829 replies to this topic

[timmy850]

When I had the airbox out earlier I noticed the filter been moving around a bit and covering up the carb intake. The filter was the K&N E-2601 that came with the minispares stage 1 kit. 

 
My metal airbox locates the filter using the external lip which is about 210mm. This means the external diameter (210mm) and the internal diameter (160mm) are both important. You can also see the shiny metal surface where the filter has been rubbing. The E-2601 has an OD of 187mm


The later plastic airbox locates the filter using the internal lip, which means that the internal diameter is more critical, and the external diameter can be smaller than the factory size without any issue

 
After a bit of research not the K&N website I ordered in a new KN E-2600 (210mm OD) and it fits perfectly and doesn't move about at all.

[Jared Mk3]

That filter from the kit looks a bit fiddly and small . . .

[timmy850]

That filter from the kit looks a bit fiddly and small . . .

Yeah, it definitely didn't suit the early HS4 box at all. I have the K&N cleaning and re-oiling kit so at least I can sell on the small one. 

[timmy850]

I spent the day inside with the man flu and decided to start polishing the steering wheel. It's not perfect yet, it needs a bit more elbow grease but it's showing promise. The wood rim will need looking at next, and then the boss will need a bit of work to bring it up to scratch! 

 

Before

After

Before

After

 

[timmy850]

The car passed the annual registration inspection for another year, which is 5 years in a row with no problems! I've even done over 1000km since the start of the year and it's been running really nice.

 

The new alternator that was fitted at the end of last year has really improved the starting of the car too. I'm guessing the battery wasn't getting properly charged before as the car used to turn over for 10+ seconds at a time and only try to start when the starter button was let go. Now it'll start up nearly straight away without any choke

 

We went up to a car show a few weeks ago and there was a really nice variety of cars, and some surprisingly nice coffee from a coffee van. I'll upload another couple of photos later, as some of the cars there were pretty special!

[timmy850]

We had a drive a few weeks ago, we started with coffee at Bald Hill (at the North end of the Sea Cliff Bridge, which you may recognise if you play Forza Horizon 3) before a nice drive through the national park (aka the Royal Nasho) and then we finished up at an orchard which also brewed some nice cider.

 

Here's the photo album from the show earlier in April:

https://www.flickr.c...5928@N03/Z4m90p

And the all Mini show in March:

https://flic.kr/s/aHskuQDtu4

 

[Vinay-RS]

Some lovely Minis on display in that second album. The GT styled Clubman Estate/van, is awesome. 

[timmy850]

Some lovely Minis on display in that second album. The GT styled Clubman Estate/van, is awesome. 

If I ever got to buy another mini it'd definitely be a Clubman Van

 

Here's a better photo of the "Gambier Turquoise" one:

 

And my favourite green one:

 

Not much progress on anything recently, life has been pretty busy

[timmy850]

Everyone's favourite package turned up this week! This was mostly gaskets, bolts and a duplex timing chain kit to get the engine build progressing

I also dug out the nudge bar that's been tucked in the corner of the garage for a couple of years. It just needs 4 holes drilled in the subframe to install it. I think it could look cool with some spot lamps on the top

 

[Vinay-RS]

What about the 2 up 2 down for the spots on that bar. 

[timmy850]

What about the 2 up 2 down for the spots on that bar. 

Yeah that would be cool!

 

I picked up some parts today from a swap meet. This steering wheel type is from an Aussie Mk2 and early Clubman. The early ones had a BMC logo, the middle one was "British Leyland" and the final style were "Leyland Australia". There is also a breather neck for the clutch housing.

These were a really nice find, NOS 1964 only 850 seat covers. They are for the bases of the front seats.

The front seats of my car have both had the bases replaced with some generic vinyl so it'll be nice to replace them with the original covers!

 

 

The rear ones are all original so they'll all match now.

[Jared Mk3]

Great find on those seat covers! I really like that steering wheel too 

[timmy850]

Great find on those seat covers! I really like that steering wheel too 

The steering wheel might be available, I can let you know   

Yeah, it was pretty hard to believe that I managed to not only find the right trim pattern, but the only two parts for the car I actually needed! I was considering getting some door trim panels and having them sewn into bases but this is much easier (and cheaper too!)

The good news is that they match the trim pattern and colour exactly (there was also a pair with cream coloured vinyl on the sides)

The backs of the seats now look really dirty, so I'll see if I can clean them up.

And a close up of the pattern

[Jared Mk3]

 

Great find on those seat covers! I really like that steering wheel too 

The steering wheel might be available, I can let you know   

Cool 

 

The seats came out nice! Much better when the pattern/material matches.

[kws]

Just read this whole thread from start to finish, and have to say that i utterly adore your Mini Timmy. So many little touches that make it perfect.

 

by the way, did you have any more info/photos of the mounts for the Subaru seats? They look good in there and subbie seats are plentiful around here.