I have a C reg mini mayfair, it was my first car. However, it is currently a rolling chasis, having been completely de rusted. It is in my parents garage, 160 miles away from where i live. I need to work out what to do with it as they are moving in 2 months time.I dont have a garage and have no space for it. It needs a full respray, trim, interior re fitting etc. Would you sell it like it is or payout for the respray etc, find storage for it.

I have no need for a second car, and being a classic mini, it needs to be garaged to stop rusting, but it was my first car and i do really like it.

What would you do as i cant make up my mind.

Sell it as is. De rusted how? Bit sandpaper and hammerite or shot blasted, primed and any knackered panels replaced?
You’ll get about £800 to £1000 if your lucky.

Stripped back to bare metal, panels replaced, re welded etc – a proper job not a quick sandpaper and cover up.

First car and you’ve had it this long, keep it. The moment you sell it, you’ll regret it. Find some v cheap storage space or mini specialist and leave it with them for a respray and work.

De rusted? If you mean all the external rust and not all the known Mini rust traps then if you store it you’ll find it crumbling into a pile of rust I’m afraid!
I would dearly love another Mini but having restored a Mk1 Cooper 35yrs ago I’d never have another, and I was a mechanic at the time! Have also restored from new chassis up a Spitfire and replaced many panels on a Carman Ghia Beetle. You need very deep pockets 🙄
I bought a Herald convertible because I had a similar sentimental attachment, it ended up as a pile of rust Luckily I recouped my money selling parts.

What’s the subframes, sills and floor like on it?

Its been dry stored in this condition for 10 years now but i never got round to getting it finished off – its only now, that my secure, dry storage is going that i have to do something. My dad is a mini nut and has done all the work so far, but he has other things to do now.

iolo – Member
What’s the subframes, sills and floor like on it?

You can add to that list subframe mounts, inner sills, door pillars, front quarter panels, windscreen scuttle panel, front inner wings/shock mounts, rear floor inside rear pockets(very few folk remove the trim)
There does seem to be a market though 💡

First car and you’ve had it this long, keep it. The moment you sell it, you’ll regret it. Find some v cheap storage space or mini specialist and leave it with them for a respray and work.

This.

The body has been completely done – there are no bad panels/rust on it, floor is good. Subframes were removed and shot blasted. Everything on it was removed back to the bare shell. Its also got a rebuiltegine with unleaded head.

I want to keep it, but i dont want to spend money to finish it, if it is going to be kept outside. If i had a garage, the decision is easy.

Would a car cover eliminate potential rust if left outside?

No

This should sort it out

Seems a lot of effort for car worth very little. I had friend who kept one of their first cars in the garden for sentimental reasons. It eventually rusted away as in reality they had no real interest in using it. You’ll never get the money back so I’d just sell as is and move on. You probably will regret selling it but you’ll probably also regret keeping it. Just buy another one (in usable condition) once you are older and fancy a trip down memory lane.

Will you have any outdoor storage space?

I used to keep my weekend toys in an indoor Carcoon, they do an outdoor version that costs peanuts to run off mains.

Going to have a chat with my Dad this weekend to see whther he is prepared to put some time into it for me whilst in their garage and have a real good look at what still needs doing.

I reckon at the moment it is worth £1000, if i spend £1000 on it, i’d be able to sell it for £3000. So i see it as a grand profit vs sentiment,

I have no room, either indoor or outdoor at the moment.

Nickjb – despite my username, i’m 37 and have had this car for 20 years, although it hasnt been used since 2002

For the love of all that is good, don’t sell it man! Just find a cheap storage place somewhere and keep it until you can finish the job. Honestly, you’ll regret it if you sell.

Mines coming back from paint shortly having been on and off the road for the last 16 yrs or so.

I’d paint it and get it glazed. Then waxoyled up it can live in a cover outside happily. If you are northwest happy to make recommendations for a sensible priced paint job

Its been dry stored in this condition for 10 years now but i never got round to getting it finished off

I think this may be your answer, why is the next 10 years going to be different?

I sold mine in a similar situation, regretted it ever since…
I have driven a fair few cars since, but none have given me anything like the joy of driving my mini.

Find some storage. Maybe near your parents so your dad can get to it easily.