ARCHIVE : Click here for list of all blog posts (Sorted new to old)

• Jan 06, 2025 - Huge delay in Mini progress
• Jun 16, 2024 - High Build Primer
• Apr 21, 2024 - Underbody Work & Transport Dolly
• Mar 24, 2024 - Seam sealer
• Feb 25, 2024 - Fitment checks
• Jan 28, 2024 - Flares / Arches
• Dec 17, 2023 - Filler & sanding Part 5 (Shell & panels)
• Oct 22, 2023 - Filler & sanding Part 4 (Panels)
• Sep 24, 2023 - Filler & sanding Part 3 (Shell)
• Aug 27, 2023 - Filler & sanding Part 2 (Shell)
• Jul 30, 2023 - Filler & sanding Part 1 (Shell)
• Jul 02, 2023 - Painting epoxy primer on panels and parts
• May 07, 2023 - Painting epoxy primer on the Mini shell
• Mar 26, 2023 - Bodywork & Panel Alignment
• Feb 12, 2023 - Fixing bad rust repairs
• Dec 18, 2022 - Removing Etch Primer & Surface Rust
• Oct 23, 2022 - Body work
• Sep 25, 2022 - Final welding on the shell
• Aug 28, 2022 - Final Subframe modifications
• Jul 31, 2022 - Cabin & door wiring final layout
• Jul 03, 2022 - Misc engine bay work Part 3
• Jun 05, 2022 - Misc engine bay work Part 2
• May 08, 2022 - Misc engine bay work Part 1
• Apr 10, 2022 - All new engine bay brake, clutch lines
• Mar 13, 2022 - Oil separator hoses, Guard liners, Brake caliper hoses
• Feb 13, 2022 - Layshaft mount, Oil leak, Alternator alignment
• Jan 16, 2022 - Coolant lines, Clutch line, Accelerator cable
• Dec 19, 2021 - 3D Printing
• Nov 28, 2021 - Misc items before removing engine
• Oct 31, 2021 - Post-engine start issues
• Oct 10, 2021 - First engine start
• Sep 19, 2021 - Testing the wiring looms
• Aug 29, 2021 - More accessories and wiring
• Aug 08, 2021 - Wideband, display & locking controllers
• Jul 18, 2021 - Cabin wiring - Toyota Starlet factory loom
• Jun 27, 2021 - Door jamb wiring
• Jun 06, 2021 - External hinges, tapered washers & door skins
• May 10, 2021 - Fixing (more) bad body repairs
• Mar 14, 2021 - New TIG welder & Welding cart
• Feb 14, 2021 - Central power locking
• Dec 13, 2020 - Light assemblies & bodywork
• Nov 15, 2020 - New Accessories & other misc parts Part 2
• Oct 18, 2020 - New Accessories & other misc parts Part 1
• Sep 20, 2020 - Custom door cards - Part 2
• Aug 23, 2020 - Custom door cards - Part 1
• Jul 26, 2020 - Final tweaks to front & rear brakes
• Jun 28, 2020 - Custom fuel sender
• May 24, 2020 - Power windows
• May 03, 2020 - Centre console & storage
• Apr 13, 2020 - Custom heater system Part 2
• Mar 22, 2020 - Custom heater system Part 1
• Mar 08, 2020 - Modifying suspension Hi-Lo's
• Feb 23, 2020 - Electric rear quarter window openers
• Jan 27, 2020 - Custom dashboard - Main panel, Instrument cluster, Gauges
• Dec 29, 2019 - Engine bay wiring - Toyota Starlet factory loom & ECU
• Dec 01, 2019 - Radiator hose & Horn changes
• Nov 03, 2019 - Fitting the Toyota Starlet instrument cluster
• Sep 01, 2019 - Stripping the wiring loom
• Aug 04, 2019 - Custom dashboard - Lower panel
• Jul 07, 2019 - Custom Dashboard - Upper panel
