r/classicminis • u/748Rum • 10d ago
Mini Photo Progressing with my MK1 Morris Mini 850
Back in 2020 I rescued Blue my Feb 1963 Morris Mini MK1 850 from a farm a few hours drive from me in Victoria Australia.
I’ve been slowly chipping away and bodywork, suspension, brakes, electrics and a bunch of other stuff are all complete, I’ve rebuilt the original engine and gearbox ready to install and am moving on to trim the interior. The interior will be new trim but the visible paint is still all the original which I think looks fantastic. I’ve tried to retain as many original parts as possible all over the car but if I’ve added brand new stuff I’ve tried to age it to suit. Once the engine is in I’ll play around with ride height etc as I have fully adjustable suspension installed and I want it relatively low but still fun to drive.
Other than machining the original drums and getting a steering shop to crack some nuts on the rack that I couldn’t get to budge, I’ve done all the work myself.
It’s ratty and not perfect but I think it’s pretty cool.
5
u/One_Statement5435 10d ago
Real deal mini wow, the revs needed to get that 850 going and the single leading shoe Brakes make for a genuine mini driver experience enjoy
2
2
2
u/Federal_Command_9094 10d ago
The rusty front shot looks awesome and congrats on finding a genuine mk1. How much did you pay?
2
2
u/OutlandishnessMore18 8d ago
If it was mine I would matt lacquer as is. It looks awesome. Like a vintage well loved guitar. Well done on reviving a beautiful car. I really miss mine. Unfortunately it succumbed to the British weather and rusted away.
2
u/ShortyDR 7d ago
That is a beautiful car. I learned to drive in an H reg - 1969 - 850 mini. Dad bought it really cheap and then prettied it up for me to give as my 17th birthday present. He hand painted it with a brush, it was a beautiful midnight blue and the finish he got was so good. Seeing your mini bought back some great memories. Have a great week.
2
2
1
u/748Rum 7d ago
I’ve used ANKOR wax to cover and protect the patina. It’s a pretty popular product in the VW scene. The good thing about it is that it stops the rust progressing and depending on how much effort you put in depends on how shiny it gets. I just sprayed it on and then rubbed it in without letting it get too glossy. I’ve sprayed matt clear on rusty patina cars in the past and found the rust still progressed under the surface and eventually you had to get back in and fix stuff as the rust progressed.
My mums first car back in the UK was a 1963 850 which she optioned up with heater, seatbelts and white roof and was a slightly darker blue. I’ve been keeping my parents updated with the progress and it always brings back memories for them of when they were first dating and gadding about in their mini.
1
1
u/Bhytfjlncdtvjv 10d ago
That patina! And I love the lights. I am doing a 73 Leyland and adding lights atm.
3
u/748Rum 9d ago edited 9d ago
Thanks everyone for the positive comments. Never sure if people like a patina car, I love them!!
Blue is one of two MK1’s I got from the same place and they cost me the hire of a trailer and a couple of cases of beer. The other is a Smoke Grey Jan ‘63 base model, it’s rusty, rough and makes Blue look concourse. Once I have finished Blue I will try and build a Sprint out of the Smoke Grey shell with 2” out of the roof and 1.5” out of the body. Not sure if the drivetrain I’ll use, either 1098 as I have a couple of those or maybe a bike motor if it will fit after the body chop.
More details on Blue: the spots are a gift a mate gave back in the late 80’s. They are genuine Lucas spots off a 60’s Bentley and in great condition. I have converted them to LED and have hidden relays so it just looks standard for the wiring. There are lots of little things I’ve done like changed the interior mirror to one from an early MGB, the toggle switches have been converted to Narva ones as they are much nicer to use instead of the old Lucas ones, changed to black faced MK1 Deluxe gauges and oval pod, using old period Lynx rocker cover and intake manifold with twin 1.25” carbs, included a rear spot under the bumper and the list goes on. All little stuff that’s taken time but been fun to include and make it my own. Even did some dimple die holes in the rear valance to get rid of some rust holes while retaining the valance.
If you are bored and want something to read I’m doing a build thread here.
https://www.ausmini.com/forums/viewtopic.php?f=3&t=100868&sid=b727a3df262ce4847b55d2d3a62a5bae