Introducing another South African MK3

I'm curious about the black paint as well. I didn't hear about it from the shop, so I may find out this week. Devon, what did you see painted black? The floors and sills or just the wheel wells? Maybe the shop knows from experience that some Minis, such as the MK3s came from the factory with black paint underneath? Or maybe it is undercoating? I'll find out soon enough. Did you snap any photos when you were there? Anyway, I'm glad you got to see it.

Devon, Tail lights, or at least good reproductions are available new. They are the same as fitted to the Elf/Hornet cars and the ADO16 1100s. I've heard they are also the same as some of the Sprites and Midgets, but I have not confirmed that. The upper part is a Lucas number L695 and I believe the lower is L676. I've seen the upper and lower together "advertised" on eBay as L695 only, but that isn't correct, so caution when buying to make sure you know what you're getting. Look for an English company called Holden for new ones.

Getting close.

cheleker wrote:Devon, Tail lights, or at least good reproductions are available new. They are the same as fitted to the Elf/Hornet cars and the ADO16 1100s. I've heard they are also the same as some of the Sprites and Midgets, but I have not confirmed that. The upper part is a Lucas number L695 and I believe the lower is L676. I've seen the upper and lower together "advertised" on eBay as L695 only, but that isn't correct, so caution when buying to make sure you know what you're getting. Look for an English company called Holden for new ones.

I've bought several sets of NOS rear lights, and they have the L695 part number on them top and bottom, and the Lucas label also has what I think is the BMC part number, 53968. These are export ones, with red lenses top and bottom, so I can't say whether the amber/red ones would have the same numbers. I think I have a NOS set of the amber/red ones out in the shop, so I'll have a look at them when I get a second. I'm fairly certain that a Lucas L676 is an MGB rear light, which would not work on an Elf/Hornet or ADO16.

Just looked it up to be certain. L676 fits Midget/MGB. Different animal from the L695.
http://www.holden.co.uk/displayproduct.asp?pCode=L676

Anyone have belts like these laying around? I'd like a pair for my rear seat. They are c. 1969 or 70 Irvin belts.

www.servimg.com/image_preview.php?i=93&u=17486224

here´s another one of these.......  
http://www.gumtree.co.za/a-cars/gardens/1969-mini-mini-sedan/1001135359490910268463909

My latest task...

I'm looking for a pair of seats with headrests (for safety) for my Mini that are period correct for a 1970 car. See earlier in this thread for a photo of my current seats. To expand my search a bit, are there seats from other BMC cars that are the same size and style, and can drop right in? I've seen photos of MGB seats, for example, that look very similar but I think I read somewhere that the frames aren't the same. I want a bolt-in swap. Thanks!

The Mini Mk3 is back from the shop following three years of slow but steady work. There are plenty of little things to tackle here and there, but the major work is done! I do have a question for the Elf/Hornet crowd, however, and could use some advice. The boot lid isn't staying up like it did before disassembly. Is there a trick to the springs that the shop might have missed? Also, the original white/grey door pockets are missing. I was able to source a really nice set in red, but they will need to be painted. Does anyone have an idea of the correct color I should be aiming for? Is it white or grey? I'm not sure how easy it will be to even paint the red pockets. Switching from red to white will need a lot of paint, yet the vinyl paint will need to be flexible. Any scratch will look funny with the red underneath...  Or maybe someone wants to trade door pockets with me?

https://i.servimg.com/u/f39/17/48/62/24/img_0610.jpg

https://i.servimg.com/u/f39/17/48/62/24/img_4810.jpg

It shouldn't be a big problem to paint the door pockets, if you can get them prepped and primed with the correct plastic primer. Just make sure you test a little spot where it can't be seen before you press on. Different types of plastic can react badly to paint solvents. One issue that I've run into is that whatever the plastic is that the pockets are made of doesn't take well to weather exposure. I have a set that are very brittle and the plastic is crumbling. I tried to save them and refinish but they couldn't be saved.
I think I posted a picture of the proper alignment for the boot springs on here somewhere. I'll see if I can find it.

Thanks! You've been a big help.

And... more photos! Bonnet alignment needs some work. The Austin badge on the boot lid will be swapped for the proper Mini badge. Seems many if not all Mk3s came with a pinstripe that ran from front to back at the level of the door handle. Mine would've been white.

Hi all,
I just returned from a great vacation to Cape Town. My wife and I brought our seven month old baby to visit her grandparents, uncles and cousins. And as a bonus I (finally!) got so drive my Mk3 for the first time. It has been an almost three year long restoration, so I was quite chuffed to get behind the wheel. Big thanks to my brother-in-law KevCT and Tom at Somerset West Mini Centre. Here are some photos.

That last photo is stunning. Beautiful car and beautiful background.

Rhodes Memorial

Great car and very impressive photos!

Good luck with your driving carrier now and greetings from Germany.

I need to choose between RO-RO and shipping crate. Both have their benefits/risks.

looks great - nice work

So as we reached project completion, I revisited the shipping options we worked out a few years ago. Seems the cost of container shipping has rocketed beyond three times the quote given me when we started the project. So Ro-Ro it is! It has been a real mission to get the paperwork to the right people, scan, email, changes, police clearance delays... seven hour time differences, deadlines... Lots of coordination between agents, boat and inland delivery company. Storage... Etc. without my brother in law, this could not have come together!

We missed the first boat after delivering it many kilometers away because of paperwork. Then we had to deliver the car to an even further port for the next boat! Meanwhile we needed someone to store the car until the ship arrives. Paperwork finally worked out and the shipper found a fuel leak. Luckily the kind agent's father in law took a look and changed a perished hose. Boat arrived today and leaves tomorrow, hopefully with my car onboard!!!

If all goes according to plan the car will pass through Spain, Belgium, Germany and Canada before landing in NY. Then clearing US customs and transport home. Phew. Can't wait to have it here and begin figuring out how to mount our squarish US license plates.

Good luck with that mammoth trip - hope all goes well

Thanks. The boat left port yesterday. ETA April 21st!
Mark

Exciting stuff!

Not long now........

The boat arrived April 26th. I was able to track its journey on several boat tracking websites, which was really neat to see. When the Ro-Ro approached NYC I was able to watch it come up the Hudson River and dock on the New Jersey side. Amazingly there is a hallway window in my building that had a clear sight line.  I'll post some photos shortly. After a few patient weeks the car cleared US customs and was delivered to my door. The car was filthy but intact. I registered the car, changed the spark plugs (cylinder one was fouled) and gave it a bath. There hasn't been much time to play with the Mini because I've been playing with my baby girl, who turns one year old tomorrow! So not a lot of free time these days. What else... Yesterday I showed the Mini in the local street fair and won a trophy for third place, people's choice. Not a bad week, huh?

Wow !  What a trip !
Glad it got to you safely.
Great colour. Looks amazing.
Have loads of "fun"
If theres anything I can do from 'across the pond', just ask.  

Thanks. I'm sure I will have many questions.