Classic Mini Not Cooper Car Restoration - Project Gretel

Welcome to our latest Mini Resteration Project. We will be bringing regular updates throughout the resteration of this classic mini vehicle.
Once restored we will be embarking on a Journey from Dublin, Ireland to The Farroe Islands with Gretel to explore and bring you the amazing scenary on the Islands and hopefully catch the Nothern Lights.
We hope you will enjoy following us along on our Journey.
If you are looking to support the Hickey Race Engineering channel you can make a donation at ko-fi.com/hreirl
Please follow us on our other platforms
Website: www.hre.ie/
Facebook: / hreirl
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Twitter / hickeyraceeng
The amazing drone footage of the Islands is credited to Jorden Tually. Check out his channels below.
KZbin: / jordentually
Instagram: / jordentually classic mini restoration classic mini diy

[@leeweir1969]

You have just given me a good little laghf.👍🍻 good luck with the billd. I’m sure you’ve got it sorted, buy the looks of the other two mini’s behind you. Cafe racer looks like a good little plan. I’ve got a cafe racer motorcycle. And I’ve got an old Mk1 mini, and that’s the sort of look I’d love to do to it. I did do all the macanic stuff about 15 years ago. I wanted to do a classic rally or something off the like. To raise money for m/s. but then my mother passed away. And then I lost my heart in it. It’s been sat in the front garden for about ten years as well. Anyway anuff off the shit. So I’ve been thinking of getting on and doing some work on it. So hear i am looking at you tube videos. Then you popped up. I think it’s a sign. Because my, mum was Irish ☘️ and my dad. Well all of the family. I was bourn in Bournemouth England. Sorry for going on a little bit 🥺🤣🤣. But seeing you start that mini, is what I needed. Thank you 🙏🏻 and take care. Look forward to seeing the reazult.👍as you can see I’m not too great at spelling 🤣🤣🤣👍

[@HREIRL]

Wow that is such a great comment Lee, Very sorry to hear about your mum. Defiantly get out there and do that mini for your mum and do us Irish proud keep us posted how you do and if there is anything we can help you with let us know and we will do our best to help. p.s. nothing wrong with your spelling buddy I understood everything you said 👍🤟🤟

[@classicminiworkshop]

That intro was brilliant! 👍😂

[@HREIRL]

We had way to much fun making it Keith. Glad you enjoyed it.

[@joeyjameson8455]

Can't wait to see gretel finished 👌🏻

[@HREIRL]

New video coming very soon Joey 👍

[@ejc8858]

Subbed just because of the intro. And the mini... but mainly the intro.

[@HREIRL]

Haha glad you enjoyed we had great fun making it 👍👍 thanks for the sub

[@paulp96275]

Fantastic love minis it’s where I started working on cars a pain sometimes to work on but after a few mods easy and at 100+ in my Cooper great 👍👨🏻‍🏭🇬🇧

[@HREIRL]

Delighted you enjoyed it 👍

[@Radfordperson]

Excellent video., great entertainment. That moss in the roof is fast growing moss, called Stirling Moss. I have a similar job to do, My Jan 1st 1962 Mini (bought about 1968) has been standing for close on 30 years. It has a 1275 engine from a Vanden Plas 1300. So far I have only made sure the engine turns, oil down plug holes, removed the starter and levered the ring gear round with a large screwdriver. Next is to connect a battery!

[@MiniMattTV]

I can't believe that started up and drove down to the workshop after sitting outside for at least 10 years! that's crazy! Meanwhile my mini was sitting in the dry barn for 15 years and the engine seized up completely! What a lovely project

[@HREIRL]

Haha she is some lady, couldn't believe it started my self tbh just go to show you what these old machines are made of

[@dwscott8338]

OMG 4 years ago I starting takin g my Mini clubman apart. It's going back together now and this gives me hope that the engine is still good. Cant believe it started and drove hahaha

[@HREIRL]

Great to hear I give you a bit of confidence. Keep us posted how you get on love hearing about other projects 👍

[@jameskottinger2671]

Love how you put your sticker on the back glass for show performance...lol

[@angelsone-five7912]

Dammit! the darn thing runs better than my regular use Mini! Well done mate.

