14 replies to this topic

[RandyBMC]

Hello from the desert of the UAE!

I bought a Japan spec Spi that was a little rough and needed some TLC, but was rust free, which was the biggest issue I was worried about.

Since getting the car, I have repainted it, refinished the wheels, fixed an idle problem and an overheat issue, and changed the look of the car to my liking (retro with some classic rally touches). I fitted a Mk1 Austin grill, Mk2 rear lamps, a works bonnet strap, Austin Cooper bonnet badge, clip-on recrangular mirror, Lucas tripod headlamps, a Lucas L576 rear spot, new stainless bumpers front and rear, lower adjustable control arms (it already had Spax adjustables, HiLos, heady duty tie bars and red dot cones), some new chrome trim and bits, new front wheel bearings, new front swivel pin ball joints for both sides and KAD short shifter (when the last two get here from Mini Spares). It also has some Revolution alloys and group 2 race arches, and I have new tyres coming too. I installed a K&N for the Spi, and it has an RC40 exhaust, so it sounds great! It also has a fast road cylinder head, which makes it pretty quick. I am running low on funds for it, but the interior is next. As a gift, I have a John Cooper Motolita coming. It has a cheapie Cobra race seat on the driver side and a Cobra classic on the passenger side, but both have seen better days. It isn't finished, but it is getting closer!

I will try to attach some photos, but being new and all.... The latest bits (mirror, tripod lamps and rear spot) aren't in the photo.

Thanks for the help folks have already provided on the forum! As there is no club in Dubai for the classic Mini, you guys are the only real support I have here!

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Randy (American name, not always frisky) Webb

[mk1leg]

Hi..and welcome to TMF and enjoy your lovely mini..................

[james962]

Welcome to TMF :)

[Dylanscar]

Hey Randy,

Looks good and would love to catch up and exchange ideas and stuff. Trying to get my project started but gotta finish other things before my wife will let me loose on my Mini and really not much fun in the garage with no door!!!

Got a mate who has a mini arriving from the UK on Sunday so three Minis now and counting!

Hope to catch up

[cliche]

hi !

[minimarco]

Hello,

Lovely car, and nice license plates too.

[RandyBMC]

Hey Randy,

Looks good and would love to catch up and exchange ideas and stuff. Trying to get my project started but gotta finish other things before my wife will let me loose on my Mini and really not much fun in the garage with no door!!!

Got a mate who has a mini arriving from the UK on Sunday so three Minis now and counting!

Hope to catch up

I know what you mean. The garage without a door is tough in 120 degree heat! What Mini do you have? I have met a couple other guys with Minis too, but there isn't an organized club. Wish I had the time to do that, but having put a club together once back in Denver, I know how much it takes!

Thanks for the compliments and welcome guys!

[Dylanscar]

Hey Randy,

Yeah gets a bit warm to say the least and then my Wife insists on finishinig the other projects I have started before I can get full swing into the Mini. Strange really as she got it for me as a birthday present!!

Anyway the car is not fully running, my wife went everywhere looking for one and ended up looking around the Middle East/ UK and Europe but found it in Al Ain of all places. Its a Japanese import same as yours but LHD and has had a load done to retro fit to look like a Mk1 from lights, external hinges on the doors, interior trim and seats so need to finish it off. Body work looks great with only a few spots here and there (now I have done it!!!) and so in process of taking bits and pieces off and doing bits at work (until the green light is given). AC is out and soda blasted as is the radiator and carbs stripped down for a full rebuild.

Got myself a wish list sorted so going to focus on brakes/ suspension and bodywork first and then decide with the engine. Has a 998 but tempted to get something with a bit more power but that can wait. Long, long term project but great to meet someone else in the sandpit who has one also.

Couple of questions regarding your if you dont mind?

You mentioned that you had a respray but where did you go and how much (if you dont mind me asking?) I have been advised anything from a few grand to 8++. Looking at Sara Autos in Al Quoz which seem to have a good reputation but always will look elsewhere. Secondly my mate is bringing in his 75 from the UK and so is going to try and register at Sharjah (same as you) so do you have any additional info or contact names? Mine unfortunately misses out as its an 81 (going on 69ish).

Looking forward to catching up

[Dylanscar]

Hey Randy,

Forgot to post a few pics.

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[RandyBMC]

I found a place in Al Quasis which did really decent work, and it was about 3000AED, which I thought was really cheap. They handle mechanicals as well, though I have been doing that. Found them through another classic owner who had an early MGB completely redone.

I have heard good things as well about Sara Auto. I've never used them though, so I can't give personal recommendations.

For the registration, you have to join the Sharjah Classic Car Club for 1800 AED, but you get insurance through them for only 300 AED! They are right next to Sharjah airport. Then, you go down to the Sharjah police station and register it. Mine was a transfer, so it was easy. I don't think importing through them would be too bad either though.

I saw your car on Dubizzle before you got it! Some nice stuff on it for sure. I am out in The Villa by Global Village. And you are welcome any time I'm not working.

Randy

[Dylanscar]

Hi Randy,

Been crazily busy. Would be great to catch up and would love to get your advice on a few things. We are up in the Ranches so not far from you so fingers crossed we can meet soon?

[Ethel]

It must be the ideal place for Minis. even if you have rust you can just park it in the desert 'n get it blasted for free. trust you kept the air conditioning on your Jap import though? (best I could do for a hot 'n sweaty smilie)

[Spitfire12]

Welcome and cracking Mini, love it.

[Dylanscar]

Yeah keeping the A/C but will probably have a heater spare? As for the free blasting though costs a packet on resprays each time!! Lol

[jonbott]

nice looking mini