How Much To Restore A Classic Mini *Budget Restoration* - Classic Mini Workshop Part 31

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00:00 Intro
Here it is, the new project Mini. I found it on Facebook Marketplace. The plan is to do a budget restoration and get it back to solid and roadworthy condition with a new MOT and fresh bill of health.

[@malcolmlatham-bennett931]

Firstly it was good to meet you and your wife at Bingley, and to see the car up close , you made a wonderful job of restoring the car, the new owner I'm sure' is over the moon as the saying would go, well done to you and your family. Malcolm

[@classicminiworkshop]

Thanks Malcolm, it was nice to meet you

[@willsy5164]

Really enjoyed this project. Great to see it restored so well.

[@thedjse]

I think it comfortably sits at £6k!!! Ts a very quick sale! You've done a fantastic job Keith should be proud

[@rbirdi900]

Keith, excellent 'volume' for mini enthusiasts. And one for many to review over the coming years. As always, you are honest and to the point. Good the project is but finished, and time for a short rest and a 🍺... I look forward to your next project..

[@Thecarislife]

Both numbers were roughly what I thought Keith. Great work. I never added mine up but I ball parked it around 3.5k to 4k when it was done. Lots of people didn't believe me when I said it. But this just proves it.

[@richardwalker5906]

Keith it looks spot on!.. tbf to someone it will be priceless.. knowing what I paid for mine 4k 2 years ago & I'm in the middle of doing everything you have just done on Bruce.. I seriously believe 6/7.5k if not more! Labour I reckon if it went to a welding professional I reckon be around 5k again if not more! This is a honest car done by a honest person. I wish I could get mine finished soon! Cheers Rich

[@tonyaylott4114]

Great job Keith as always, it shows you what can be achieved when you put your mind to it without spending loads of money and just thinking through what has to be done 👍

[@simonwebster6855]

Well done Mine was done on a budget outside in the cold and the wet Took me a year no idea how many hours Never done anything like this before Think I spent in parts around £1900 It’s not perfect but I’m proud of what I’ve done

[@classicminiworkshop]

Thanks Simon, it takes some commitment to get out there when it's wet and cold. Well done

[@classicminilife]

Totally agree that a completed project on ebay would be interesting to see how much it goes for. Keep up the good work and keep saving them.

[@classicminiworkshop]

Thanks, will do!

[@williamsaurina3099]

I know I’m late but I think that it’s a $10,000 US car, nice one!

[@Tony-zv6he]

Car looked great, some achievement to buy and complete the restoration for the final figure definitely worth alot more, well done Keith, enjoyed our chat on Sunday..and some great advise,..

[@classicminiworkshop]

Thanks Tony, good to see you.

[@simongear3940]

Well done with the finished car. It looks great and what is a steal for the new owner! Look forward to your ‘summer’ content. Thanks for showing the work you have done. As a diy restorer myself, the insight is invaluable.

[@classicminiworkshop]

Thanks 👍

[@janvanstraelen3727]

The end result looks really good Keith and the new owner will have a great car 👍👏

[@SteveCrook]

Excellent series that provided some useful tips for me. The car looked great at Bingley and it was good to meet you. Looking forward to your next project.

[@classicminiworkshop]

Thanks Steve, good to see you too. Loved the sweatshirt!

[@ClassicCarCave]

Keith, I think this project highlights a lot of aspects to classic car costs, Buying at the right price, Parts & panels, Welding and bodywork and prep & paint Then the big one labour costs. What it does show without a doubt is without the skills, euipment and knowledge the total cost can be huge, The mini looks great and I‘m sure the new owner is extremely happy for what he has paid for it in fact I would say it‘s a gift! As you and I know it is all too easy for the total spend to spiral to a point where the costs far exceed the market value, Keith as always your a gent and you stand by your word and your work which is rare nowadays, I have a feeling you may have far too many requests for work to be done on minis in the future, From experience I would stay away from doing any paid customer repairs and enjoy your own cars. Cheers Dave

[@classicminiworkshop]

Spot on Dave, it becomes a labour of love

[@recreativesigns4571]

Love the finished car and what a budget project that is. I think you’re right, it must have been a hard decision to sell it on after it turned out so well.

