Snagging

Again there was a few little bits that had appeared on the to do list.

While I was trying to work out how to solve the cotton real mounts for the gear selector linkage so the carpet could go down. With out paying more in postage than on the parts.  I went through the bundle of new parts that had turned up, which yes, I had forgotten to add some cotton real mounts. One of the parcels was seat belt bolt covers. I found a place for these standard covers and ordered 6 for less than I could buy 2 from a mini specialist. Subtle, but a nice touch for just a few £ and a very quick straight forward job 

 I decided to mount the accelerator pedal and steering column as I had put a new ignition barrel in, all posh now with a key and painted/cleaned up! Also really getting annoying with it being on the dinning table for over a week! All went well and I managed to line up the pinch bolt on the column to the steering rack, then I broke the weld where a patch was nibbled by a grinder from the previous owner of said bracket (from the dash, and it isn't made any more). Looks like that will be coming back off for a proper go at welding it back, it really isn't much but it should be done. I did add some carpet around the column base, as it had been cut quite generously. The off cut from the speaker cut out on the parcel shelf worked a treat.

For the last few days the garden has been covered in windows and a front grill. It's really looking like I have a problem, parts all round the house and all over the garden as well as in the garage and loft!

I wanted to double check the glass and start cleaning them up ready to re tint some of them, as the tint had turned up this week. But by then I was gearing up for a parts run, so window tinting was put on the back burner. 

Earlier this week I had checked the budget/funds, I knew that I should be getting the engine sent off for rebuild while I finish the rest of the car. With a fairly large and uncertain bill for that and knowing I still needed to buy the correct wheels, tires, coil, starter solenoid and almost definitely some other parts as well. The sums took me way over what was left in the kitty. The straight forward plan was finish off the interia, fit up the doors, refurb and swop over the front hubs/suspension and put the cover over it till the savings where better. Option B was suck it in, go for a smaller and cheaper engine. From day one, all I was interested in was the 1275 but that was looking like adding at least another year. Option B stands a chance of the mini being done this year though so I started looking around.

Having tracked down the family tool club engine hoist and arrange loan of a small van. I got my sheets and lifting strops, got some food and drink ready to get the latest round of parts .... a 998cc engine from a chap who races minis and some other bits as it was a job lot.

Yesterday was very hot. Was smug we set off early to Salisbury for those parts, but getting back after lunch and unloading the engine at my parents and then 2 sets of alloy wheels, a clubman bonnet and a pile of old bumpers at home. Yes I still have a set on the car which are only on it so it can be moved and another set (of 3!) In the garden. I just didn't have it in me to work on the mini with all that in the morning and the heat. Sitting under the sun umbrella washing a set of wheels and listing them I did manage. Finally a bit of money back into the pot and a local mini owner very happy with his bargain.

I will try again to tint the rear window today so it can be fitted .... off the shelf, out of the way and another job done. Well that's the plan ?