13 replies to this topic

[shaunom]

Hi all,

sorry if this has been asked before (i'm sure it has but couldn't find it)

I'm looking at restoring an Australian built 1970 cooper s mk2 original to mint condition.

I just have a few questions hopefully can be answered

1. the hydrolastic system has warn down and needs rebuilding. would the car be worth more in the end keeping it originally and putting in working displacer units/refresh everything (also would someone be picky about having hydrolastic fluid or can I put in*antifreeze*like people have suggested) and keep it completely original. or should I put in a dry system with minor upgrades.

2. how important is end detail, ie. should I track down original rims or keep the maglites are that on it.*

it will be a full nut and bolt restore with no essential details missed.

if there is anything else I should know about the process I am all ears, I have always built and modified cars but never restored something so special.

thankyou in advance
Shaun

[bubbacluby]

Hi mate.

Cooper S's should be kept as original as possible.

Keep the hydrolastic suspension on it, will help its value. As people who want cooper S's want it as it came from the factory.
Hydrolastic is smoother than rubber cones too.

As helpful as all the people are here, they wont be able to answer many of your questions as our Aussie Cooper S's and other minis are very different to the UK ones. If you want to know specifics etc join www.ausmini.com

As for wheels, these don't really matter as wheels are easily changed. these are just a personal touch. Personally if I had a cooper S I would put original wheels on it (I have 2 clubman GT's and buying another)

Cheers Bubba


 

[surfblue]

As above, it will be more valuable and desirable restored to standard spec.

I understand hydrolastic fluid is readily available.

As for wheels, I'd have a standard set restored and fitted with normal tyres and use your minilites or what ever you choose for every day motoring, easy to change for a show.

[dklawson]

One more vote for originality.

 

That being said, my car has several period accessories and reversible changes.  For example, I have a 12G940 head on my car's engine because the original AEG163 head had valve recession.  I still have the original head and it will go with the car if I ever sell it.  Likewise, my car has an alternator instead of the original generator/dynamo.  However, the wiring was not cut or spliced so the original dynamo and control box (stored away for later use) can quickly be put back on the car by a future owner.

[shaunom]

Thanks heaps guys. I thought keeping the displacer would be the best but its almost impossible to get a good one!

Ill work on restoring it to exact factory condition. Thanks!

[carbon]

Shaun,

 

+1 for keeping it original where possible.

 

You say the wet suspension has worn down - do you mean the car is sitting low / on the bump stops?

 

If it is just sitting low then before taking all apart I would recommend checking the pressure in both sides (the displacers are linked front to back). If the pressure is under 200psi then there has probably been a slight leak, could be a displacer but as likely to be a pipe or connection. Take it up to 200-220 psi using hydrolastic fluid and look for the leak, this may help you to find out what is serviceable and what needs replaced.

[mk1leg]

the old 1100 units will fit......

[62S]

the old 1100 units will fit......

No they won't they are much tooooo big.

[shaunom]

Its dropped down on the left side, I'm still learning about this displacement system. I would've thought rebuilding them would be best for a full.restoration but it seems to be that they can't be rebuilt? Ill be putting in new lines everywhere. Thanks heaps for all your responses :)

Edited by shaunom, 08 June 2014 - 12:56 AM.

[69k1100]

They're sealed, you can't rebuild the bags (the way they're made you couldn't do anything even if you could get inside) but if the hoses coming from the top are rotted those can be replaced and so can the lines.

Genuine Cooper S displacers are different to the standard deluxe or minis ones as they have a smaller hole inside the bag, this slows down the fluid flow and effectively stiffens the suspension.

So you can find better condition ones but you will change the suspension characteristics. If the bag is leaking there's nothing you can do, find another one.

I plan on keeping mine on fluid as long as I can but I know time will see all the displacers fail eventually.

As a final note there are people on the Ausmini forums that are happy (at a price) to flush your old displacers and pressure test them.

Edited by 69k1100, 08 June 2014 - 08:08 AM.

[mk1leg]

 

the old 1100 units will fit......

No they won't they are much tooooo big.

 

sorry I was told they will......My mistake .....slap on wrist

[rally515]

 

 

the old 1100 units will fit......

No they won't they are much tooooo big.

 

sorry I was told they will......My mistake .....slap on wrist

 

 

 

If you're talking about the Austin 1100 4dr car engine and alike, I removed a 1300GT engine from my mk2 ..... so i think it would fit as they are VERY similar.

 

Cliff

[dklawson]

The 1100 engine (as in the engine from an MG-1100) can be put in a Mini.  It was a common swap over here.  However, I believe what they (Mk1 and 62s) are saying is that the hydro suspension displacers from an MG-1100 or Austin America won't fit a Mini. 

[rally515]

The 1100 engine (as in the engine from an MG-1100) can be put in a Mini.  It was a common swap over here.  However, I believe what they (Mk1 and 62s) are saying is that the hydro suspension displacers from an MG-1100 or Austin America won't fit a Mini. 

 

 

Oopsy,

 

Rookie error, skipping messages