Prawny Baby

Common Tuppers! We need an update. Just linked Carol to this thread now, so hopefully we can keep it going a little more in future.

It is VERY near completion, all the bits have been bought, the wiring is sorted but in a box, all the finishing parts have been done just not fitted to the car, the engine is ready to bolt in and run up. It was a full rolling shell just needing the engine and interior, then Oli decided to have a HUGE amount of custom metal work done, and thats where our dear friend matt comes in! Hard to believe I know, but its actually fairly near completion, most of the hard work has been done, its just down to matt to finish the shell. Matt you are a star, thanks for everything, I will send Carol a link to this page this evening. Ill be in touch real soon mate.

Thanks for everything guys, Sue, I was speaking to Carol just earlier about you and what you had to go through, she may well be glad to speak to you! I just want to thank everyone so much for all the amazing support we have had, it really does mean so much to Olis family, who need all the support available at this terrible time. To all those attending the funeral, I will see you tomorow, it's getting late, and I am shattered. Please, please, come and say hello if you come, it will be great to see everyone where to celebrate Olis life. Drive safely guys. See you at 11:30 Nick

You need to get some paint on that badboy, before it all rusts and goes to waste!

25 minutes before he was due at work poor old Oli spent his last 6 hours delivering pizza. Its been 10 days now since we knew, and it still just hasnt settled in that he is gone. I really miss him, so much. RIP dear friend, you will be missed so much for years to come (Oli always looked better in photos than me)

It Danny that changed Olis have, a long while back. Thanks so much for all the amazing help guys, those of you who have made donations, i really am so thankful that people are getting behind the cause, I PROMISE it will all be worth it. I appologise for not replying to every single person who has donated so far. I have been so busy, what with trying to sort out the account and funds, and going bak to work after a week off and having 2 stupidly busy days before christmas Everything just seems really shit right now, but the support from you guys is just amazing! As a rough idea, how many of you can we expect to see at the funeral on Friday? it would mean so much to see you all there, really, the more the better. Smo- that T-shirt looks amazing, although as said I would change the RIP to a more date specific thing, like 08.01.87-09.12.07. 3 weeks until Olis Birthday

Thanks mark, I can be pretty serious when the occasion calls for it, I just like to take life one day at a time, When Olis mum told me the tragic news, I knew I had to do what Oli wanted, and finish off the project for him. I have been seriously involved with Oli and the mini since work first got properly underway 18 months ago, and nothing would be a more fitting tribute than to do this for him. Thanks for all the offers of donations guys, Its not important when you do it, but if you guys are able to donate just something, then we can make a real difference to the project, and make Oli proud. Thanks as always guys. Nick

Right guys, its time to get things sorted. As you all know, Oliver Lewis, a dear friend to many of us, was involved in a tragic accident on the A308 on Sunday morning, in which he was killed. As you all know, Oli was nearing the end of building a Mini, a project which has taken him some 3 years so far, and taken up all his spare time and money. Oli went way beyond what most people would be content with, and insisted that EVERY single aspect of his mini would be perfect. We would go to his workshop at weekends to work on the mini, and when I was ready for bed, Oli would insist we move into the workshop, and carry on working. We were often in the workshop until 2-3am, WAY past my bed time. Oli loved every second of it, you could see from his face, every bit of progess on the mini just made his eye light up, he truly lived for that mini. Finishing it was his all consuming passion, and it was going to be one of the most incredible cars ever built. Tragicly, after 3 years of hard work, and more money than I care to think of, Oli has been taken from us, just months before the projected completion of his Mini. We had aimed to have it finished and road worthy in time for the Riviera Run, in May 2008. Oli would often come round to my house, just as I was going to bed, and stay for hours, just chatting about his plans for the mini, it was such a personal thing to him, parts of it I liked, parts of it I didnt, but it all worked together to create Olis dream, which I intend to honour, in every last detail Having spoken to Olis parents, we have agreed that I am going to take charge of the project, and ensure that his mini is finished exactly as Oli planned it. Oli had already purchased almost all the parts, he just needs a few more small things to finish the car off, and a considerable amount of metal work by Matt Tupman, and finally, the painting of the car. I estimate we will need around £3000 Today, I went to the bank, and setup a new account in my name, specially for the mini fund. The account remains in my name because it was easiest to setup. Setting up an account totally seperate from my own would have involed letters, groups of people, and considerable time. I have setup a savings account, complete with a solo card so we can mail order components should we need to. Once i recieve the solo card I will link the account to my paypal account, so funds can be transfered direct into the mini account. Many people said in previous threads that they would be willing to donate some money to the finishing of Olis mini, so now is your chance guys! If just half the people who have replied to the threads gave £5, we could raise £2000. So, to all those who feel touched by Olis work, all those who have taken ideas from his creative side, to all those who knew him, and all those who feel that finishing Olis mini is a worthwhile cause (I can think of no greater tribute to the life of a truly special person). Please help us in any way you can, to finish off Olis mini, and do him justice. It doesnt matter how much you can donate, give what you feel is right. Every pound helps, it really does, and if Oli has left even 10% of the lasting impression on you guys, as he has on me, I know you will help. I want to do right by my friend. For those people wishing to make donations via paypal, please send funds to prawn16@hotmail.com, I will link the new account to my paypal ASAP and transfer the funds direct. For those with internet banking, who wish to transfer funds directly into the MINI account, the details are as follows: Sort code: 56 00 64 Account number: 36799440 The account is under my name, so for all those wishing to donate by cheque, please make cheques payable to myself; Nick Vaughan, and send them to; 58, Empshott Road Southsea Hampshire PO4 8BY I will also arrange for a MINI FUND collection to be held at Olis funeral, so for all those able to attend, please see me next Friday. All those wishing to show their support physically helping me in the building of this amazing car, I look forward to working with you. Once again, thank you to everyone for all the incredible support you have shown. I look forward to working with many of you during the final stages of building Olis mini. Thanks guys, i cant imagine getting through this without you all. Regards Nick

