34 replies to this topic

[cal844]

I remove the fresh air ducts, of I need air I open the window. I might need an electric blow air heater in the back of my clubby tho

[tiger99]

The demister is a legal requirement and in any case how could you sensibly use the car without it?

If the reason for wanting to remove things is just to avoid maintenance issues, or sheer ugliness, or even just because you think you can, I would suggest having another careful think about what very necessary benefits you are throwing away.

[cal844]

A demist isn't a legal requirement. If it isn't fitted it can't be tested. The reason I remove the ducts is its a common rot spot, all the minis I've built and worked on have had to have new flitch panels among others.

The recirculating heater still works well if I drive with the window down slightly ;)

Edited by cal844, 17 January 2017 - 02:27 PM.

[greenmini1275]

I have to drive with the window down a bit even with a fully working heater and no leaks (as far as I know) because I breath and tend to sing a lot. I'm going to fit a heated windscreen to help keep the windscreen clear.

[cal844]

I have to drive with the window down a bit even with a fully working heater and no leaks (as far as I know) because I breath and tend to sing a lot. I'm going to fit a heated windscreen to help keep the windscreen clear.

You could try that, I find the stock heater/ window down combo is good enough with my setup

[pauleh1]

I removed my heater so I could get my foot on the clutch comfortably. 

[greenmini1275]

I'm going to look at somehow routing the pipes differently so I can get on the clutch properly, not that my size 11's have much trouble.

[Danyul1275]

I'm going to look at somehow routing the pipes differently so I can get on the clutch properly, not that my size 11's have much trouble.

 

I flipped the matrix in mine so the heater hoses connect in the passenger footwell instead of the drivers. Cut the holes needed for the hoses in the other side of the heater, flip the matrix then patch up the old holes on the drivers side and jobs a good'un

[Cooperman]

If you use your Mini for any sort of competition the fresh air feed has to be removed and blanked off because it gets its air via a plastic pipe which passes through the engine bay. A fire in the engine bay would then allow very toxic fumes into the car.

Just fit a heated screen and open the window slightly - problem solved.

[Jordie]

A demist isn't a legal requirement. If it isn't fitted it can't be tested. The reason I remove the ducts is its a common rot spot, all the minis I've built and worked on have had to have new flitch panels among others.

The recirculating heater still works well if I drive with the window down slightly ;)

 

In terms of MOT yes its not tested, nor has to be present, not sure if its even mentioned in the test manual.

 

However, cars are manufactured to a whole degree of legalities, way beyond the basics of a MOT. Example: If you took a kit car for I/SVA test with a windscreen, you have to have a demister. No windscreen, no demister. Its about visiability.

 

Demisting on a mini is done by the heater through the small vents in top dash rail. The fresh air intake eyeballs at either side of the dash are for ventilation and cool/fresh air for the occupants and can be removed/welded up. Removing the heater unit (screen demisting function) could be classed as a modification by insurance.

[cal844]

If you use your Mini for any sort of competition the fresh air feed has to be removed and blanked off because it gets its air via a plastic pipe which passes through the engine bay. A fire in the engine bay would then allow very toxic fumes into the car.
Just fit a heated screen and open the window slightly - problem solved.

At least someone agrees lol

[CityEPete]

Are you putting FIA papers on them Cal? Peter says "any form of motorsport", track days, sprinting, hill climbing, auto test, drag strip can all be done in standard cars. At the end of the day you can do whatever you like to your own cars anyway.

[cal844]

Are you putting FIA papers on them Cal? Peter says "any form of motorsport", track days, sprinting, hill climbing, auto test, drag strip can all be done in standard cars. At the end of the day you can do whatever you like to your own cars anyway.

No, I've had DVSA representatives use my car as a test vehicle for new tester in the MOT sector, the IVA contacts have confirmed the cars to be legal

[Jordie]

Huh

[CityEPete]

I'm not questioning the legality, comparing a car for FIA spec to a road car is pointless, has it got a FIA cage, internal fuel lines, battery cutoff, battery feed run inside, FIA seats and harnesses? Blocking the vents off for road use because it is in 'some' track use makes no sense to me.