CCRR take on all sorts of body, and mechanical, work but specialise in classic Minis. In mid-November work began on this Rover Mini Sprite, which was in need of restoration.
strip down
All internal and external parts were removed and safely stored for the restoration duration.
The scuttle was rather crusty. The customer opted for a new Heritage scuttle .
The boot looked clean at first glance. Sadly some tell-tale rust had appeared below the fuel tank (not pictured).
Doors, boot lid and all trim was removed.
strip down continued
The offside sill, where it meets the bulkhead, was in rough shape. Previous welds, aka MOT Welds, were not pretty and even had gaps that were trapping water.
The drivers side was similar. Note the rust holes present around the fresh air vent.
A closer look at the fresh air vent and inner wing.
Scuttle removed
welding and bodywork
Once stripped down the car there was a clear path forward. The sills were removed and replaced first, followed by work to rectify holes drilled for sport pack arches by a previous owner. The rear valance was replaced; as was the scuttle, closing panels, front wings and A-Panels. These were replaced with Heritage supplied by the customer and other parts such as the inner sills were fabricated in-house.
The drivers inner wheel arch had mountains of old weld, with large gaps. This was cut out and new metal was welded in its place.
After, all neat and red-oxide covered for added rust protection.
The fresh air vent on the drivers side was crusty. This was sanded back, cut out and new metal welded in.
These holes were drilled in a past life (previous owner syndrome) and plugged with filler. These were drilled out and carefully welded up.
Trial fit of Wood and Pickett style arches.
New outer sill, complete with jacking point.
New inner sill.
A-panels installed.
New rear valance attached.
Front end fitted and ready for preparation.
Trial fit of arches. The front wings were cut to accommodate larger wheels with a new lip for a factory look and rigidity. (note new cones have also been installed; so it’s riding a little high).
Coming next
This week the bodywork will be prepared for the respray. The mini will then have a full exterior respray in its original blue with a black roof for contrast.
