Minitim's Clubby - Blaze

[minitim]

The subframe looked so good that there was no way I could re-assemble using the bolts, nuts, washers and compoments as they were.
So these were duly sent for re-plating, and I was pleasantly surprised with the results.





One word of advice for anyone contemplating to do this. Make sure you take photos or make record of everything you sent.
I on more than one occasion has to go back as not all the parts were returned to me again afterwards, and they had to search the baths for them.

One of the suspension trumpets was cracked, so it was a good excuse to get adjustable suspension in too!





All the rubber stops were perished and these also needed replacement while all was out



Finally all was assembled, and was pretty happy with the end result.

[Vinay-RS]

That subframe looks stunning. The electroplating process is definitely the way to go with those parts.

[minitim]

Thanks Vinay. Generally cast iron does not take too well to plating, but can say that it still looks good and stands out a bit more than just painting.

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While the body was bare, the underside was treated to a layer of stonechip so as to protect the under shell as best possible from stones and corrosion.
This was applied using a conventional spray gun with a large tip to ensure that a nice thick layer goes on.





Once this was all good and dry, the wheel wells were colour coded to match the rest of the body.



The steering rack also received to TLC with new boots and paint

[minitim]

The problem when going through all the trouble of cleaning up and re-painting everything, is that any part
that is not done, will stick out like a sore thumb!

Window wiper mechanism before





Back in its place

[Vinay-RS]

Gosh, that does look stunning. Never seen a wiper motor that looks like it is brand new on a mini before.

[JAYO]

Gosh, that does look stunning. Never seen a wiper motor that looks like it is brand new on a mini before.

We have mini owners who have amazing skills!

Love a red car and even more so the attention that this is getting which may have not been needed. Flawless Base pic Tim. Please continue and keep up the great work!

[minitim]

Turning back to the heart of the Clubby.

With the spec for the engine determined, it was time to source the required parts.
Fortunately after all was measured by the Engineering firm, the crank was perfect, and thus they only gave the journals a light polish.



That was fantastic news, as the crank had no wear on the nose for the flywheel, and made purchasing std bearings for everything much easier.







It also gave me peace of mind that should something happen in the cranks later life, there was scope to rectify any issues with the appropriate next size bearing.

The pistons and new rings



Cam Followers



And pretty much new everything else relating to the motor build

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Once all was returned from Engineering, the fun started with the block prep and assembly.





Centre Main Strap



Cam and Oil pump

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The all important timing gear



Refurbished timing cover

Before


After


And some more bits and bobs that were re-plated

[minitim]

With the motor coming along nicely, I was fortunate to pick up another gem, a MG Metro slanted fin rocker cover.
As with many things, it was also in a sorry state and needed a fair amount of prep work to get it decent looking.





With a little bit of vision, elbow grease and paint, it was brought back to life, and really compliments the engine.



The end Result!



The gearbox was also given a good once over, and the obligatory cnetral oil pickup installed





Gearbox casing with new paint



The final Result

[Vinay-RS]

That is the most beautiful engine I have ever seen!

[minitim]

Thanks for the kind words Vinay