15 replies to this topic

[CCX]

I've been keeping my Mini under a Stormforce cover for the last 2-3 years and it's served me well, but now it's really starting to deteriorate and fall apart (thanks to our cats scratching it mostly!) which has made me think twice about keeping it. Now, I love driving the Mini so much and owning it means everything to me, but keeping it covered up is really putting me off wanting to drive it.

 

I've been battling with personal issues for several years and still find it hard to make myself even leave the house at times, so if I could just walk out the front door and jump in the car without having to faff with the cover it would be a big help. The car's in great condition and I want to keep it that way, though.

 

My main question is this: if I keep the car waxed and clean, do I need to worry about rust if the car's left outside over the winter? Especially with it being an MPi, the last thing I want is to see it rusting before my eyes...

 

I'd really appreciate hearing your thoughts on this, especially if you keep your Mini outside without a cover yourself. 

[KernowCooper]

Minis rust from inside out so filling it with waxoly or similar is a big help keeping it looking nice, and the first step I would do, top side yes anything that makes the water run off is good.

[inim_repooc]

As far as rust goes - I would make sure it is well under sealed (Hammerite stuff is very good), fully wax oiled and I would then, as you say get the car as clean as you can, dry it off and get it waxed (build up a good layer!) and then do what you can to keep it protected! In winter then the best thing to do is to keep it away from the salt as much as you can! End of the day, Minis, MPI's particularly rust if given half a chance, but this should help it so stay as good as it can without being in a nice warm garage! 

Edited by inim_repooc, 20 October 2015 - 03:50 PM.

[Corey96Williams]

Have you thought of buying/getting a sort of tent for the Mini? Some look horrid, but depending on where you park it, it may not matter. It'll be easy as you can just park it under and drive out whenever you need to. It should also help with scratch marks that car covers can cause. 

[mm man]

http://www.ebay.co.u...DcAAOSwEeFVB-j2

May be something like this ?

[dyshipfakta]

Maybe build a car port? I don't know what your situation is but a little lean to to keep the water off or something would be cheap and easy

[Haynes]

Car covers only trap moisture 

[blackbelt1990]

Mine had been garaged for a very long time with no issues, over the last couple of years it has lived under a car port and it has now deteriorated very quickly!

[CCX]

Minis rust from inside out so filling it with waxoly or similar is a big help keeping it looking nice, and the first step I would do, top side yes anything that makes the water run off is good.

As far as rust goes - I would make sure it is well under sealed (Hammerite stuff is very good), fully wax oiled and I would then, as you say get the car as clean as you can, dry it off and get it waxed (build up a good layer!) and then do what you can to keep it protected! In winter then the best thing to do is to keep it away from the salt as much as you can! End of the day, Minis, MPI's particularly rust if given half a chance, but this should help it so stay as good as it can without being in a nice warm garage! 

 

The car was properly undersealed around 1 year ago, and it's done so few miles since that it would probably still be well protected. I will think about waxoyling the top side myself though as well as waxing the paint.

 

http://www.ebay.co.u...DcAAOSwEeFVB-j2

May be something like this ?

 

Now that I like! Any idea how it is secured to the ground as I can't seem to find that info in the ad?

 

Thank you all very much for your responses, very helpful as always.

[Shep76S]

Pictures show screw holes in the mounting plates

[KernowCooper]

I was indicating to waxoyl inside the A Panels,sills,doors and anywhere else you can squirt it in

Edited by KernowCooper, 21 October 2015 - 09:03 PM.

[mm man]

As shep 76s has said if you scroll down the pictures in the add if you look at the photo under the one with the two scooters in you will see the base fixing plate

This add was the first one I came across there must be other ones out there and may be at better prices ? At least It gives you another idea / option
Good luck
 
The car was properly undersealed around 1 year ago, and it's done so few miles since that it would probably still be well protected. I will think about waxoyling the top side myself though as well as waxing the paint.
 

http://www.ebay.co.u...DcAAOSwEeFVB-j2
May be something like this ?

 
Now that I like! Any idea how it is secured to the ground as I can't seem to find that info in the ad?
 
Thank you all very much for your responses, very helpful as always.[/quote]

Edited by mm man, 21 October 2015 - 09:03 PM.

[Dusky]

I was indicating to waxoyl inside the A Panels,sills,doors and anywhere else you can squirt it in

Any hints to reach inside the a panels?

[Dusky]

I was indicating to waxoyl inside the A Panels,sills,doors and anywhere else you can squirt it in

Any hints to reach inside the a panels?

[KernowCooper]

Remove the cardboard dash panel and in through the door check strap hole, goes straight down into the A panel area