proper fast jobbing!

[steveg]

Thanks for the reply about the panels. When I finally dig mine out of it's resting place I might do something similar.
Looks like you will be finished by the weekend !

[mercwagonman]

First the primer coat...after etching all bare metal, and red leading all the new bits...and seam seal...Minis do one thing well...RUST!

And just to decide what color to paint it?...well 15 years ago my mk1 cooper lookie likey, it was a real mk1, rusted away for the last time, and in its memory I decided....to



Go old english white..

[mercwagonman]

Not bad for a home job!...well chuffed

[rayboogs]

Cracking work mate. That paint looks awesome.

[darrenh]

love the work ! the wheels are natty, where are they from ?

[mercwagonman]

So body painted....might as well do the bit I intended to in the first place!

[joem83]

Is this not finished yet...


Amazing pace your working at, I would still be staring at it wondering what to break first.