Converting Tamiya Mini Cooper to a basic Mini

Body and chassis needs a bit of work to convert back to a basic Morris or Austin mini, but can be done.

All the "Cooper" badges need removing, the 2nd fuel tank cap needs sanding off, i also removed the heater, as this was an option, the grille and wheels i managed to get cast in white metal.

The remote gearchange needs removing, as the ordanary mini had the gearstick coming out the floor from under the dash, this was made by using a pin and a blob of solder for the gearknob.

there's still plenty to do on it, bit it's getting there.

http://i21.photobucket.com/albums/b290/GeeBee42/front-view-of-bodyshell-with-bumper.jpg

http://i21.photobucket.com/albums/b290/GeeBee42/62.jpg

http://i21.photobucket.com/albums/b290/GeeBee42/bodyshell-with-chrome-trim-added2.jpg

http://i21.photobucket.com/albums/b290/GeeBee42/finished-mini-wheel.jpg

http://i21.photobucket.com/albums/b290/GeeBee42/Cooper-gearlever-mounting-removed.jpg

http://i21.photobucket.com/albums/b290/GeeBee42/Cooper-gearlever-detail.jpg

http://i21.photobucket.com/albums/b290/GeeBee42/austin-and-morris-grills.jpg

Cool project. Another Mini enthusiast is certainly welcome here.

How did you manage the replacement grille? That's certainly the biggest deterent I've found to doing a non-Cooper Mini, and you're looks the part.

I had the wheels, hubcaps and grills cast in white metal, by a company here in England who used to make a 1/24 mini in white metal, got talking to the owner, and he agreed to find the moulds and cast the items for me.

I have a few grills (Austin & Morris) and road wheels left, the grill did need a bit of work to get it to fit the Tamiya shell, but once trimmed a little and covered in bare metal foil, it looks a lot better.

If you need a set let me know, i'm sure i could sort you some out.



Geoff