Guys, I thank you all for your contintued support, it really does mean so much at this terrible time. Links to all the forums hosting threads about Oli have been passed onto the rest of Olis family and friends, and I can promise you they are very comforting. Today I have been to the bank, and setup an account in my name, specially for the completion of Olis mini. I could have setup a club/society account, but it was rather complex, and would have taken some weeeks to officialise. So what I have done, is opened a second bank account in my own name, which will be totally seperate from my own funds. Later tonight (after I've eaten something) I will post the details of the account, so all those wishing to make a donation via internet banking will be able to do so directly into the mini fund. For those using paypal, I will wait until all paypal donations are recieved, then transfer the total amount into the mini fund as soon as I am able to link the mini fund to my paypal account. I have spoken to Morspeed, Olis engine builder, and all the details of his amazing engine have been confirmed, and it will be shipped to the Tupmans next week, exactly as Oli had planned. I will start a seperate 'Lets finish Olis Mini' thread later tonight with all the details. Once again, thanks for everything guys, you truly are a wonderful group of people I can say I am involved with. (i appologise for this post being repeated on several forums, its just easier that way, you are all so so helpful, thank you) Nick

Right guys, I have spent today at the scene of the crash with Olis family and friends. Having spoken to both Olis parents, they are happy for the mini to go ahead as planned, so it will definately be finished, exactly as Oli wanted. Tomorow morning Pierre and I will go into town and setup a new bank account specially for the project, from then people can either choose to send cheques payable to the account, or make paypal donations to my paypal account, which I will ensure ALL gets transfered directly into the mini fund. I will make a record of every single donation, for legal reasons and such like, should anyone want to know how the money has been spent. Seeing the scene of the crash today was one of the most awful moments of my life. Just trying to take it all in, knowing the significance of where i was standing, was all too much to take. All my friends, and all you guys here on the forum, have been so great supporting Olis family and friends, it really is so great to know that so many people are there. Take care guys, I will post more when I have more details.

We are getting by guys, we have an amazing network of friends to help get us through. People have been more supportive than i could possibly imagine. I have Tori and some of my closest friends here with me, and we are in touch with Oli's mum every day. I will be in touch with everyone tomorow when I know more details, but basicly, Carol wants everyone who knew oli to be there on friday. He made such a huge difference to the lives of so many people, and he must be remembered for that. I know I for one can never forget him. ll those who would like to attend his funeral, please let me know, as I need to get an idea for organising Olis funeral. Thanks for all the support guys, it means more than you know. Nick

Hi Guys, I am back. No Rice was miserable, the police turned up (god knows why) and shut half the carpark, and sent people on their way. I didnt get to speak to half the people I wanted to. Tori and I (along with bigman and tic) spent some time with Olis mum Carol this afternoon, we have decided that the mini will definately be finished, we just need to setup some form of donation fund to help with getting it done. Oli's funeral will be held in the village church in Wilton, 5 minutes from Salisbury, at 11:30 on the 21st of this month. All are invited. I cant type more now, Ill finish this off later.

I owe it to Oli, and I honestly dont think anyone else could. I have been with Oli every stop of the way, and I know every last tiny detail of how he wanted it built. We have genuinely spent Hundreds of hours (literally) discussing his plans for the mini, and now, the project oli always wanted remains only as an image in my head. Almost all the parts are there, we just need a few more bits to finish it, then a lot of time assembling. Ill speak to Olis parents about it soon.