[@HREIRL]

Haha she has deffo earned here restoration

[@michaelocallaghanracing]

Different level Paul. If you keep up this rate of progression on production quality and content, I can see Netflix or Amazon come a calling for a series. Keep it up, nothing out there like this. 👌

[@HREIRL]

You're far to kind Michael. I am a messer at heart and now I found an audience lol

[@paulrobinson3528]

Keith sent me here!!

[@HREIRL]

Great to have you Paul hope you enjoy the channel

[@philippreen2807]

I think it’s been some time since you were at band practice going by the sound of your flute playing! Absolutely loving your channel.

[@HREIRL]

haha thats for sure delighted your enjoying the content 👍👍

[@darraghbrennan4117]

Cant wait to the progress of this car!!

[@HREIRL]

It a happening 👍

[@SimpsonsClassics]

I think I have found a new favourite channel. Love this little mini.

[@rayanderson921]

So thankful you flashed up on my homepage.......new sub right here

[@HREIRL]

Hi Ray I am also tankful great to have you on the channel hope you enjoy the content keep commenting and dont forget we have a live chat this coming Sunday

[@Ellaraz_world]

Oh my goodness !! Watched some of that with my hands over my eyes !!! Just brilliant !!! Can't wait to follow this the whole way :)

[@HREIRL]

I’m chuffed you enjoyed it 👍

[@rennkafer13]

Paul, I know this was a year ago, but it has made my day. I just bought a '71 Morris 1000 (originally imported to Canada, now in the US), and like Gretel it's in dire need of some replacement panels. I'll be following along to see how you progress with the car, and the trip you've planned.

[@HREIRL]

Hi Bill, yes the poor old girl need some serious love but no better place to get it. Hopefully we will have some new Gretel antics in the near future

[@rennkafer13]

@@HREIRL I hope so, mine also needs significant panel replacement. Your videos are super helpful. I worked in restorations for a decade, so skill level isn't an issue, but I find, especially with bodywork (not my specialty, I'm a machinist), that seeing what panel overlays which and where all the welds are beforehand is quite helpful.

[@davidcoleman7674]

Excellent work! Looking forward to the next update!

[@HREIRL]

Thank Dave and thanks for following along 👍

[@russellgiles1531]

Wow, job well done. I haven't driven a classic mini for atleast 30 years. Brings back some good memories 👍👍

[@HREIRL]

Im delighted you enjoyed it and thanks for joining us for a bit of fun 👍

[@russellgiles1531]

@@HREIRL I'm looking forward to watching your progress. I've had crazy thoughts of a cooper s rally replica build 😊

[@HREIRL]

@@russellgiles1531 Do it man we are here for a good time not a long time 60's rally/race replicas are where its at keep it lean and keen 👍

[@rhysdigby-gu9ql]

brilliant,,love it...sometimes you can be suprised at the luck you get..never ceases to amaze me..

[@HREIRL]

totally, these little cars are always amazing me there tuff to the core thats for sure

[@rhysdiggers1514]

@@HREIRL exactly...posted a short video on fb about the nest I'd found when stripping gwennifor.tagged you..the Welsh are just as crazy haha..cheers Nige..

[@garydempsey3332]

Cracking video once again lads. Production and video editing is on point not go mention the comical value factor. "I'll just hold the door it'll be Grand" 😆🤣

[@HREIRL]

Thanks Gary, I taught you might get a laugh out of that 👍

[@garydempsey3332]

@@HREIRL still chuckling away 😆

[@alechayden8146]

This looks like a great idea Paul. Brilliant video....looking forward to seeing the rest of them!

[@HREIRL]

Thanks man, just what I need another project 😅

[@MatelotsousMarin]

Great little car and I love your enthusiasm. Just a couple of years ago, I restored a 1973 mini 1000 in the same colour! I put a little video on here but not of the same quality as yours. I look forward to following the journey. Regards, Peter.