• May 05, 2019 - Fitting a Collapsible Steering Column
• Apr 07, 2019 - Some random tasks to complete
• Mar 10, 2019 - Making new custom driveshafts
• Feb 17, 2019 - Measuring custom driveshaft lengths
• Jan 27, 2019 - New front seats (from Hyundai i30)
• Jan 06, 2019 - Final engine bay parts
• Dec 16, 2018 - Replacing the rear panel work
• Dec 02, 2018 - Blog post archive - now available via link in blog page header
• Nov 25, 2018 - Rear storage bin modification
• Nov 04, 2018 - Under the floorpan - Brake line & Battery cables
• Oct 07, 2018 - Under the floorpan - Making the fuel Lines
• Aug 26, 2018 - Roll Cage Joiners for Fuel Line Clearance
• Aug 05, 2018 - Water Pump & inlet hose replacement
• Jul 15, 2018 - Modifying the rotisserie
• Jul 01, 2018 - Tie rod mount fix
• Jun 17, 2018 - Upper radiator hose clearance
• Jun 03, 2018 - Layshaft bracket alignment
• May 20, 2018 - Mounting the last few engine bay parts
• May 06, 2018 - Windscreen wipers & motor
• Apr 22, 2018 - Radiator coolant overflow reservoir
• Apr 08, 2018 - Engine bay battery junction terminal
• Mar 25, 2018 - Cabin heater & hose connections
• Mar 04, 2018 - Gear shifter linkages & cables
• Feb 18, 2018 - Engine steady/stabiliser bar
• Feb 04, 2018 - Accelerator pedal & cable
• Jan 21, 2018 - Alternator cooling duct
• Dec 30, 2017 - Some thoughts on the project so far - 2017...
• Dec 17, 2017 - Provent oil catch can, HDPE fittings for PCV system
• Dec 10, 2017 - Brake booster brace
• Dec 03, 2017 - New welding helmet
• Nov 26, 2017 - Alternator cover and cooling
• Nov 19, 2017 - Remote oil filter mount - Completion
• Nov 12, 2017 - Fuel pump upgrade
• Nov 05, 2017 - Forming smaller tube beads
• Oct 29, 2017 - Sizing the drive belts
• Oct 22, 2017 - Water Pump Tensioner Pulley & Bracket
• Oct 01, 2017 - Intake piping adjustment
• Sep 24, 2017 - Airbox Mounting change
• Sep 17, 2017 - Intercooler mount - Minor update
• Sep 10, 2017 - Intake and Radiator Piping Beads
• Sep 03, 2017 - HDPE plastic recycling for useful machining stock
• Aug 27, 2017 - DIY Magnetic Pickup Tool (Ver. 2)
• Aug 13, 2017 - Exhaust system completed
• Jul 23, 2017 - Dump pipe design update
• Jun 25, 2017 - Custom Rivnut Tools
• Jun 18, 2017 - Tow Ring
• Jun 11, 2017 - Front Subframe Fitting Issue
• May 28, 2017 - Heat Shields for Exhaust Manifold and Turbo
• May 21, 2017 - Sand Blasting Cabinet - First use & Impressions
• May 11, 2017 - DIY Magnetic Pickup Tool
• May 08, 2017 - Accessories Belt Setup Complete
• May 04, 2017 - VH44 Brake booster bracket change
• Apr 30, 2017 - New Sand Blasting Cabinet
• Apr 24, 2017 - Underbody cover and subframe captive nuts
• Apr 17, 2017 - Rear Subframe Final Tasks
• Apr 09, 2017 - Rear sway bar installed
• Apr 02, 2017 - Sway bar woes
• Apr 01, 2017 - Start of rear subframe assembly
• Mar 21, 2017 - Measuring workshop lighting levels
• Jan 31, 2017 - Recent Lathe Work
• Nov 17, 2016 - Blog URL updated