Guys, its all over. Oli has been found, sat in his car, on the bed of the River Thames. From the sounds of things he must have hit his head and gone out cold, or Im sure he would have been able to escape. This tragedy is even more heartfelt when you hear that Oli's poor mum lost her father just 3 weeks ago. I cannot even begin to imagine how Carol is feeling, I could never wish this on even the worst of people, let alone Oli Lewis and his amazing family. Never a more kind and genuine family I have met. Oli has been one of my best friends over the past year, and has been the most amazing person to have around, we have shared so much together in the last year, and so much more was planned. By all accounts I would imagine that Oli would want to go at the wheel of his car, it meant the entire world to him, and was a true credit to his amazing skills, I am simply gutted that his Mini was never finished, as he genuinely lived for that car. I will do my best to see that the mini is finished. I'll make sure all your comments get passed on to Olis family, it will be comforting for them to know how truly loved their son was. A true friend, taken away from us exactly 4 weeks before his 21st birthday. RIP Oli Lewis. I will miss you terribly

OK small update: Divers went back into the river at 0930 this morning, they have now found evidence that the car did go into the river, but currently they have found no sign of where it is now. Please be safe Oli, we need you to come back!

Guys, I hate to be the person typing this, but I feel that as a community it needs to be told; Oli Lewis, known on the forum as nmt_oli, has been involved in an accident, and is currently missing. In the early hours of Sunday morning, Oli left work at Dominos pizza, and began the journey from Portsmouth to Datchet, to his Fathers house, near Windsor. Around 0130 Oli was involved in an accident, on a stretch of the A308 near the M25, running very close to the river Thames. Nobody is quite sure of what happened, but we currently know that Oli was concious at the time, as the skid marks show him reacting to loosing control of the car. The skid marks lead down the road, before turning 90 degrees and stopping. One can only assume that this means the car became airborne at this point. No landing place has been found yet. So far, a search team have found the front bumper, windscreen, rear number plate, and a door from Oli's car. The shell of the car is yet to be found. No sign of Oli has been found yet either. Divers are searching the river bed, but have not yet found any trace of Oli, or the car The location of the accident is thought to be here: Googlemaps/Datchet At this time we must remain optimistic, and until Oli's car is found, we cannot be sure what happened. I ask that you show your sympathy for Oli's Mum Carol, and his family and friends. We cannot even begin to imagine how hard it must be for them not knowing where Oli is. As many of you know, Oli has always been the sensible one in our group. very talented, very clever, and great at just about anything he decided to do. He was warm and caring, and never thought twice about helping people out, even if he didn't know them! He was a careful and safe driver, and well knew the limits of his car, which he had built entirely his self. One can only hope he will be found. Please come home soon Oli, we miss you mate

It does for sure. We did it when we bought a f**ked car for tori. bought the car, pushed it 500 yards down the road, ran the AA. AA man arrived, asked why the engine was cold. We said it broke down rushing home in convoy with a friend last night, so we left it there, and came back today to see if it would start, it wouldnt (had no HT leads incase he tried!), so we needed a tow! It worked, 40 miles home, job done Just take a load of shit with you to make te car look lived in if its new!

MILES different to viz forks im afraid guys. the leg shape is entirely different up close, as an outline, its similar, but the angles and lengths are totally different, the disc mount is different, and generally they're much nicer than viz forks, i wouldnt even consider viz forks, yet i love these! Ill make sure some form of proof is aquired for you over the christmas holiday tarty!

Atomz indeed, thanks jarrod, its a simple bike, but thats how i like it these days. Ive done the coloured uber pimped thing, now i just want a bike. A spec for those who are interested: Echo Control 07 long frame Atomz forks (+30 disc mount) Hope Headset Echo external ISIS BB Echo CNC cranks Echo CNC bashring Surly 16t screw on cog Revell pedals Front Hope XC on onza Reggie rim, maxxis hi roller single ply 2.35 Rear CK single speed on Revell rim, Surly 14t cog, maxis hi roller 2.5 dual ply Rear Echo CNC brake with Heatsink CNC pads, silver blade/silver body Front Hope mono Trial 07 190mm, silver lever blade/silver body Echo Hifi 130x15 stem Zoo 07 bars I think thats it! Ive not done the whole 'bike pics' thing for a LONG time! (not since the 27th september last year infact, when I got my Zenith!)

Not that anyone really cares about seeing pics of anybodies bikes these days (do they? surely not!), but seeing as I had the camera to hand, and the bike, and it wasnt raining for once (that didnt last long!) I thought I'd take a snap of the current ride just to prove to people that i do still ride, just not very often anyway, I've been on this 07 control most of this year, and i really like it. its plain, and simple, and does the job just fine. The beast:

hahahahahahahaha I am Starr Leather Cheeks

feck it, ill get my bike out then!!!! see you boys in the morning!

chances are itll be dumped soon enough. Stolen cars are ragged. Unmapped turbo cars blow up when ragged. It cant last long!

those things look AWESOME!!!!!! is it a 150bhp standard? get that badboy remapped, and if its a ko3 turbo, you're looking at over 200bhp! in a polo!!!!!!

I am of course less gay then Kennard, shocking that! (23%) That said, my house mate is possibly the gayest person I have ever met, and he only got 20%!