Slow day at work
So i've now got the mini in to the workshop to commence restoration. I'm clear on every aspect of what i wish to achieve in terms of keeping patina, engine spec etc but i have a question needing opinion just to confirm if im a bit nuts or nearly normal
The car has original engine and running gear but the shell is a reshell (cooper s) but many years ago so the car is not totally original as it left the factory but then very few are. It has Heritage certificate and this was confirmed by BMH prior to purchase.
As a 68 mk2 s it has the larger rear lights but i really do prefer the smaller MK1 lights and if i'm going to go this route now is the time. I'm not sure if value will be massively affected and i suppose swapping back in the future won't be a huge job so should I go retro or should i stay faithful to the MK2 look?
Here's the MK1 rear
https://www.carandclassic.co.uk/car/C1068138
Here's the MK2
https://www.carandclassic.co.uk/car/C1156743
I know some on here have Mini's as well as Sevens so waddyer thoughts
Purely a personal opinion but stay Mk2 then everything matches. The larger rear window on the Mk2 needs the larger lights and the rear badging would not match either. The shape of the rear is different on each mark so swapping back would be a weld and repaint job so not too simple for most.
If you were rebuilding a 'lookalike' Cooper S then anything would be OK but as it is the genuine article I feel 'factory original' is the better option.
How are you dealing with the Hydrolastic issue?
We had a 1968 Cooper but my wife made me rationalise our Mini fleet when we purchased our first 7. I suppose 5 Minis was a little excessive.
We still have our 1992 Rover Mini Italian Job and thanks to Waxoil it is still in perfect condition.
I have the BMC workshop and parts manuals if you need any info from them please ask.
Enjoy building you own pension pot as I am confident the value will hold for you.
R.I.P. SLR No.27.
I think keep mk2 lights - small personal compromise in the scheme of things.
Just pondering MM’s comments - would a significant increase in value of a car be subject to capital gains?
WB - can we have some pics or link to a blog on your chosen mini forum?
Good luck
Ian
Increase in car value not currently subject to CGT as its classed as transport.
No MOT No Tax F/C insurance £90
Don't do big miles very often and have transporter for taht so its a no brainer for me
I'll keep the MK2 lights
I will sort pics soon as poss
I think from memory car is converted to cone. Can't remember as i've been nailing it everywhere and paid it no mind. I'll check it when i get started.
May need account at Bull Motif in oxon
TMF - http://www.theminiforum.co.uk/forums/
As well as Bullmotif you might find this little lot useful ....
Minispares: http://www.minispares.com/ (7.5% discount if you subscribe to TMF - £5/yr).
Somerford Mini: https://www.somerfordmini.co.uk/
Minisport: https://www.minisport.com/
Caterham and Lotus Seven Club Leadership Team Member
The register for all numbered limited-edition Caterhams ....... www.thecaterhamregister.net ...... www.instagram.com/thecaterhamregister
Good man, you know it makes sense.
If you need any info at any point send me a private message and I will see if my 'archive' can help.
R.I.P. SLR No.27.
Had a lovely 970 cc Cooper S years ago wish I still had it ,,there making a fortune now ,,mind you also had a lotus sunbeam. Mexico ,and an Audi Quattro ,,better investment than putting money in the bank ,,,then you get married have kids ,,,grandkids flying out like shelling peas ,,,,then your bloody skint ,,thinking the new CRV Honda is a lovely car which Kay drives ,me and my poor old dog have to do with a merc Vito van ,,
derek
sod the bloody garden of for a walk on the beach with the dog
Now just to rub it in got married in 1973 had a lovely MGB soft top ,,kay said best sell it will need money buy small cheaper car which I did the Cooper S,,after we got married bloke I was working with wanted the mini ,,,so he gave me a wad of cash and his car
a light blue Austin 1100. ,,, can things get any worse
thought it may put a smile on your face as it brings a tear to my eye
derek
had a lovely 67 B roadster in my youth and midgets.
somerford mini have a poor website and for personal reasons of loyalty i won't use them
minispares are good but its quicker to get stuff from china
bull motif are also cheaper
Haven't tried minisport.
Replacement high back recliners are £700 jeez. trying to aim to complete for my birthday at the end of march. Quicker than project binky
I would keep it all as Mk11.
iI think you will find that there are less Mk11s than MK 1.
I have always used Somerford ( they are close to me) when i had my gt . At least Heritage panels do fit.
I was looking at one of the ex works cars recently and the guy who worked on it originally said re shelled it several times.