[@classicminidetails8887]

From seeing this car back in August to the finished product last week you have done a great job. People slate autos for being rubbish but if a mini from 1983 can do more miles than a new ford transit before it blows up it goes to show they ain't that bad. Well done again mate enjoyed this one alot and something different like you said

[@classicminiworkshop]

Thanks Alex

[@ethelmini]

Labour costs are including overheads you don't have in your domestic garage. Depends if you're costing it as a hobby or a business. If you enjoy doing it & make enough to cover the running costs of your keepers it's worth it in my book.

[@richardhintonracing]

A quite remarkable achievement for the final sum and that is not a budget job it is very thorough using all new panels. Kept dry it is now good for 50 more years ;I would hope the purchaser would give you substantially over your asking price . It is a bargain now at £5000. I think you could realistically expect £8500 on line auction . With labour priced in its cost price is certainly north of £10,000. Bear in mind a new bare bodyshell to today is £10 K alone .40 year mark is a price boost - and just look at the prices older cars make now !!

[@peterdemetriou2263]

The eBay idea is brilliant, could fund future projects

[@MN-FilmStudio]

Really I am look forward. I hope this project goes well. There are many classic mini fan in Japan. There are lot of special shop as well. we can any support from Japan if you want.

[@Alexnse10]

This was a great series Keith, look forward to what ever comes next 👌

[@dnf1903]

Hiya Keith-great video. Mini 1275 GT next? Whatever it is I know you'll make a fantastic job. Keep well and thankyou.

[@edwardfothergill6156]

Lots of information in this video, thank you Keith. You’re overall estimate at about £9k makes me feel a a lot better too. My mini is a 1981 998 HL although it now the engine has been modified to Cooper specification. Discs and seats that look like the Mk2 Cooper too. As I had the engine/gearbox and bodywork done for me I have spent more than you and I haven’t thought about my own hours. I doubt I will get my money back and if you pass Bruce on for less than £5k, someone has got a very good deal. I must make the effort to get to one of the BMC shows to meet you in person. To repeat myself, well done.

[@classicminiworkshop]

Thanks Edward

[@MiniMattTV]

Congratulations Keith! As I said at Bingley you’ve done a fantastic job and the car looks fantastic!! For the money you’ve what a result, Bumble cost me around £2000 to recommission but that was including lots of new parts including brake disk conversion but no new front end and subframe like you’ve managed so definitely you’ve done very well!

[@classicminiworkshop]

Thanks Matt, it was great to see you at Bingley. Looking forward to the next one.

[@danwallis1984]

I love the work you do and gives me confidence to work on my own Mini, in my case a late Cooper so even budget parts are really expensive. I know what you mean about getting attached to a car when you do so much work on it, I could never part with my mate 'Coop' and i dread to think of how much i spent on him in the 20 years i've had him!

[@steven1000000000]

Bit late to the video, but nice car. The new owner is a lucky person. I was looking around for a mini in London, and was surprised as to the prices. But, when you break down the labour costs, parts etc. , it's easy to see where the money goes. Don't know how inflation has impacted pricing over the last 2 years, but I thought that 6k was a a fair price. Doesn't leave much for your labour though.

[@peterobrien3539]

Lovely job Keith, I think Bruce is a £6k car any day of the week. The new owner has got an absolute bargain, I hope they enjoy her.

[@padraigdoran3082]

Love the videos bought a mini 94 sprite striped on a spit welding in pannels atm all because of your videos on bruse plz do another project like this best mini videos on KZbin love the budget ones

[@jaggass]

Here's me hoping you would find a classic Mini with the reg plate that ends in IRN. BRUce looks great Keef and the new owner will really enjoy it.

