New project WHERE TO START !!!

Post by **Garym** » Wed Mar 18, 2009 11:00 pm

Hi.I have just acquired a 1961 2 door moggie-for free.
It has been standing and off the road since 1986 !
Garaged for 13 years then stood outside for 10 years.
It needs a lot of work,as you can imagine,but I couldn't bear to see it go to the scrapyard.I am going to do the work myself.It needs new floors,sills,crossmember and springhangers.I have done bodywork and mechanics before,but no welding.I have a gasless mig,and I am going to go to night classes in the autumn to learn how to weld.I am determined and looking forward to starting.What is the best plan to tackle the work ? I will down load some photos.

Post by **Redmoggy** » Wed Mar 18, 2009 11:22 pm

I know its sounds a little premature but as far as the bodywork goes. Make sure the door hinges are good and get the doors fitting correctly. At this stage you can adjust the shell with a porta power or similar. When they fit right brace the door apperture with a substantial piece of steel in the middle and a little further down towards the sill. From here you can start removing the old floor and sills without the body sagging and your doors should still fit nice when you are all done. When you get your new panels spend some time looking at how they go together and look on here for differant ways people put them in. After that i normally work from the middle out only removing as much metal as i have to for each repair. The welding course is a great idea but as many will tell you will not prepare you for the joys of welding on a rusty Minor.
All the best with it.
Rod

Post by **LouiseM** » Thu Mar 19, 2009 7:03 am

This thread might be useful:

http://www.mmoc.org.uk/index.php?name=P ... ic&t=21306

Post by **Garym** » Sun Mar 22, 2009 8:11 am

Would it be better to remove the engine and gearbox,interior and doors,then roll it onto it's side to do the work,or jack it up and tackle it upright.Or would it be better to weld the new floor and sills in then roll it over to do the spring hangers ?

Post by **Redmoggy** » Sun Mar 22, 2009 9:20 am

It is easier to repair the shell with it stripped out and obviously less fire risk. It can be done assembled but a bit of mucking about getting round everything.
As for rolling it thats down to what you find easier. If you have not practised welding upside down then rolling it is a good idea. Make sure it is well braced though.
Rod