4 replies to this topic

[jjb60032]

First of all I don't actually own a mini but I am intending to buy one at some point in the near future. I was always intending to buy a Mini 1000 or 850 but as they grow more and more older the price increases. I am now going for the next cheapest Mini out there which is a Mayfair or City but was thinking of doing some kind of conversion to make it look more retro!

 

This has been done to several Mr. Bean replica's so I know it can be done but how? What parts should be changed to give it that earlier look?  

[robminibcy]

not a lot,

centre speedo conversion,

earlier indicators,

earlier seats/ door cards

different front grill.

 

Oh and the wheels. they have 10" steels which will need either drum brakes or cooper s discs.

 

Late 70s 1000s and 850s are not really worth a great deal more than decent and original mayfairs and cities so it might just be easier and more valuable long term to get an original 70s car and keep it that way.

Edited by robminibcy, 23 December 2014 - 11:53 PM.

[Cooperman]

There is almost no difference between the Mk.4 and Mk.5.

To make a later car look more retro there are several things you can do. These include:

 

Remove the wheel arch extensions and fit chrome (plastic) trim right over the wheel arches.

Fit a Mk.1 Grill & grill surround.

Convert the brakes to 7.5" and fit 4.5" x 10" Cooper 'S' wheels or the equivalent size Minilites.

Graft in a pair of Mk.1 rear light units.

Fit a central instrument binnacle.

Remove the huge mirrors and fit just one 'bullet-shaped' 1960's type mirror to the driver's door.

Fit chrome trim around the door frame.

 

There are other things, like a pair of early Lucas spotlights which look retro.

 

Here is my Grandson's 1275 Cooper MPI with a retro front end and with the arch extensions removed (photo was taken in 2011, not 2004).

By the way, removing the arch extensions and mirrors cuts the drag and makes the car use less fuel and have a higher top speed.

 

[robminibcy]

Mr beans mini was 76 I think. So any mini from 76 to about 81 should have the mk4 features if that's what your after. If its a earlier mini like a mk1 your after then follow coopermans advice above. Mk1 replicas are fairly common now so a bit of variety would stand out more at shows imo.

[jjb60032]

Thanks for the help!