[@christopherkelly6903]

I'd say 7k. Someone has had a really good car for the money. Really looked amazing at bingley the weekend

[@karlgt9989]

Great build, saw it at Bingley and it looks fab. Maybe a Pup build next? They are getting harder and harder to source

[@SmugwoodMini]

Looks really nice Keith. Nice job.

[@SimpsonsClassics]

Nice work on this Keith I have really enjoyed this build. I would say the car is worth 4-5k it’s a solid well sorted car with all the hard work done. Great car great series and looking forward to the next one 👍

[@classicminiworkshop]

Thanks 👍

[@franktaylor7617]

At 9:02 in the video. I would guess the value to be about $10.5k here in the US in my area. Probably an easy sell with the AT trans. Back to the rest of the video..😁

[@midgelambert3880]

Hi Keith, I think the fellow buying Bruce got a very good deal at 3714.00 pounds which is $ 6179.00 Canadian. I paid $7500.00 or 4500.00 pounds for a good paint job over here.

[@stephenr6384]

Awesome series! Watched from the beginning and learned so much ! I’m about to try and do the same with a mini I’ve just bought!! Wish me luck as I have never done anything like this before! So if I need any help….I know who to call 🙂

[@classicminiworkshop]

Good luck!

[@pauljeffries]

Great video Keith, project Bruce looked great at Bingley 👍

[@seanheath929]

Great little series, thanks Keith. Car looked great at Bingley. How about for a next project, one of the variants? A pickup, moke or elf for example?

[@paulrobinson3528]

Keith wouldn't do a Elf, the boot floor would send him into a melt down 🤣

[@classicminiworkshop]

OMG imaging that LOL. Mark had an Elf he sold recently.

[@michaelfk2548]

Lovely little car...eBay sounds fun ...8/9k a bargain ...!

[@johndavey72]

Great video with very honest content . You certainly present a very professonial and entertaining programme . I guessed your parts cost having absolutely no idea what you'd bought ! And as you say labour charge ? Sometimes it's better not to even think about it ! My TR6 would owe me at least £40k at £10 p/hr ! 🤪 l have the same Lancaster picture in my lounge. Great stuff and thanks for sharing .

[@classicminiworkshop]

Thanks John

[@themightyimp08]

Just seen the eBay comment. Factor in electricity usage and final selling fees, add that on, then start it at that..

[@brummierabbitman9637]

I’ve got an 85 City one that undertook a full restoration which was finished in January , my brother built it and did the work, paid £800 for the car but parts probably cost me about £15000 to get it where it is today

[@ianroberts8692]

Budget restro with your ocd has been great content, I think we need a moke next 😳

[@classicminiworkshop]

Thanks Ian. I would love to do a Californian style Moke with a hot engine

[@BMCWorkshop]

Keith, super job on that car buddy

[@stewartpalmer7039]

You've done a great job and very enjoyable videos. Was the two minutes of reverse image from about 12 min 30 sec deliberate to see if we were paying attention?

[@classicminiworkshop]

I wondered if anyone would notice I converted it to LHD LOL

[@bradleeclark2309]

Loved watching your videos, please with your next project do a full racing clubman ✌️

[@classicminiworkshop]

That would be nice!

[@el_nono2585]

Nice job!

[@peterdemetriou2263]

I would think it’s worth about 5-6k ish ? 👍( selling price )

[@coopermcfly9234]

If you have another you’re looking to sell soon I’m looking around would be happy to talk with you

[@paulrobinson3528]

2nd 😆i've paused at your total cost moment.....................i reckon £4800.................oh.............................but i was including electricity 😂

[@classicminiworkshop]

LOL, I didn't think of the leccy!

[@markb978]

Would love to see you work on something different - a van or pickup maybe?

[@classicminiworkshop]

If I could, I would love to do a 1275GT next

[@themightyimp08]

I think it's worth £9,000, and if sold as a famous car restored by a KZbinr who documented the whole restoration, the right buyer might pay 12-15k

[@rbirdi900]

Thanks

[@classicminiworkshop]

Many thanks Raj, I really appreciate your continued support. That will go towards a much needed beer!

