26 replies to this topic

[veersix]

Hi,

 

Mrs veersix and I are going to see a couple of minis this weekend. One is an orange 1972 Clubman with a 998 engine. The other is a beige 1981 Mini HL with a 998 engine. Neither appears to have been modified.

 

From the photos that we've seen they both look to be in great condition. Mrs veersix prefers the HL and, of course, I prefer the Clubman (I'd love a 1275GT but we only have a budget of around £5k). The HL is advertised at £500 less than the Clubman.

 

Assuming both viewings go well and don't turn up any major issues, we will need some way to decide which one to buy. That's where, hopefully, you guys can help....

 

What are the negatives/positives of each model and what are the differences? One obvious one that springs to mind is that I'm pretty sure the Clubman has drums brakes all round whereas I don't think the HL does, but I could, I guess, replace the drums with minifins all round or change the fronts to discs.

 

Anything else you guys can think of would be a great help.

 

Thanks.

[1968andyf]

No road tax to pay no the clubman and soon I think no mot test required

[imack]

An 81 hl, unless modified will have left the factory on drums.
Clubman should have a remote change gearbox, the hl will be rod change, so one more potential oil leak.
Personally, I'd go for the earlier clubman.

[jamesmpi]

Clubby for me... just personal preference

[veersix]

Okay, something to check on the HL then. Would I best upgrading to discs or just get superfins to improve braking performance? Is braking performance with drums all round even an issue on a 998 mini :) 

 

This will be our first classic mini if that makes any difference?

[veersix]

An 81 hl, unless modified will have left the factory on drums.
Clubman should have a remote change gearbox, the hl will be rod change, so one more potential oil leak.
Personally, I'd go for the earlier clubman.

 

Might I ask why you'd go for the clubby?

[imack]

Personal preference, I just like the earlier mk3 cars and prefer the remote gear change, it also holds the engine rock steady. Down side is it has more bushes and linkage to wear and cause a sloppy gear shift, but in good condition I think it's far superior.
Plus you have the solid mouted front subframe.

Edited by imack, 18 May 2018 - 06:36 AM.

[DeadSquare]

Okay, something to check on the HL then. Would I best upgrading to discs or just get superfins to improve braking performance? Is braking performance with drums all round even an issue on a 998 mini :) 

 

This will be our first classic mini if that makes any difference?

 

 

Unless you go to S discs, I'd leave them.   The wide twin leading shoe front brakes were found by the "Road Research thingy" to be superior to small discs in town driving, but would lock up more easily in an emergency stop at an illegal 80 MPH.

 

Their draw backs are:-    (1)  They need adjusting and cleaning, which discs don't.   (2)   The drums can warp, especially alloy ones.   (3)   The soft town linings will fade more descending a mountain.

[minifreek1]

Clubby for me, change to discs at the earliest chance.

 

If you are keeping it stock, change to NEW Minifins all round but also change the shoes for Mintex or better.

 

You get more room in the clubbies engine room too..

[veersix]

...

   (3)   The soft town linings will fade more descending a mountain.

...

 

 

We're taking it on the Italian Job tour next year...

[cal844]

...
   (3)   The soft town linings will fade more descending a mountain.
...
 

 
We're taking it on the Italian Job tour next year...

Best buy the cooper S brake conversion for each car then 😁

[DeadSquare]

 

 

...
   (3)   The soft town linings will fade more descending a mountain.
...
 

 
We're taking it on the Italian Job tour next year...

Best buy the cooper S brake conversion for each car then

 

 

 

 

As you are on a £5,000-00 budget, and there are other things like a set of quality tyres on smart wheels that you need for a trip like the Italian Job, it would be cheaper to buy a set of hard linings, fit them a couple of weeks before you go, to get used to the heavier feel of the pedal, and bed them in on the way.

[Boycie]

My advice is to go for the most honest example, whether it's the Mk3 Clubman or mk4 HL.
If you do go for the mk3, just make sure the shell is correct...

[veersix]

My advice is to go for the most honest example, whether it's the Mk3 Clubman or mk4 HL.
If you do go for the mk3, just make sure the shell is correct...

 

What do you mean by that? Making sure the VINs match on the shell and the V5?

[DeadSquare]

A quick check to see if a mini had not been cared for, used to be to take a 12 volt bulb in its holder with a crocodile clip on 15 feet of wire on one side and a nail soldered on to 3 feet on the other side

 

Put the croc clip on the live side of the battery and scratch the suspension cones/trumpets with the nail.

 

if the bulb lit, the nylon cup was worn through.

 

If nothing else, it made the seller nervous, Lol.