• Nov 11, 2016 - Driving another 4E-FTE conversion
• Aug 31, 2016 - My thoughts on the workshop layout & design
• Aug 25, 2016 - Workshop completion
• May 28, 2016 - Custom Lathe Bench
• May 09, 2016 - New Paint Booth
• May 02, 2016 - Pro Workbench
• Dec 12, 2015 - Workshop work begins
• Oct 12, 2014 - New Workshop Equipment - Lathe
• Jul 24, 2013 - New Man Cave
• Feb 25, 2013 - No updates for quite a while
• Dec 30, 2012 - Engine Dolly
• Aug 26, 2012 - Blow Off Valve
• Aug 06, 2012 - Clutch slave line
• Jul 29, 2012 - Engine Bay Air Pipework
• Jul 15, 2012 - Radiator & Intercooler Mounting Brackets
• Jun 23, 2012 - Remote Oil Filter Mount
• Jun 16, 2012 - Lifting sling to help my back
• Apr 22, 2012 - Brake and Clutch Lines in Engine Bay
• Apr 14, 2012 - Radiator and Intercooler - Fitting
• Mar 12, 2012 - Radiator & Intercooler - Arrived
• Mar 08, 2012 - Ceramic Coated Exhaust Manifold
• Feb 29, 2012 - Airbox with K&N Pod Filter
• Jan 28, 2012 - Wastegate Actuator Mod
• Jan 22, 2012 - Replacement Heat Shield
• Jan 17, 2012 - Radiator & Intercooler - Drawings
• Jan 16, 2012 - Intercooler Design
• Jan 15, 2012 - Radiator Design - Update
• Jan 10, 2012 - Alternator Positioning
• Jan 02, 2012 - Radiator Design
• Dec 18, 2011 - Time off from physical work
• Dec 12, 2011 - Gear Selector Tweak
• Dec 11, 2011 - Gear Shifter Mechanism Mounts
• Nov 27, 2011 - VH44 Brake booster bracket
• Nov 20, 2011 - Seat Mounts (Part 2)
• Nov 13, 2011 - Seat Mounts (Part 1)
• Nov 03, 2011 - More Passivating
• Oct 09, 2011 - Rear Subframe Brake-line redo
• Oct 07, 2011 - EP82 Wiring and Connectors PDF now available
• Sep 24, 2011 - Lincoln 180C MIG Welder
• Aug 07, 2011 - No progress for the next 6 weeks
• Jul 30, 2011 - Rear Subframe Brake Lines
• Jul 18, 2011 - Alternator Mount & Tensioner
• Jul 03, 2011 - Cleaning ICV (Idle Control Valve)
• Jun 28, 2011 - Dump Pipe
• May 15, 2011 - Shell Repairs (2nd time around)
• Apr 03, 2011 - Subframe Now Complete
• Feb 13, 2011 - Lower Control Arm Pin Mount
• Feb 05, 2011 - All Engine Mounts Completed
• Jan 30, 2011 - Rear Starlet Mount - Polyurethane Casted
• Jan 16, 2011 - Modifying rear Starlet mount
• Dec 07, 2010 - Some new functional parts
• Nov 09, 2010 - Holding the engine in place
• Oct 17, 2010 - Finding the final position for the engine
• Oct 10, 2010 - Custom Subframe - Spars and Engine mounts
• Oct 09, 2010 - Shell repairs complete
• Sep 23, 2010 - Custom Subframe - Cutting original subframe
• Sep 15, 2010 - Minis in Mauritus
• Aug 22, 2010 - Replicating the original tie-rod mount locations
• Aug 17, 2010 - Starter motor regrease
• Aug 14, 2010 - Installing new clutch
• Aug 08, 2010 - Split / Divorced Dump Pipe
• Jul 28, 2010 - 4E Timing Belt Change
• Jul 19, 2010 - Engine (mostly) reassembled
• Jul 18, 2010 - How to replace a few other misc seals
• Jul 18, 2010 - Tutorial - Bottom end bearings & main seals
• Jun 29, 2010 - Gold Passivation Complete
• Jun 22, 2010 - Damn Delays...