[@HREIRL]

Hay Peter your very kind. Glad you enjoyed the video. I do love these little cars 👍

[@milanbauer4226]

Cool

[@HREIRL]

👍

[@NerdiMee]

3:23 i have a PTSD to that clicking sound 😂

[@patrickcallaghan1714]

I think a Cafe style car would be awesome, just needs a little polish, lol

[@HREIRL]

ya might pop the dent in the roof back out be easer to polish 😜

[@jameskeith420]

Looks like a brill project 👍 I’d keep it original with 10inch wheels 👌 good luck!

[@HREIRL]

Thanks! Will do!

[@kevin21377]

Hi Paul, long time no see. Well done on an excellent video, very engrossing. I remember seeing the car fairly regularly travelling the Newcastle road many years ago. It was in rough shape even then! Cant wait to see you work your sorcery on her 🧙‍♂️. Best of luck🍀

[@HREIRL]

Hi Kevin, Great to hear from you and delighted to have you on the channel. Yes Gretel was a regular around Dublin for a few years back then. She is in a bad way but she will rise again 👍

[@ianroberts8692]

And that's why we love them 😍

[@HREIRL]

🤟 very few motors would lie up that long and spring to life so easily.

[@jonstout9236]

Hilarious stuff fella!!

[@HREIRL]

Thanks Jon

[@PatGilliland]

Memories of my day at 12 minutes - if it's not working tap it with a wrench, if that doesn't work give it a thump with a hammer.

[@Darrenfive0]

Brilliant 👍👍

[@HREIRL]

Thanks Man

[@babuno]

😂😂😂 best intro ever

[@HREIRL]

Haha Thanks buddy 👍👍👍

[@classicminidetails8887]

New to the channel, looking forward to whats coming up 👍

[@HREIRL]

Hay Alex you are very welcome glad to have 🤟

[@LearnToRace]

Just subscribed, I've been wanting to get out working on my mini but cause of testing covid positive for the last 2 weeks I haven't been able to, this has given me that boost I need to get over this crap and get out there

[@HREIRL]

Aww thanks for the lovely comment delighted to hear it gave you a little lift. Sorry to hear your sick hope you are starting to feel more human get well soon 👍

[@superseven7947]

Brilliant I love it!! Just discovered your channel and looking forward to catching up with your videos. Greeings from the North Coast 😊👍☘️

[@HREIRL]

Thanks Man and you are most welcome. 👍

[@stewartpalmer7039]

Hi from South Australia if I'd driven that on the road the first car I saw would be a police car.

[@HREIRL]

Haha Im very lucky to live in a rural community where we have a lot of private roads hahah thanks for tuning in 👍👍

[@MrAussieCrasher]

12inch minilites a hi low kit twin tanks , gas flow head twin carbs LCB manifold And lots of TLC

[@HREIRL]

Nice Paul I think you might be on to something 👍👍

[@ravisidhu1667]

I love music at the beginning. I also played a recorder......when I was 5years old :S

[@HREIRL]

haha Love it Ravi 👍

[@ravisidhu1667]

@@HREIRL I actually like the content and channel. Keep it up (new subscriber)

[@HREIRL]

@@ravisidhu1667 Delight to have you on the channel you are most welcome 👍

[@b98a4c37]

That rear driver side wheel wobble though...

[@HREIRL]

slightly out of round nothing to worry about lol

[@franktaylor7617]

😎👍

[@davidprocter3578]

Twin tanks sounds like a good idea for a long distance tourer. Hate to say it but a roof rack might be a blessing in an ugly inefficient frock. A sun roof to let out the hot air when she over heats and you have to turn on the heater to help cool the engine Extra sound insulation to save your ears, or least so they won't be bleeding when you get back. Finally seats from a Hornet or Elf maybe Vanden Plas. Far more forgiving on the backside over a long distance. Just to say driving rust buckets with doors etc falling off almost the norm back in the sixties and seventies all over this Western European Archipelago.

