Original 1275GT Rebuild

[Vinay-RS]

They have done a good job with the parcel shelf, it looks seamless.

[Jared Mk3]

They have done a good job with the parcel shelf, it looks seamless.

They definitely have. That was one of my biggest bugbears.

[Jared Mk3]

She is now in paint! Still some things to sort out and finish off properly, but it looks good so far. We got as close as possible to the original Protea White. I wasn't able to get a code for the colour and the panelshop preferred the idea of using an existing colour code, rather than matching to original paint, for ease of paint mixing down the line etc. This was matched to the best option available on the colour charts - it's so close, there is nearly no difference.

Very happy so far :

[Jared Mk3]

At last, the car is ready to come home! Last few bits were sorted out and neatened up. I'm happy with the work that was done and can't wait to get the car home. Arrangements are being made for collection shortly. I really need to get the front subframe together now . . .

[The_confused_clubman_25]

At last, the car is ready to come home! Last few bits were sorted out and neatened up. I'm happy with the work that was done and can't wait to get the car home. Arrangements are being made for collection shortly. I really need to get the front subframe together now . . .

Looking amazing, was just curious as to what the paint code is for the protea white because i think my minis original colour was that.

[Jared Mk3]

At last, the car is ready to come home! Last few bits were sorted out and neatened up. I'm happy with the work that was done and can't wait to get the car home. Arrangements are being made for collection shortly. I really need to get the front subframe together now . . .

Looking amazing, was just curious as to what the paint code is for the protea white because i think my minis original colour was that.

I couldn't find the exact code for Protea White. I had to use a modern "equivalent" that is so close it's hard to tell the difference. Here is the info :

Glasurit 850 Yellower
Formula 254-10
Pepper White

[Jared Mk3]

I haven't spent too much time on this car in the last couple of months - work commitments and time just haven't been on my side. I also wanted the paint to 'cure' slowly before I start adding bits. I want to polish the car at some stage too before I add too much. It's still sat under the plastic cover that was provided by the paint shop, so it's dust free and protected.

Anyway, in the meantime, I made a start on the upper control arms. I started with some really grimy parts :



While cleaning, I noticed that the LHS arm was quite badly worn where the knuckle locates, which necessitated the need for a replacement. I just wasn't happy from a safety standpoint. I found a suitable replacement from Doug in Pinetown and fitted new kits to both arms, along with new shock pins and grease nipples. I reused the original rubber dust shields rather than the new items. I don't trust the quality of rubber products and the originals were near mint, so it was a no-brainer.

I ended up with these :



And lastly, today, I started fitting the tail lamps. New screws and seals were used here, but the quality of the lamp to body seal leaves much to be desired . . .

[Jared Mk3]

It's been a while, but I decided to try and make some progress today. I did a 'light' refurb on the steering column. I decided not to repaint the column and brackets, just give everything a nice coat of polish to give it some life again. I did the same with the cowling pieces, which were in surprisingly good condition. Lastly, I fitted some new bushes into the column; the old ones were a little worn, with the nylon bush being quite brittle. Replacing the bushes was a rather frustrating job :

[Jared Mk3]

Pulled finger and made a little progress on this today. Fitted up the brake and fuel lines, before throwing the steering rack on. Nothing has been tightened up yet - need to put the steering column and wheel in first. Decided to fit a new front to rear brake pipe. Quite tempted to replace all the hard lines now. Just need to make some progress on the front frame so I can fit that as well :

[Jared Mk3]

2020 didn't see much progress on this car. The front subframe was supposed to be my lockdown project, but other work/cars got in the way of that. Made some decent progress in terms of finishing the subframe assembly :



I do need to get some split washers for the CVs and have a new brake hardline made up, but otherwise it was time to fit to the car :



I haven't tightened anything up properly yet - I need to get some washers for the new mounting bolts that I thought I had had already. There's something about a straight valence and a subframe that isn't body colour :