72 replies to this topic

[danie garry]

sweet lookin car
this. might be of some use???

[rogue]

A little odd that it has been on an English registration but yet is LHD.

I hadn't really thought about it, but you're right. The english plates gotta go. I wish I could run vintage California plates but it is titled as a 1970, one year over the limit for vintage plates.

[rogue]

Hi, it's nice meeting another "yank" on here. My wife and I are stationed here in England for a few more years then I *think* we are off to Florida next. Anyhow I really dig your Mini, I am REALLY liking the door handles!!!! If you can find out who made those I would be VERY gracious! I just got a 1275 MPi motor out of a '98 Cooper S for my 1982 Mayfair. I am looking to install that this Spring along with rebuilding a Vauxhall Redtop engine I have and powdercoating the subframe for it.

I too was planning on doing a big engine swap with my Mini but I like the idea of having a 1275 Mini, then later on (once we PCS back to the CONUS) I'll order an FRA Fiberglass shell and build that up with the C20XE engine.....should be good for around 175-180 horse N/A. I LOVE your Camaro, VERY nice looking machines those 60's Z/28s.

For my Mini I am planning on getting a custom exhaust setup built with stainless tubing with a small flowmaster tossed in the mix. I want the exhaust made so the muffler is neatly tucked up under the boot floor with a turn down tip. I really don't like how the exhaust on a Mini sticks out from under the rear valance....it takes away from the curves IMO. Anyhow, another Parts supplier you could check out is DSN Classics. They are close to me here in Suffolk and produce some VERY sweet billet Mini parts (called "Retro Sport") including engine steadies! Good Luck! I will be keeping an eye on this thread man!

Thanks for the compliments. I am no sure who makes the door handles, but I like them as well. I'll be running the new door levers and window levers but keeping those handles. See how it looks. If I end up getting rid of them I'll let you know.

Agreed about the ugly tailpipe. It looked like an extension is screwed on, and I attempted to remove it, but it is welded. I'll have it tucked eventually.

[rogue]

Which remaining bits of the car are 1970?

The Title? No idea.

[rogue]

I'm struggling to find any 1970 mini in your car its got to be post 76 from the guttering alone. It doesnt matter though because its awesome!

Very interesting. I know that minis here in the US typically tend to be cut up or rebadged, so who knows. It is registered as a 1970, but has an MPI dash, SPI column, SPI engine.

Do you all think someone welded in those tail light plates to put in the MK1 lights?

[IFlingPoo]

Go with Minspares or Moss Europe. You can't go wrong with either of those...especially since the parts will be cheaper than what you can get in the US AND you won't have to pay VAT as I did since I live in Germany.

[Mini-Mad-Craig]

Omg lovely mini mate. Can i move in with you?

[rogue]

Thank you again for your recent order, which is our pleasure to be currently processing for you.

Unfortunately, due to unforeseen circumstances we are out of stock of the following:

Engine mounting easy fit standard
Comp stabiliser kit 2175
Brake shoe set - standard - rear drum
Demist hose
Heater hose to air distribution box RH
Air vent intake hose LH - fuel injection only

Well that does me no good. I wish their website had told me or they had notified me earlier.

[miniman86]

that car looks amazing mate, good luck with it!!

[rogue]

After doing some research today on the forums, I found out why my MPI tach is reading too high and decided to take apart the dash and fix it.

Here you can see its reading about 2k at idle, bonus Ferrari 612. I'd rather be in the mini.



Dropped the column, removed the dash.





The prize!



Found the adjustment knob easily. But it wasnt a metal phillips screw, it was plastic and on the side, not on the back. Nevertheless. I got it adjusted while the car was running.



The drivers seat is uncomfortable and the reclining function does not work, so I decided to check out the seat mounting and see if I could swap the seats. Sure enough I could! The previous owners had both a column drop and had risers on the seats! Must have been some small owners!


My dog Frank supervising


I was happy to find that the seats were on risers, because I could use every spare inch I can get. I'm 6'5"


Frank thinks hes going for a ride!




Got it all back together and now the motor redlines at around 6k RPM which is about perfect, and the seat is FAR more comfortable and lower to the ground. I also now know how to service the dash area and replace all the heater ducting when my parts arrive. Working on this car is a breeze compared to my other cars.

Loving the mini so far. As much as I'd like to swap in a VTEC subframe, the current motor has plenty of power to get around town, is efficient, and period correct. I can't bring myself to swap out its soul....

[john1.2pearl]

thats a very nice example and Frank is awesome

[trafficface09]

that is stunning! all black that was what i was going to do but i wasnt sure because of the contrast? is your grille surround powder coated?

[mighty mini jack]

What a fantastic looking mini!

Look forward to seeing more of this.

[rogue]

Rather than use an iPod with this stereo, I've decided to run my Motorola Droid with a Dock mounted to the dash. The Droid will allow me to use NAV, internet radio, watch movies, stream youtube, you name it. It supports full voice commands so I don't even have to touch it. Sound quality is supurb on the internet radio as well. Much better than Satellite radio.

I also ordered a 12v to microusb adapter so I can hardwire power to it.

[rogue]

thats a very nice example and Frank is awesome

Franks my little pal. Don't know what I'd do without him. Thanks for the compliment.