13 replies to this topic

[Boomboxx]

Hi!

I bought a Mini Van (delivery?) from my brother. Not even sure what the car is called, exactly, I still want to rebuild it, as it stands in bits and pieces - and deserves so much more in my opinion. Not many of these around...

The chassis/body is not very rusty, but doesn't look good. This is due to be taken care of in about two months time.

But I wonder if it's possible to get brand new parts as far as brakes/axels/bushings/shocks/springs/(subframe?)/etc - All the "under car"-parts, to get it running and road-safe for sure!

If so - where do I buy them and does anyone know the approximate cost of something like that?


Thanks a lot for all help making this car nice again! As it stands today it cost me £1400, don't know if that's too bad?

[Dan]

See the link at the bottom of all our pages to Mini Spares Centre. There are many other similar specialists. Almost every mechanical part is available for a 1978 van, it's some of the bodywork that'll let you down. Trim is available as remanufactured by another manufacturer. Many parts are still made on the original tools by a company called British Motor Heritage Ltd, or by their licenced agents.

Welcome to the forum.

[A KIRK]

A full resto on a mini van with all new parts, then expect to pay £5000 - £10000 for it to be done. most parts are available, even most of the commercial panels, but its just a case of hunting them down.

[Boomboxx]

Thanks for the replies!

I live in Norway, if I failed to mention it, which means Mini parts are hard to find. I probable have to get my father to pick up some parts for me on one of his England trips to buy Jag/MG-parts for his "collection" of oldies.

£5.000-£10.000, eh? Hopefully that's for ALL the parts on the car?

I'll definetly check out the link suggested, hopefully I'll find most of what I need. The engine is good, though, a nice ~850cc-ish thingy that's a little tuned or something. Runs (or ran...) OK when removed from the car 2 years ago...

Thanks again!

[Boomboxx]

Also, if anyone could tell me the following, I'd be very happy.

What size of wheels fit this car? 10" or may I use 12"? I need some nice wheels to put it on, so might aswell buy those at the same time, so I can roll it around while assembling everything!

EDIT: I'd like to widen the wheel arches - does anyone have a link to a set of wheels + tyres + wheel arches that match and look good?

Edited by Boomboxx, 09 January 2009 - 05:02 PM.

[Dan]

As standard it will use 10" wheels but 12" rims will fit also.

[Boomboxx]

As standard it will use 10" wheels but 12" rims will fit also.

Great, thanks, how do you mix wheels/tyres to a certain type of widened wheel arches?

I'd like the edge of the tyre to flush with the wheel arch edge, sure would be great if someone has a tip for a combination that will look good on the car!

Sorry for my nagging...

[2lrminivan]

ive got a van with 13x7 wheels and sports pack wheel arches of a late mini look good.
will post some pics if i can find out how

[Boomboxx]

ive got a van with 13x7 wheels and sports pack wheel arches of a late mini look good.
will post some pics if i can find out how

AWESOME!

Is the wheels/tyres touching/rubbing against something anywhere, or is it an easy fit?

Bigger looks better, allthough off course, with my 850 engine, I should probably stick with 10" due to acceleration not being the awesomeness itself even with as small wheels as 10".

[torres]

Thanks for the replies!

I live in Norway, if I failed to mention it, which means Mini parts are hard to find. I probable have to get my father to pick up some parts for me on one of his England trips to buy Jag/MG-parts for his "collection" of oldies.

£5.000-£10.000, eh? Hopefully that's for ALL the parts on the car?

I'll definetly check out the link suggested, hopefully I'll find most of what I need. The engine is good, though, a nice ~850cc-ish thingy that's a little tuned or something. Runs (or ran...) OK when removed from the car 2 years ago...

Thanks again!

Check out www.autoclassic.no (also a great forum there) for Mini parts in Norway.
Are you norwegian, by the way?

[torres]

I got a feeling this is your car, am I right?



http://forum.autocla...p?p=69933#69933

[Boomboxx]

I got a feeling this is your car, am I right?

Umm. Yes, you are right about almost everything! But that's the previous owner - my brother! Hi picked it apart - and put it in a container. I bought it from him last year, hopefully I'll complete what my older brother was unable/unwilling to do.

Interesting though, I was obviously not very well informed at the time of purchase (or now)... I thought it was:
1: A '78?
2: An 850 engine - but the 1275 would explain the "not-so-crappy" acceleration, though.

It also seems like he broke something, have to ask him about that! Jeez!



But - big question - are the vans and the standard mini the same except for the lenght? May I buy a "regular" mini as donor/referance car when putting this together?? As I didn't take it apart myself, I have NO idea where the parts go, nor if I have all parts to begin with...

[Scotauto]

Hi Boombox, I live in Denmark and buy most of my parts in England and get them shipped over. It only takes a few days even if it is a complete engine!!! Try and buy a bunch of stuff together and save extra postages. If I can help you with some parts or advice let me know. Many of the parts on a "standard" mini are the same however some are not. In theory you could use a "standard" as a reference and donar vehicle. Good luck!

[Boomboxx]

Good luck!

Great, thats some good info from you right there!

Thanks a lot!