[@HREIRL]

all great ideas David, yes rust buckets where very common on the roads here two national car test took car of that

[@davidprocter3578]

Yep, Ireland and the Isle of Mann were both really bad back then. Wales Scotland and England were not much better in rural areas. How about cruise control? or a hand throttle from a Land Rover.And a standard steering wheel, you won't want to wrestle a small one all that way.

[@D4VE26]

The recorder...🤣

[@HREIRL]

its a bit of crack isn't it 👍

[@CooperSTraveller]

This is going to be an awesome project Paul. Will be following closely. Deffo twin tanks would be a useful addition for a road trip like you’re planning and I reckon a works style roof rack. How about a nod to the “Transworld” Save The Children Minis? I’ll send you a pic on Instagram DM ... the colour scheme could easily be modified to suit your own branding 😉

[@HREIRL]

Brilliant ideas TBC I never heard of the Transworld journey I will do some investigation into that journey. Yes great idea of the works style roof we might even build our own version. Thanks for the lovely comments

[@franciscomelendez3894]

😮

[@larrycluness5438]

The Faroe islands?? Simply come up through the UK and up to the Shetland Islands. We're just a little bit south of Faroe so if you want to see the northern lights then come here in the winter months or, all being well come up in June 2022 and take part in our classic show!

[@HREIRL]

Hay Laurence, Thanks for the offer we will defiantly be up to the shetlands for a visit. The Faroe is the destinations for this little projects.

[@larrycluness5438]

@@HREIRL sad thing is the ferry you'll be using used to stop in Shetland until an accountant somewhere decided it wasn't worth it. It now sails just to the north of us on it's way past!

[@stewartlawson3665]

Looking forward to seeing this project progress Where did you find her Paul.....at the bottom of the canal

[@HREIRL]

Haha I have her nearly 20 year Stewart. It had a little rust 10 years ago they have gotten ,slightly worse 😆

[@F1BOY2007]

that intro flute made me piss myself hahahahahah

[@HREIRL]

Glad you got a laugh Matthew 👍

[@franciscomelendez3894]

Mini Sprint Neville trickett conversion

[@HREIRL]

Hahaha Not this time but food for taught for a future project 👍

[@franciscomelendez3894]

😀

[@ryanharriss7950]

Oh boy, got your work cut out there!

[@HREIRL]

She needs a little bit of love 👍

[@darraghmckenzie7897]

Serious 😂😂

[@HREIRL]

Just a bit of cleaning up and she be grand

[@darraghmckenzie7897]

@@HREIRL looking forward to these videos 😂

[@alankane8686]

Hey, just wondering what part of Ireland you are based. New subscriber and love the content. ☘☘🍀☘☘

[@HREIRL]

Hi Alan, Im in Dublin . You are most welcome to the channel and thanks for the sub means alot 👍👍

[@michaelmeade]

Approximately how much would one have to budget to get a car in this condition back to being in tip top shape?

[@unclekevin5094]

Lovely video but take care. If the police see you they wont worry about no MOT, no insurance, no tax, road worthiness, door falling off, no lights etc but they will throw the book at you for not wearing a mask.

[@HREIRL]

Isn't that the truth 😂

[@CharlesMagurean]

Fiberglass roof skin, and maybe nitrous

[@HREIRL]

We would have to call it Elanor for that one

[@CharlesMagurean]

I mean it would only makes sense at that point.

[@CharlesMagurean]

and the reverse lambo doors are amazing!

[@paulrobinson3528]

1:47 Whats the Red mk1 in the back ground??

[@HREIRL]

That is my 1963 super that I plan to rebuild in the near future after we have Gretel up and running. very keen eye that Mr R

[@paulrobinson3528]

@@HREIRL I've a keen eye to spotting MK1s especially red one's with black roof like my 62 850 lol. Did you say it is a Super??

[@paulrobinson3528]

If it is a "Super" they're rarer than 59 Mini's!!!

[@jonhaslam3699]

I’m no expert but that doesn’t look like a “Classic” Mini Cooper. Where’s the twin tanks etc?

[@jamesbarnes4619]

that is not a mini cooper