• Jun 21, 2010 - All engine parts now painted
• Jun 20, 2010 - Prep for passivation
• Jun 06, 2010 - Engine back from blasting
• May 23, 2010 - Petrol tank sizing
• May 19, 2010 - Everything ready for cleaning
• May 17, 2010 - Flywheel off
• May 16, 2010 - Dismantling the engine for clean & paint
• May 13, 2010 - Valve cover off for a quick inspection
• May 04, 2010 - Heater strip & repair
• Apr 18, 2010 - Body repairs - The beginning
• Apr 12, 2010 - Rebuilding rear brakes
• Apr 07, 2010 - Repacking & fitting rear bearings
• Mar 27, 2010 - Layshaft support bracket complete
• Mar 14, 2010 - Swiss Cheese :(
• Mar 04, 2010 - Welding up the Rover front valance hole
• Mar 02, 2010 - Subframe - Forward brace bar
• Feb 28, 2010 - Starting the front subframe fabrication
• Feb 21, 2010 - Removing needle bearing from radius arms
• Feb 20, 2010 - Squeezy subframe & mods
• Feb 15, 2010 - Rear Subframe painted & rust proofed
• Feb 07, 2010 - 5/8" rear brake cylinders & Rear parts painting
• Feb 05, 2010 - Adjustment bar for rotisserie
• Feb 02, 2010 - MIG Welder choice
• Jan 26, 2010 - How to dismantle the doors - locks & windows (Clubman)
• Jan 24, 2010 - Seam sealer removed & ready for blasting
• Jan 18, 2010 - Finding rust & holes
• Jan 11, 2010 - Searching for rust
• Jan 09, 2010 - How to install seal kit in the MG Metro calipers
• Jan 05, 2010 - Christmas came late this year... more parts
• Jan 01, 2010 - Helpful hints on pulling apart subframes
• Dec 29, 2009 - Rotisserie Completed
• Dec 13, 2009 - Wrong Brake hubs! Exhaust Manifold
• Dec 07, 2009 - Painting on the Metro brakes
• Nov 26, 2009 - Mag painting finished
• Nov 12, 2009 - Mags picked up, but not the colour I wanted
• Nov 04, 2009 - Dept of Transport says YES!
• Oct 29, 2009 - 12x5" Rims
• Sep 19, 2009 - Layshaft Bearing Custom Bracket
• Sep 14, 2009 - 4AGE layshaft & support bearing
• Sep 02, 2009 - Paint Colour
• Aug 27, 2009 - Removing bolts with stripped head
• Aug 23, 2009 - Engine Out, Frame Gone
• Aug 20, 2009 - Engine not out, but unbolted and down
• Aug 19, 2009 - Pulling the driveshaft apart Pt 2
• Aug 17, 2009 - Pulling the driveshaft apart Pt 1
• Aug 16, 2009 - Everything is out & ready to lift engine
• Aug 05, 2009 - How to remove the Starlet Dash & Wiring
• Jul 27, 2009 - Rest of the engine bay wiring disconnected
• Jul 26, 2009 - Front cut engine bay loom is (mostly) out
• Jul 17, 2009 - It's too cold & busy
• Jun 26, 2009 - The EP82 Starlet GT front cut is here
• May 14, 2009 - It's a boy. Err... Manual
• May 10, 2009 - Subframe jig
• Apr 13, 2009 - A mobile front cut & dismantling new brakes
• Mar 30, 2009 - Hoodlining & Front subframe removed
• Mar 24, 2009 - Rear Subframe Removed
• Mar 23, 2009 - Shell Strip & The Order
• Mar 19, 2009 - Engine out of white Mini
• Mar 17, 2009 - Engine Crane
• Mar 15, 2009 - Workbench complete
• Mar 14, 2009 - Driving a 4E-FTE conversion
• Feb 28, 2009 - Some new parts
• Jan 30, 2009 - Workshop set up - Paint Booth
• Nov 24, 2008 - It finally has a home
• Jul 31, 2008 - Mini no longer registered
• Jul 21, 2008 - Sedan or Panel Van? I found a car!
• Jul 15, 2008 - Buying parts before the car
• Jul 02, 2008 - The beginning...