[@meradu2]

Hello you just got a new subscriber lol so I just got a Mini 1000 looks like the one you just worked on no title with a lot of rust no motor no transmission no interior for $300 cash Can you please help me? How can I identify? What year is the car? And how much do you think a good used motor would cost me Thank you so much

[@classicminiworkshop]

Hi, does the car have a chassis plate or chassis number?

[@ssabc762]

Hi Mate that a very good restoration. Where are you based? I want a classic Mini pre 1985. Are you doing any further restorations?

[@classicminiworkshop]

I live near Brighton. I've usually always got at least one restoration on the go

[@ssabc762]

@@classicminiworkshop Ok, I live in the Midlands and working on Mini's bodywork is very fascinating for me. I would love to learn, would you consider a volunteer? I can come sometime whenever there is some bodywork going on. Thanks

[@classicminiworkshop]

@@ssabc762 Yes, remind me when I get into the next project!

[@steveb5584]

Easy 5k auto kills it though

[@Ak-vh2og]

Most workshop/garages will definitely be more than £30 an hour! More like £60-£80 per hour.

[@imantha]

Thanks for the video Keith, new subscriber here. Would you be able to share where you source your project cars from? Is it just ebay or do you use any other sources at all? I've been wanting to do a project like this for quite a some time and I finally have space to do it. Would be great if you could do a video on what to look for and what to avoid on a project car when you are buying one.

[@classicminiworkshop]

Hi, thanks for subscribing. I think most of my projects have come from e-bay in one way or another, although I do regularly keep a good look out on Facebook Mini selling groups which is quite a good place to search

[@DoubleOSeven007]

Not Financially Viable but rewarding.

[@mcmotors100]

I reckon it’s worth about £8000, six grand buys you a tidy one which is bound to need some work or hiding something. I estimate you spent about £2000 on it. Which is an absolute bargain. I’m 5 years in to my similar restoration at a cost of about £5000 in parts and a £4500 spray job. Must be heartbreaking to let it go, super generous of you. I think 207 hours is super efficient , maybe because there’s a love hate feeling about it you pushed on and didn’t titillate or procrastinate. If you were doing as a hobby/busy you’d want £30 an hour out of it. I think the eBay ideas is a great idea but I would as I thought of it 🤣 it would give you a fair reflection of your hard/good work

[@classicminiworkshop]

Thanks for the e-bay idea!

[@stanelder9995]

Does being tax exempt also mean that it will be exempt from the congestion charges (e.g. London) ? Save an ADO16 for me!

[@classicminiworkshop]

Unfortunately it doesn't as far as I know

[@mikeuk1954]

12k - 15k with all the labour costs. Your labour cost were probably = 8k + @ £40 per hour.

[@danielwilliams603]

4-5k

[@johnwren3976]

In the US, $8,000-$12,000 currently. The auto being viewed as a detriment here.

[@sharonfinn2901]

How much in total it cost to restore Bruce please ?

[@classicminiworkshop]

It's in the video 16:45 £1714 to restore and I paid £2000 for the car so £3714 in total

[@dalewarren9518]

Hi , I think that it's worth at least £6000 🙂

[@mk1leg]

mini what evet mk or model take the same amount of time

[@peterdemetriou2263]

1st ? 😆

[@Peakwanderer]

3rd

[@mk1leg]

here in jersey 50 per hour lol

[@thomasjrinaldi]

I've seen you're SELLING Tardis on Ebay! What's next??

[@classicminiworkshop]

I'm keeping my eyes peeled! You are right though, I'm selling Tardis to free up space for another project. I had to park my Cooper Sport outside this winter which I really want to avoid.

[@markgutter8443]

I think its worth £6000

[@mk1leg]

i recon 6k to 7k resale

[@Thecarislife]

I was thinking of £60 an hour to be kind ha ha ha

[@Thecarislife]

I mean kind to the poor sole paying

[@mk1leg]

get a W & P mini

[@scottb926]

3500 as it’s an auto? 😅

[@scottb926]

I was way off 😂

[@Peakwanderer]

Boo