8 replies to this topic

[billbobandjeb]

Hi there,

 

I live in australia and i am looking at buying a classic mini to start off,

i am looking for some answers and some "mini advice" (things mini owners should know, problems, etc..)

 

How hard is it to work on a classic mini?

 

How's rust in the classic minis?

 

Tips and tricks?

 

Any reliability or general problems?

 

 

also how does this look?

 

http://www.gumtree.c...bman/1105806827

(cheap in aust)

 

Thanks,

 

[sonikk4]

They are simple cars to look after so as long as you are a reasonable mechanic then you should be good.

They do suffer from rust but a lot does depend on where they have been driven, kept etc but knowing how to weld is always handy. Panels are available for most cars although very early ones do need specific ones that are harder to get.

Reliability is down to the owner and how the car is looked after. They are reliable if serviced properly and maintained well.

That clubby does look good. Good spec of engine and should be a hoot to drive. The Weber carb does need to be set up properly so a trip to your local rolling road would be advisable.

The only thing on that car that does concern me is the rear seat belts. The standard parcel shelf on a mini does not have enough strength at all for mounting belts. They should mount to the C pillars. However on Aussie spec cars there maybe a difference there but certainly worth checking.

Also looking at the car it's a wet subframe car ie hydrolastic suspension. This does need some more specialised kit to pump these up but I'm sure the owner should be able to point you in the right direction for that.

Other than that it's all down to basics. It's an old car that does not have mod cons so don't go expecting a quite and comfortable ride. They are what they are and they are fun so I would say buy the little beastie.

I have a 74 clubby which Is currently having a full nut and bolt restoration so I'm biased towards clubmans.

So going from that have a good look around the car, rust is the biggest thing, Oversills can lead to expensive repairs so be wary of them. Plenty of info on the forum regarding those.

Have a test drive, try and listen for any strange noises but you will be hard pressed to hear much because of the carb.

Good luck and by the way I would more than likely buy that car if I was down under.

[billbobandjeb]

They are simple cars to look after so as long as you are a reasonable mechanic then you should be good.

They do suffer from rust but a lot does depend on where they have been driven, kept etc but knowing how to weld is always handy. Panels are available for most cars although very early ones do need specific ones that are harder to get.

Reliability is down to the owner and how the car is looked after. They are reliable if serviced properly and maintained well.

That clubby does look good. Good spec of engine and should be a hoot to drive. The Weber carb does need to be set up properly so a trip to your local rolling road would be advisable.

The only thing on that car that does concern me is the rear seat belts. The standard parcel shelf on a mini does not have enough strength at all for mounting belts. They should mount to the C pillars. However on Aussie spec cars there maybe a difference there but certainly worth checking.

Also looking at the car it's a wet subframe car ie hydrolastic suspension. This does need some more specialised kit to pump these up but I'm sure the owner should be able to point you in the right direction for that.

Other than that it's all down to basics. It's an old car that does not have mod cons so don't go expecting a quite and comfortable ride. They are what they are and they are fun so I would say buy the little beastie.

I have a 74 clubby which Is currently having a full nut and bolt restoration so I'm biased towards clubmans.

So going from that have a good look around the car, rust is the biggest thing, Oversills can lead to expensive repairs so be wary of them. Plenty of info on the forum regarding those.

Have a test drive, try and listen for any strange noises but you will be hard pressed to hear much because of the carb.

Good luck and by the way I would more than likely buy that car if I was down under.

 

Thanks neil for the reply, i was a little worried about buying but now my nerves have settled and i really excited about owning a mini!!! thanks for that!!

[billbobandjeb]

They are simple cars to look after so as long as you are a reasonable mechanic then you should be good.

They do suffer from rust but a lot does depend on where they have been driven, kept etc but knowing how to weld is always handy. Panels are available for most cars although very early ones do need specific ones that are harder to get.

Reliability is down to the owner and how the car is looked after. They are reliable if serviced properly and maintained well.

That clubby does look good. Good spec of engine and should be a hoot to drive. The Weber carb does need to be set up properly so a trip to your local rolling road would be advisable.

The only thing on that car that does concern me is the rear seat belts. The standard parcel shelf on a mini does not have enough strength at all for mounting belts. They should mount to the C pillars. However on Aussie spec cars there maybe a difference there but certainly worth checking.

Also looking at the car it's a wet subframe car ie hydrolastic suspension. This does need some more specialised kit to pump these up but I'm sure the owner should be able to point you in the right direction for that.

Other than that it's all down to basics. It's an old car that does not have mod cons so don't go expecting a quite and comfortable ride. They are what they are and they are fun so I would say buy the little beastie.

I have a 74 clubby which Is currently having a full nut and bolt restoration so I'm biased towards clubmans.

So going from that have a good look around the car, rust is the biggest thing, Oversills can lead to expensive repairs so be wary of them. Plenty of info on the forum regarding those.

Have a test drive, try and listen for any strange noises but you will be hard pressed to hear much because of the carb.

Good luck and by the way I would more than likely buy that car if I was down under.

 

Also good luck with your mini resto, my dad has done a nut & bolt resto on a 66' mustang and i know now how hard but rewarding building up a car can be!

[sonikk4]

Cheers for that. The biggest thing with any mini is rust. Mine looked ok but as I dug deeper the worse it got BUT I am a fussy Bugger.

Now I know the Aussie clubbies had some differences to uk spec cars, external door hinges being one of them. No big deal as I do like the look. The car you have been looking at has had some work done on it as you mentioned but it also look like it has been maintained well. It's something that has been used and driven, not a show queen.

Yes I have no doubt there will be some issues here and there, mine did with the points and brakes. I went leckie dizzy and fitted Cooper S discs and calipers and no more issues there. I enjoyed my car and will again.

[Ethel]

The seatbelts appear to be standard for an Ozzie spec Mini, we have a few antipodean members who'll know more about their intricacies. Being sceptical, which is the right attitude when buying used cars, I'd check that the fresh underseal isn't concealing a nasty surprise. If it is an honest repair it could be an indication that there's rot to be found elsewhere. All Minis are knocking on a bit now, so some rust shouldn't be a deal breaker, but you'll want to factor in the repair costs to the purchase price.

 

I'm intrigued by the shiny rear drum as they're cast - but inexpensive if it would be better replaced.

[nicklouse]

if you do get it then a Haynes Manual is a must.

[billbobandjeb]

The seatbelts appear to be standard for an Ozzie spec Mini, we have a few antipodean members who'll know more about their intricacies. Being sceptical, which is the right attitude when buying used cars, I'd check that the fresh underseal isn't concealing a nasty surprise. If it is an honest repair it could be an indication that there's rot to be found elsewhere. All Minis are knocking on a bit now, so some rust shouldn't be a deal breaker, but you'll want to factor in the repair costs to the purchase price.

 

I'm intrigued by the shiny rear drum as they're cast - but inexpensive if it would be better replaced.

Ah ok i'll look into that, thanks for the reply.

[billbobandjeb]

if you do get it then a Haynes Manual is a must.

yeah i have already bought a restoration manual just to learn and do research, it's a good book.