old style mini from newer cars?!

150 is not enough. I picked up my last one from outside dover from inverness. The drive home was intresting to say the least.

Like others say engine work = fine
bodywork = fail
 
haha, if i was spending more money i think i would go a bit further, but the car is going to cost me 2k, and then another £200 quid trip to get to see it, then another trip to actually pick it up, so already getting more and more expensive...
 
the_r_sole said:
yeah, don't mind minor body work, but want to avoid any serious stuff (immediately anyway, sure it will happen in time!)
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Well yeah, your on the right track. ;)

Just remember things like interior and exterior can be replaced eg, trim, seats, wheel arches, exhausts and alloys.

All you want is a good chassis/shell and let the fun commence. Also pic up Mini World mag...good read. :)
 
yeah, i have that thought about most cars, tbh i would like to fanny about with all the trim etc anyway!
got a good few back issue of mini world and the mini mag, from when i was about 16!! always wanted to get an era kit, but grown out of that now!!
 
Well all the best in the search of your new mini. :)

Mini is different to, for example a 15 year old corsa for the simple fact that minis hold their value far better than most normal cars because of the cult/classic following. I imagine that if you come to sell it you will make your £2k back no problem if you keep it in good condition. ;)
 
Had the camera out when I got home so thought I do a little "show us your RUST" write up. :p

I am not an expert but here are a few trouble spots for me and considering my car is 13 years old has done 25k miles it really shows that even having a car garaged for such a long time isn't a fool proof way to ensure no rust. :(

This is odd but understandable, with fuel cap off you can see the rust quite clearly. I think some Mini's have the Cooper S (?) fuel cap which might be better but its something to look out for.
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The roof, now this seems to use the same logic as a gutter on your house. Water collects and eventually (when driving) will go down to corners of the roof where there are gaps for water to escape. It's almost as if they over looked something so simple as water collects here when you leave it parked and it rains etc.
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This part is what I meant when I said bulk head (which was replaced a year ago when I crashed). Make sure that this isn't showing bad signs of rust as it is a big job as far as I am aware to replace.
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Don't know if you can see in this pic but basically bubbles of rust on both the drivers/passengers doors are likely from what I have heard. You can see a bit of red tape I have there currently covering it but I need to do some more work to sort it out when I have time.
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The car is very dirty at the moment but perhaps this is good for these photos because it shows were dirt/grime/water collects in places such as here, on the wheel arch.
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Now this part which as you can see has been filled in/sealed is something my dad did years ago as he says its prone for rusting. Not sure what other owners think but there you go.
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Tucked away in the garage...as it should be as its warm and cosy! ;)
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Also under sealing is a must...which reminds me I have to do mine with my dad one day. ;)

You will have to excuse the dirt as it needs a good old fashioned clean tomorrow as I've been slacking in this weather. Which incidentally, as your in Scotland, will know what its like! :D
 
handy wee guide, thanks for that - reckon i know most of the places to look since i've done a wee bit of bodywork on one back in the day!
my dad's advice was to look and see what part panels you can buy for the mini as these are where the rust gets worst, funnily enough you can buy the bottom section of the door as a panel and the bottom corners of the windscreen...
trying to get organised here, but there's a silly amount of things getting in the way now, like trying to find someone to give me a lift to a ferry at 0545 tomorrow!!
 
the_r_sole said:
handy wee guide, thanks for that - reckon i know most of the places to look since i've done a wee bit of bodywork on one back in the day!
my dad's advice was to look and see what part panels you can buy for the mini as these are where the rust gets worst, funnily enough you can buy the bottom section of the door as a panel and the bottom corners of the windscreen...
trying to get organised here, but there's a silly amount of things getting in the way now, like trying to find someone to give me a lift to a ferry at 0545 tomorrow!!
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As for panels...pretty much everything can be made/sourced surprisingly. Whether you specifically want all original parts or creating a brand new car from a shell. It can be done. :D

Worth looking at this post I made a while ago now, find a Mini shop/garage near you and have a gander. :)
http://forums.overclockers.co.uk/showpost.php?p=16103670&postcount=13593

Like I said pick up a mag or I can even send some old ones in post if you like.

I would help you out but I don't fancy having to visit a chiropractor after the epic drive. :o :p ;)
 
Blackhawk and Paulf are right with most those rust spots

Also check the rear subframe, the sills and lift the spare tyre and look in the boot.
Front subframes normally don't rust due to all the oil leaking on to them :P

As long as you have got access to a spare car for when it does break down (they will) then you should be fine.

But Minis are great, but you need to drive one to find out.
 
Gib_Gib said:
Blackhawk and Paulf are right with most those rust spots

Also check the rear subframe, the sills and lift the spare tyre and look in the boot.
Front subframes normally don't rust due to all the oil leaking on to them :P

As long as you have got access to a spare car for when it does break down (they will) then you should be fine.

But Minis are great, but you need to drive one to find out.
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Oh yeah thats all correct. :)

This will put you off pre 90s Mini's for life. :eek:
http://www.theminiforum.co.uk/forums/index.php?act=attach&type=post&id=105885


Just remember this one helpful tip - avoid potholes like the plague. If you can't avoid them then brace yourself and grip the wheel with both hands. Since I've been driving the car has basically 'broken down' and you have to coast to a safe place get under the bonnet and press this button.

It cuts off fuel as a safety feature in case of an accident but obviously it must sense something if you go into a deep pothole. :confused: :o

Edit: you need to buy one just like this IMO: http://www.pistonheads.com/sales/2333052.htm

Also keep an eye out here:
http://www.theminiforum.co.uk/forums/index.php?showforum=219
 
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the_r_sole said:
i'm still undecided, my major worry is that that novelty factor wears thin after a short time and it starts to annoy me!
guess there's a lot resting on the test drive!
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The novelty factor lasted about a minute when I drove a classic mini. As soon as I had to brake the fun wore off very quickly (a lot quicker than the damn thing was able to stop put it that way)
 
Oh, that's where I was going wrong. There was me thinking that tiny brakes on the front and drums on the rear was the problem when it was me all along.

I can't believe I've been so wrong all these years. I feel such a fool.
 
eidolon said:
Oh, that's where I was going wrong. There was me thinking that tiny brakes on the front and drums on the rear was the problem when it was me all along.

I can't believe I've been so wrong all these years. I feel such a fool.
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Mate, I am not saying its perfect. I've lost control twice since driving it now. Bloody lucky but also my fault for panicking and stamping on the brakes.

My Mini has racing disc brakes on the front and drums on the rears. I know the older ones had drums all round so maybe thats why...? :o
 
absolute banter!! finished the test drive with a big grin on my face so decided that wasn't the best time to start negoitiations!
It was a 1.3i cooper k plater, with discs on the front, didn't think the brakes were too shabby - but then i only did a couple of emergency stops at some speed bumps i never noticed till late!!
 
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