Board logo

Project updates?
kb58 - 22/12/05 at 05:00 AM

I'll go first:

After 10 years of slow steady work, Kimini, the mid-engine Mini, should be ready for her first real drive in the next week or so, an exciting but nerve racking time. A pretty big Christmas present. I have insurance and it's registered, so it's just a matter of being really ready.

"Really ready" means going over every nut and bolt, again. I guess I'm afraid of it, breaking down somewhere, having something dire break off and endanger others, or have something *really* break and catapult me off a cliff. So... I'm taking my time. It'll be done when it's done.

Funny, I never felt the need to own a cellphone until now... I never know what might happen, and having the phone will be a great comfort. First drives will just be around the neighborhood, followed soon after by a short drive to the wheel alignment shop to doublecheck my settings.

Steve/Sven, Alan, what's going on with your projects?

Happy Holidays,

Kurt

[Edited on 12/22/05 by kb58]

smart51 - 22/12/05 at 07:55 AM

Nice to see a real mini in the USA. Good luck with your test drive. Take a tool box and some cable ties with you.

welderman - 22/12/05 at 07:55 AM

Been whatching your project, could it even be a Christmas day blast.
Good luck.
Merry Christmas.

donut - 22/12/05 at 08:46 AM

Piccies......need piccies!! Looks a mad mini!!

kb58 - 22/12/05 at 04:09 PM

quote:
Originally posted by donut
Piccies......need piccies!! Looks a mad mini!!


Ha! Go to www.kimini.com and click on the Diaries... there's probably 500 pictures there.

Arthur Dent - 22/12/05 at 05:20 PM

Congradulations on the insurance and registration.

Good luck with the drive!

Fred W B - 22/12/05 at 08:02 PM

Looking really really good Kurt.

Well done on the legal bits and good luck with the first real drive.

Cheers

Fred WB

sgraber - 22/12/05 at 08:14 PM

Congrats Kurt! It's wonderful that after so much time your little jewel is this close to the maiden voyage. I totally understand your trepidation too! Get a cell phone that you just pay for minutes as you go with no contract. Like a Cricket Phone. That way you only pay for minutes used, and if you only use it when you break down, then it's an incentive to not break down! hahaha.

Since you asked what we are doing, here goes. ... big breath...

I decided to add a hard top and hinged doors.... And a taller rear tire which means I have to cut out the rear wheelwell. Here is a rendering of my Hard-top concept. You can see more renderings in my



But the good news is that the plug (without doors or hardtop) will be finished by the end of next week. I'll have some photos to show at that time.Rendering Galleries

derf - 23/12/05 at 02:10 PM

Ok mate, when is your date for [snicker]SVA [/snicker]?

Alan B - 23/12/05 at 02:39 PM

I'm still plodding along.......working on the hood/bonnet right now....being out of work gives me more time with the car, but that can't last (hopefully)...

Kurt, congrats...nice job...

Now what are going to do with your spare time?....yikes!!!!..

kb58 - 23/12/05 at 04:11 PM

quote:
Originally posted by derf
Ok mate, when is your date for [snicker]SVA [/snicker]?


Who, me or Steve? If you mean me, there isn't one. The car is registered as a 1961 Mini, which was the basket case car I bought for a donor.

kb58 - 23/12/05 at 04:13 PM

quote:
Originally posted by Alan B
Now what are going to do with your spare time?....yikes!!!!..


Yes I expect some post-project depression. Of course the time'll be spent elsewhere. Driving and testing it. A home remodel isn't far off, which I don't look forward to.

andygtt - 23/12/05 at 05:32 PM

quote:
Originally posted by sgraber

Since you asked what we are doing, here goes. ... big breath...

I decided to add a hard top and hinged doors.... And a taller rear tire which means I have to cut out the rear wheelwell.


Funnily I am pondering my rear tyre choice.... but the other way. I had decided on a tyre that gave me a huge 28.5 inch Dia, however I am now rethinking this so that I can stick on track orientated rubber thats only available up to around 26in.

means a design change for the chasis as well as the body though.... hence I am pondering.

sgraber - 23/12/05 at 06:25 PM

Andy, best to ponder now rather than after your are finished! (That's MY story...)

IMHO you should defo stick to rubber that's available in track tire sizes. It would be a shame to not be able to get race rubber under that chassis! Your car is screaming for track time.

Kurt, you will have more to do with the car now than before. You actually get to drive it in ANGER! wohoooo! What a Christmas present for you. </envy>

derf - 23/12/05 at 07:16 PM

Kurt, I just used you as a means of making fun of the SVA system tham most of the people here have to go through.

kb58 - 23/12/05 at 07:57 PM

Actually we do have our own version of SVA. Anyone building something where they can't hide behind it's "heritage" must go through a safety inspection by the police. Emissions is a whole 'nother issue though and goes from non-existent to downright cruel.

andygtt - 23/12/05 at 09:55 PM

quote:
Originally posted by sgraber
Your car is screaming for track time.


Oh it will see track time regardless... but the lure of road legal slicks is high.

Problem is I will need to move all the rear suspension points which is quite a major mod to the rear.

derf - 24/12/05 at 03:18 AM

CA has a version of SVA?, Jersey has something similar, but it's more about proving the ownership and taxation of parts purchased, rather than safety. In fact if you have enough reciepts and documentation you can literally get away witout even getting a special inspection, just the regular bi-yearly dmv inspection...

[Edited on 24/12/05 by derf]