I am very fortunate that my fit 85 year old Grandfather, Jack has recently told me that his 1961 Austin Mini 850 cc is mine. WOW!! I'm very grateful and thankful for this gift and it should become an exciting project. After my CA studies (hopefully I pass) finish in September 2007, I will endeavour to work on the Austin Mini under the direct guidance and assistance of my top and talented Father.

STAGE ONE: A peek at the potential project
Saturday, April 28th 2007
We arrived in at Nan and Pop's home to see the little Mini. It hasn't been registered since 1977. I don't think it has been out of the shed since the late 1970s so this explains the reason why there has been so much dust accumulated on the body.

Rear of Austin Mini.(Stage One, 28/4/07).

Side of Austin Mini.(Stage One, 28/4/07).

Wheel and tyre.(Stage One, 28/4/07).

Wiping off the dust revealed a few rather interesting stickers that reflect the vintage of the last time the car was registered.(Stage One, 28/4/07).

Austin Mini's interior.(Stage One, 28/4/07).

Dad, Pop and the boys near the car.(Stage One, 28/4/07).

The boot. A little bit of rust but nothing that can't be fixed.(Stage One, 28/4/07).

My Grandfather standing next to the Mini.(Stage One, 28/4/07).

Photo of me standing next the car.(Stage One, 28/4/07).

Austin Mini. (Stage One, 28/4/07).

Photo of my Nan. (Stage One, 28/4/07).

Photo of Pop.(Stage One, 28/4/07).

STAGE TWO: Towing the Mini from the shed
Saturday, May 26th 2007

The Austin Mini gets transported from the shed out to the workshop by towtruck: Parker's Smash Repairs. Thanks to Jon Parker for his assistance.

Photo of the car prior to getting towed.(Stage Two, 26/5/07).

Photo of me next to the Mini prior to getting towed.(Stage Two, 26/5/07).

Photo of me next to the Mini prior to getting towed.(Stage Two, 26/5/07).

Photo of the Mini prior to getting towed.(Stage Two, 26/5/07).

Photo of Mum near the Mini.(Stage Two, 26/5/07).

Photo of my brother, Jack near the Mini.(Stage Two, 26/5/07).

Photo of Mini (almost) on the tow truck.(Stage Two, 26/5/07).

Photo of Mini (almost) on the tow truck.(Stage Two, 26/5/07).

Photo of Mini on the tow truck.(Stage Two, 26/5/07).

Photo of Mini on the tow truck.(Stage Two, 26/5/07).

STAGE THREE: Unveiling the "REAL" Austin Mini
Sunday, May 27th 2007

The Austin Mini gets its first carwash in 30 years. The real mini gets unveiled.

Photo of Mini after a wash.(Stage Three, 27/5/07).

Photo of Mini after a wash.(Stage Three, 27/5/07).

Photo of Mini after a wash.(Stage Three, 27/5/07).

Photo of Mini after a wash.(Stage Three, 27/5/07).

Photo of Mini after a wash.(Stage Three, 27/5/07).

Photo of Mini after a wash.(Stage Three, 27/5/07).

Genuine "Austin" Mini badge.(Stage Three, 27/5/07).

Dad studying up on the workshop manual.(Stage Three, 27/5/07).

Pic of my brother, Beau.(Stage Three, 27/5/07).

STAGE FOUR: Starting to pull the Austin Mini apart
Sunday, June 10th 2007

Photo of the Mini.(Stage Four, 10/6/07).

Photo of the Mini.(Stage Four, 10/6/07).

Inside the Mini.(Stage Four, 10/6/07).

Mini parts pulled out.(Stage Four, 10/6/07).

This is a photo of the radiator. A tiny hole is in it(Stage Four, 10/6/07).

Above picture is a photo of a spare radiator. It is Pop's spare radiator. Thanks Pop.(Stage Four, 10/6/07).

It's a very exciting time!

Keep you updated

Rubes