31 replies to this topic

[Chesterman]

Basically I'm sixteen and have always wanted a mini for my first car since I was around seven and finally it looks like I'm going to get one. The one I'm more than likely going to get in the next few days is a 1979 850 Super de Luxe absolutely stock. Now being sixteen and still at secondary school I don't have much in the way of money. So I'm looking for some cheap worthwhile mods to make the driving experience better without compromising they originality of the mini. My brother is a fully trained mechanic and has his own 1977 850 which he has restored over the last 2 years so I have some idea about what I'm doing. I've been looking at are heat wrapping or using heat resistant paint on the manifold and exhaust and it needs a new dash put in as its crumbling from the years its had in a barn.

 

I would like to hear you guys input.

 

Thanks, Chesterman

 

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[robminibcy]

very nice! same age and colour as mine when got it but mine had a whopping 998! I'd recommend fitting electronic ignition, costs about 20 and gets rid of any problems that points or lack of maintenence can have. Also a 12v socket inside. Can be hidden away and is probably the most useful thing I've ever done!

[sledgehammer]

+1 on the electronic ignition

 

rust killer would also be good

[Tamworthbay]

This will cost a bit but a swap to front discs would be worthwhile. The drums aren't great and need constant maintenance.

[stretch tech]

electronic ignition is good start, haven'y had a single issue with damp/rain since i fitted mine.

 

the 12v socket is a good idea too for phone charger, satnav and a small electronic vacuum if you have bright coloured carpet like me 

 

front disc conversion using a complete later front brake assembly  with the 8.4" discs is a good upgrade for the money imo

 

and a 70 amp alternator + new battery from a small diesel (i.e. pugeot 106 and the likes) helped me with cold starts. (i also have a rather large sub but we won't go there  )

 

Rhys

[sledgehammer]

Disc brakes would be good - but looks like he is on 10 inch wheels

 

so would be expensive - unless he goes over to 12 inch wheels , which wouldn't be original 

 

unless they did them in 1979 850 - which I don't think they did

 

as above better battery would be good idea

[ukcooper]

Replace head lights if there sealed beams unit to halogen units and check clean all earth points and all connectors and wires all over the car.

 

 

P.s. like the car :)

Edited by ukcooper, 18 April 2014 - 04:44 PM.

[Big Sam]

For some reason i love the idea of a brown car with a brown interior and a great wopping engine underneath.

[phil hill]

A good, full service first and foremost including a brake overhaul.  Invest in a brake adjusting spanner, you're going to be using it a far bit.

 

Halogen headlights of any kind are a good investment, Cibie or Lucas are best but Wipac are ok on a budget.

 

Some decent tyres.

 

Stage 1 kit when funds/Insurance allows.

 

Other than that enjoy the car and build some NCB.

 

Phil.

[Carlos W]

Really good advice on this thread.

 

For your first year or 2 keep everything as standard as possible.

 

It's probably worth checking with your insurance company before making any mods as they may whack up your premiums. 

 

Electronic ignition will really help with reliability 

[Chesterman]

Also any mods that would squeeze a few extra horsepower out of that 850 would help. According to another thread a HS4 carb, 998 Cooper head and a better manifold do the job but I'm not sure weather to go second-hand or get them from Mini Spares.

[coopdog]

It's going to be very slow :L

[greenwheels]

A new jet and needle can work wonders on power on a high mileage engines, along with a new timing chain if it rattles - i.e.get the engine producing as new power.

Also check the compressions and give it a top overhaul if the valves are leaky.

[Sean C]

Congrats on your first car! The first mod I done on my 998 was a Halogen light conversion followed by a 7.5" disk brake conversion. I've had my car for a few years now and the next mod for it is a 1275 engine which I have but just haven't got round to fitting it yet

[JDImini]

Hi mate I'm 16 as we'll and me and dad are doing a full rebuild on a 998 and I've look at insurance and all that and a stage one isn't too bad on insurance but I would try to keep original wheels and stuff but I would recommend disks on the front and replace the shoes on the rear and replace your flexible break pipes for sure!!!
Hope this helps and nice mini ;)