Start of the Restoration

After the sandblasting, the real work begins. I cut off the front fenders and front panel, both inner and outer A panels. I replaced both inner fender panels. I put in a new companion box as well as part of the rear floor and driver's front floor. I redid the rear valance and rear driver's side quarter panel and lower door frame. Inner and outer sills on driver's side were also replaced. Check out the progress. Many thanks to my friend, Jeff, the welder!

The Rotisserie

Shortly after starting my work on the Mini, I discovered I would need to work on all parts of the Mini. To make things easier for me, I made a rotisserie for my Mini. It took me about a month to build, but was well worth the effort and time. A few trips to the metal salvage yard, and Home Depot for wood and hardware, and many trips to the airport hanger (where I work) to use the drill press, completed my spit. The metal rod runs through the engine bay to the trunk area. It is supported on the bulk head and the shock towers. I can spin my Mini any direction I need to complete the restoration work. It is also on casters, so I can move it around easily.

The First Restoration

The person I bought the Mini Cooper from started his own restoration. Basically the car was painted and about 70% complete. No real detail work was attempted. A lot of rust issues were not addressed. The car did not run when I brought it to Arizona. I disassembled the car when I got home after assessing the condition of the car and decided to start over. Here are some pictures of the condition it was in after I disassembled it, and before I sent it to be sandblasted.

Radius Wheel for Sport Pack Look

Interior Roof

Dash
Engine Bay


Trunk
Rear Wheel Well

History of the 1966 Cooper

The mini was imported to Canada after assembly in England. It was sold to the original owner who was from Independence, Oregon. It was sold incorrectly as a 1967 Mini Coooper. The second owner was from Independence, as well. It was then sold to a buyer in Salem, Oregon. He started an attempt at restoring the Mini. I purchased it from him in February of 2006. Here are some more pictures of what the Mini looked like before the restoration was started. Original color: Tartan Red, with black roof. Interior: Red with gold brocade.

Trunk

Engine

Front Fender

Lower Hinge of outer "A" panel