My Mini. The project so far...

Earlier this year, me and my Dad began a search for my first car. For years now I've wanted a mini and after a long search, we finally finally managed to find one perfect for us not too far from our house.

First of all, before we bought this Mini, me and Dad went to 'Mini Technique' in Pilling, to try and find one. We stumbled across a blue one, which I admit, I instantly fell in love with. Unfortunately, this Mini wasn't really what we were looking for. I named it Bumblebee (like the car from transformers) because of the way the car looked sorry for itself; sad I know.

This was the first Mini me and my dad had viewed. It just seemed like a 'Bumblebee'. The Wigan Athletic blue (That's not a standard color), the crispy white roof, wide arches and chrome center exhaust instantly made me fall in love with this car.

I stood behind the car and just pictured other drivers being behind me and having the same view. I imagined the approving looks and admiration this car would get on the road. I pictured me and my girlfriend cruising around, blasting out Arctic Monkeys through the two 6x9 speakers on the rear shelf. I couldn't help all of these things going on in my head; but then me and dad went to look around the
front of the car...

The view at the front had the opposite affect on my imagination and excitement. This mini had clearly had quite a large accident, and the front wings needed replacing, the bonnet was ruined and the grill had been completely deformed by the accident. This would've meant a whole lot more work for me and Dad, than was originally intended.

Upon further inspection of the car, it was slowly becoming clear that, unfortunately, this car wasn't for us. Underneath the car was very damp and rust would almost certainly of been a problem with it. The price was also an issue, and even though the man who was selling offered to make it cheaper, it still would've been too expensive.

So unfortunately, 'Bumblebee' wasn't to be. The search continued and a few months later Dad stumbled on a mini in Chorley, which isn't far away from our house. We went along for a look and the first impression was far different for me than it was with the blue Mini. The car was in a tiny garage, with random stuff dumped on top, and inside it. The doors weren't attached properly and the car wouldn't start as the owner had no battery. Obviously, for me 'Mr Inexperienced' at car buying, I was very skeptical.

However, Dad was studying the new floor the car had had. Along with new wings, new front panel, new front valance, new sub-frames, reconditioned brakes and new exhaust; and when you lay all that out in a list, it sounds very impressive. A look was shared between me and my Dad along with an approving smile and this was the moment when I knew this would be my first car.

A few nights later we arranged a transporter and took him home. Due to him being a 'Morris Mini City' I thought Morris was an appropriate name.

We took out everything and looked at what we had and didn't have. The big main job was preparing Morris for paint. A lot of stripping down, rubbing down, grinding down and organisation and that's where we're up to now. Here are some more images... giving you an idea on the amount of work and effort that me and Dad have put into Morris over the months we've had him. (we also purchased new Deep-dish 6x12 wheels as well)

Hopefully Morris can look ten times better than 'Bumblebee.' He is going to be white, with a gloss black roof and black arches. I will do another update when Morris has been painted. Then me and Dad can begin to re-build him...

Thanks for reading.

James