hi guys.
im thinking about building a BEC mini like the Zcars kit U can get.
one got any detailed pictures of a rear engined mini chassis or has anyone built one and express how easy they are to do ??
cheers Alan
Can't help you with pictures, but having had a good look at a couple of Z Cars Minis, and also having been down to their premises to have a look
round, I would say that their fabrication work is second to none.
I bought their DVD a couple of Years ago which shows the procedure, etc for carrying out the conversion, and I reckon the kit is reasonably straight
forward to install (assuming you have reasonable skills), as you basically cut the cloor out and bolt the entire engine and transmission cradle in.
Chris at Z-Cars was most helpful and friendly, and took time out to show me round some of the cars they are building (some are sheer madness lol),
even though I just dropped in when passing, and with no invite or appointment.
http://www.locostbuilders.co.uk/viewthread.php?tid=31944
2 things come to mind:
1) Axle ratios... Seen a few that are geared so low that they start in 5th and top out at 50mph in 6th :-)
2) NOISE... Best wear good ear protection AND a helmet.
quote:
Originally posted by Bare
2) NOISE... Best wear good ear protection AND a helmet.
I am biased toward a Fiat shell...same theme, just not a Mini. There has been several unfinished Zcars projects & homebuilt ones on ebay recently,
I looked at a twin engine RWD Mini not that long ago, went for £3650 unfinished.
The Zcars Minis look very good.
http://www.retropower.co.uk/projects_126_Blackbird.htm
and should really go through IVA... but, you know...
There's a very clever chap called Richard Brabbins, not on LCB to my knowledge (but really should be). He built one that was recently advertised on Pistonheads (bright yellow). Definitely the nicest looking BEC mini I've seen (although I've only seen pictures). He built it, and a seven I once owned as side projects to his more ambitious 'Brabini GT' (heavily featured in one of the kit car mags a while back). The seven I had was a truly impressive piece of work; Caterham front end, Westfield IRS, offset engine, pushed right up near the scuttle etc etc. I spoke to him a couple of times and was totally blown away by his craftsmanship, ingenuity and knowledge, I can only assume the mini he built was as impressive. U2U me for his email address, I'm sure he's be happy to talk to you.
can anybody answer these questions for me ???
1.. Is it worth buying an old Mini and stipping it of the parts I dont need and keeping and refurbing the parts I do need ??
I would say I could get a complete running circa 85' mini for around £1000 is that ambitious ?? or is the best option just to buy a shell and
then part that I do need after that ??
2.. is the front subframe completely custom built like the rear one or does it use parts of the old mini subframe ??
3.. what are the advantages of seam welding the mini's shell ?? and how easy is it to do ??
TIA Alan
quote:
Originally posted by probablyleon
There's a very clever chap called Richard Brabbins, not on LCB to my knowledge (but really should be). He built one that was recently advertised on Pistonheads (bright yellow). Definitely the nicest looking BEC mini I've seen (although I've only seen pictures). He built it, and a seven I once owned as side projects to his more ambitious 'Brabini GT' (heavily featured in one of the kit car mags a while back). The seven I had was a truly impressive piece of work; Caterham front end, Westfield IRS, offset engine, pushed right up near the scuttle etc etc. I spoke to him a couple of times and was totally blown away by his craftsmanship, ingenuity and knowledge, I can only assume the mini he built was as impressive. U2U me for his email address, I'm sure he's be happy to talk to you.
quote:
Originally posted by probablyleon
There's a very clever chap called Richard Brabbins, not on LCB to my knowledge (but really should be). He built one that was recently advertised on Pistonheads (bright yellow). Definitely the nicest looking BEC mini I've seen (although I've only seen pictures). He built it, and a seven I once owned as side projects to his more ambitious 'Brabini GT' (heavily featured in one of the kit car mags a while back). The seven I had was a truly impressive piece of work; Caterham front end, Westfield IRS, offset engine, pushed right up near the scuttle etc etc. I spoke to him a couple of times and was totally blown away by his craftsmanship, ingenuity and knowledge, I can only assume the mini he built was as impressive. U2U me for his email address, I'm sure he's be happy to talk to you.