Original Mini Cooper

[mrmike]

A mockup to check my work.  Other than the fit of the hood (bonnet), everything looks good!  The hood fit can use some adjustment.

More Mini to come...

[Matt Bacon]

I guess that's the Revell Germany kit in export version. Looks really good, and they are such fun cars. All I ask is don't go overboard with the wheels and arches! You see Coopers with wide wheels, and you know they are all show: the real thing's suspension and wheels/tires are a finely tuned solution for competitive racing, and a bit of oversteer is all part of the mix. The best drivers sling Minis into corners on a 45 degree drift angle and power out in a straight line, and being too grippy and uncompliant messes that up...

best,

M.

[Bugatti Fan]

Looking good Mike!

Forgot to mention in my last post that the Austin and MG Metro was intended to replace the Mini, but the original Mini's popularity kept it in production long before and after the Metro. I have never ever heard of any other car's replacement being superseded by its predecessor in the motor industry before.

The Metro faded, but left its mark with the high performance Metro 6R4 Group 4 Rally Cars becoming a classic.

[slusher]

Looking very sharp Mike.

Edited February 27, 2022 by slusher

[Beamerman]

Looking nice...good work...

[espo]

Very clean looking assembly here. I like the bright Red paint. 

[mrmike]

Thanks Matt, Noel, Carl, D. Schittenhelm and David!  I must admit that this Mini Cooper is going together faster than I thought it would.  Time to add some additional details!

[Dave72]

Looking sharp! I love these little cars!

[mrmike]

Thanks Dave!  

[mrmike]

It seems as though this Mini Cooper model is fighting me!  I went and scratch-built seat belt receivers to go with the seat belt decals.  Then, the steering wheel and column fell out.  I have rebuilt the right front suspension since it broke (my fault) and I wonder what is next!  Clear coating the body is next and hopefully I won't screw that up!  

[mrmike]

I clearcoated my Mini Cooper and I am for the most part, not happy!  I washed, air-dryed, primered and painted the Mini and when I clearcoated the body, the paint ran away from the door edges.  Arrgh!

More Mini to come...

[Dann Tier]

Looking good!!

[mrmike]

Thanks Dann!  To fill the gaps where the paint ran away, I found a red Sharpie that is close to the Pure Red I used and sharpened the tip and I traced the door openings.  Now for a polishing with Novus 2 to see what I got.

[slusher]

I hop it works out Mike.

[mrmike]

Thanks Carl!  Filling the gaps with the red Sharpie worked and I am very pleased!  Tomorrow I'll polish the paint!

[mrmike]

I have finished my Original Mini Cooper and it is posted in Under Glass.  I would like to thank all those who have taken the time to view and to comment on my WIP.