663 replies to this topic

[bcjames]

Stupid wind. The driveway gate swung free as I was putting the car away this evening, hitting the car. It's hopefully only hit the wheel arch. I'll look at it in the morning!

[Shifty]

Just realised, I'm down your way on saturday picking mine up!! Will be in sunny MK, so if you see a golf estate towing a ropey MPi, wave!!

[miniman retford]

Glad i was in MK last weekend

[bcjames]

Ill look out for you on my way down to sunny Leighton buzzard for the weekend!

[minimaxie]

Ill look out for you on my way down to sunny Leighton buzzard for the weekend!

I'll also be on the lookout for you too bcjames! I'm going to my dads this weekend who lives in Leighton Buzzard I shall be on the prowl for a green Mini Cooper!

[nev_payne]

What's going on in here El Jameso?

[miniman retford]

What's going on in here El Jameso?

Not a lot

[bcjames]

[bcjames]

I'd almost forgotten I own this car    Really must get some fixing type activity done soon! That pile of engine parts is still sat on the bench. 

[thebullet]

Sorted that nasty rattle yet? :)

[bcjames]

Nope 

[bcjames]

The time has come to get this Mini back on the road. All the photos in the thread are broken now, so here's one to get things started again (very much not present condition!). A lot has happened in the 12 years since I last updated the thread, none of it involving the Mini!

 

The plan is to get the car rolling again, then find someone to trailer it from my parents house to mine. From there, assess how the body work and mechanics have survived, work out what is a priority, and make a plan toward getting it moving under its own steam and an MOT.  

 

I really should have done this sooner! 

Edited by bcjames, 18 August 2025 - 03:25 PM.

[bcjames]

So we headed over to the garage today with a plan of getting the Mini rolling, so that it can be loaded on to a trailer. We also gave her a much needed clean. 

 

The good bits are still good, the rusty bits are slightly rusty, but I don't think it's going to take too much work to get the car back on the road, with a view of a proper front end refurb next year. It's rusting in the usual MPI places, although I have had the rear end and sills done and they still look good, so it's the A-panel forward that needs attention. 

 

 

 

 

The paint cleaned up really nicely. Parts in the engine bay have that annoying white discolouration, and the Smiffy bits aren't shining. 

 

 

 

 

I'll be back next weekend to try and get it running, then transport is booked for the week after. Once she's at my house, it should be easier to find time to get a few bits sorted out. The rear brakes are binding, and at least one boot needs replacing on the front suspension. With a little oil in the bores, we had no problem turning the engine by hand. 

[bcjames]

Yesterday's plan was to review the car in a bit more depth, and try and get it running. 

 

 

I pulled the tank out and removed the little bit of brown petrol that was in the bottom. I blew the same spoiled petrol out of the lines using a compressor, then put it all back together.

 

Knowing the engine turned happily by hand, I checked the clutch, then hooked up a fresh battery and turned the engine with the starter motor to build up pressure. Once that looked good, I put the spark plugs back in and attached the HT leads. Turning the ignition, I got... nothing! It turned, but didn't fire. Then I realised I hadn't heard the little whir from the fuel pump that MPI minis do when the ignition is turned on. 

 

I dug the multimeter out and checked the wiring to the pump. Turning the ignition on, I get the little pulse to trigger the prime, then the voltage drops off. I'm happy that's working as expected, and I'd see a constant voltage once the engine is turning and running. So, dead fuel pump. 

 

I'll get a third-arty replacement ordered, but it has made me think while the tank is out again that I should maybe use a proper tank cleaning kit. 

 

Elsewhere, the little bits of rust are still scaring me, and there's a split steering gaiter that will need replacing for the MOT. 

 

The car is being moved to my house this week, which will make finding an odd hour to do some work on it a lot easier. Still questioning why I didn't start this before we had kids! 

 

 

Lump of localised rust above the subframe mounting. There's a matching one on the offside. 

 

 

Split gaiter on the near side. From poking around with a torch, the rubber seals, boots, and gaiters generally look okay, although I know that might rapidly change once the car starts moving again. 

[bcjames]

Friday was moving day. Not only for the Mini, but also all my tools and spares. It was quite a big job. 

 

Loaded up:

 

 

Once unloaded at my house, it was then time to survey what will be needed for the MOT. Front end first. Split gaiters on the steering rack and knuckle boot. Same on the driver's side. Last time I looked at these components they were all new and painted and shiny! 

 

The minispares order grows by the day! 

 

Edited by bcjames, 11 August 2025 - 07:16 AM.