Gday guys.
So I'm 18 and I've posted about my/my fathers mk1 Mini Cooper s a while ago.
I'm just wondering if there would have been someone that they have heard of about cutting a mini van into a ute. Would it even be possible? I am so curious to know as I know there are hardly any mini Utes here in Australia and if you get one then geez it would be really nice.
Jaxi.

_________________
1967 morris Mini Cooper s mk1 resto

Yes, there have been many done from vans. Have a look at this thread, there are some photos of genuine utes (pickups in the UK) and converted vans.

viewtopic.php?f=2&t=91744

_________________

they're usually easy to pick because the person who did the work didn't go that little bit extra and make the tailgate vertical... they leave it at an angle and it just looks wrong

the conversion needs engineer certification too

_________________
did I tell you that I won a trophy?

My personal opinion is that with modern engineering requirements and the relatively high value of original vans, it would barely be worth doing nowadays. Although I've seen some good conversions, I doubt that the final product would be worth much more than the van would have been if restored to the same standard.

The factory pickups had a few odd details that are hard to reproduce from an Australian van. The tail gate for one, but also the fixed grille and the seam where the roof and rear bulkhead meet. Most conversions do a nice job of smoothing the roof off, which probably ends up looking better than what the factory actually did.

Tim

_________________
1951 Morris Commercial J Type Van
1955 BSA C11G
1961 Morris Mini Traveller
1969 Triumph TR6R
1977 Leyland Moke Californian

Here's one option , buy one already done , jump in and enjoy

viewtopic.php?f=40&t=92809

Both my uncle and cousin have converted utes and both have been done differently. while not original looking i think the uncle's ute is finished how the factory should have done it by rounding off the roof towards the back with a gutter... combine that though with an amgled rear screen oanel and it does somewhat limit headroom for those taller than average .....

Good for transporting toddlers though.





Sent from my SM-G900I using Tapatalk

_________________
"Evil will always triumph over good - because good is dumb"

1961 Mini 850 - sold 1997
1965 Mini Deluxe - sold 2013
1977 Mini LS - in build....

Thank you so much everyone. I still have a bit of time to think but I do really like the rounded edge on the roof in those photos. It all seems so mad. I would still be really happy to have a mini ute look a like.
Once again thank you everyone.
Jaxi.

_________________
1967 morris Mini Cooper s mk1 resto

Maybe Jaxi just wants his Jacksie in a Ute? and to hell with any investment/profit and loss considerations? and, sometimes what came out of factory's can be improved...No?

There are plenty of Mini chassis of all types out there rotting away that need saving...if a Van becomes a lovingly restored interpretation of a Factory Utility...then where is the harm in that?

I know!! Questions!!

Better get a wriggle on Jax if you want to make the Muster!

http://www.deniutemuster.com.au/

PS to Jaxi, add your Location to your profile to get locals attention and assistance

_________________
"Show me the Mini!"

Sure, its only my opinion, there are plenty of other opinions out there, and some of them are even valid. I happen to prefer originality. I can appreciate customs, but only if done to the highest of standards - and let's face it there are plenty that don't fall into that category getting around.

Tim

_________________
1951 Morris Commercial J Type Van
1955 BSA C11G
1961 Morris Mini Traveller
1969 Triumph TR6R
1977 Leyland Moke Californian

At the moment I'm just looking for options as at the age of 18 I have no way on being able to purchase an original one/cutting a van.
I've been looking at import websites and have found some but they are way too much for me at the moment but I'm sure I'll figure it out in a few years.
Thank you 9YaTaH I have done that now.
Once again thank you everyone

_________________
1967 morris Mini Cooper s mk1 resto

Hi
This is my first post on this site.
I have purchased a mini van that had a conversion to a ute some years ago and was eventually left to rot in a paddock.
I have always wanted a mini pick-up (ute) but they are scarce in Australia. I have now imported all the original panels that are available and will attempt to create what would have been an Australian 1967 Mini Ute if they had made one.
I would like to get a look at an original Pick-Up to photograph and measure the position of some of the gusset's to help with the build. Can anyone point me in the right direction.
I did see an unrestored one a few years ago at the Mini Experience British day, he wouldn't part with it of course!

Regards to all.

Where are you located?

_________________
That's why it's good to be.............ME

minimutter - this is a good reason to add your location to your user profile as others may be more willing to respond.

_________________
ex-NSW Police 1970 MK II Cooper S
VMCI #43

definitely.... because if you're anywhere near Mt Beauty you could go and chat to ALPINE MOKE who did the same by cutting down a van and importing UK panels - very neat job...

_________________
did I tell you that I won a trophy?

To be fair, he is a nutter, not a mutterer

_________________
"Show me the Mini!"