10 replies to this topic

[Jimbo1998]

Hi fellas, 

After about a year of saving hard and against the words of my more rational friends I have decided to buy a classic mini as my first car. (More specifically looking at a 1998 cooper atm) 

I have loved these cars since I was very young, and I am absolutely determined to do all my own mechanics. It will be my first time working in depth on a car, and to be honest the amount I have to learn is quite daunting!

My mechanical experience is limited to when I used to build up Racing bikes when I was younger, and helping my father with repairs on his fairly modern audi (the mechanics seemed easy enough to understand) 

am I in over my head? are these cars easy to learn for someone completely new to them? 




Look forward to hearing more from you guys,

James 

[Northernpower]

The later cars have very bad corrosion. Look for the best body you can afford because that's what costs the big bucks, unless you have the skills, patience and experience to do it yourself.

[Jimbo1998]

The later cars have very bad corrosion. Look for the best body you can afford because that's what costs the big bucks, unless you have the skills, patience and experience to do it yourself.

Thanks Graham!
If I find the body is decent, what are the best measures to take to preserve it and protect from rust?

[Northernpower]

If you find the body is decent it will in all likelihood be a miracle. There are a few out there but if you can, try and find someone local who knows specifically about classic Mini's to view it for you. Treat the cavities with a good anti corrosion treatment.

[Mini Manannán]

Welcome to the forum Jimbo.  The mechanics are relatively straightforward but as NP says rust is the devil itself.  Re. the mechanics, there are many knowledgeable folk on the forum and we all had to learn sometime so don't be afraid to ask.

[Carlos W]

Welcome to TMF. 

 

Where in Kent are you?

[Jimbo1998]

Welcome to TMF. 

 

Where in Kent are you?

Hi carlos, I'm near canterbury.

[Jimbo1998]

Welcome to the forum Jimbo.  The mechanics are relatively straightforward but as NP says rust is the devil itself.  Re. the mechanics, there are many knowledgeable folk on the forum and we all had to learn sometime so don't be afraid to ask.

Thanks mate, I look forward to the learning experience.

[SolarB]

Welcome James.

Many of the older members here (and I seem to be one these days) started with Minis and learned to fix them as a matter of necessity rather than choice. It's all possible, particularly with the on-line resources and advice now available. As others have said, body work requires some skill but we all learned somewhere. Good luck with whatever you end up with.

[Pistonbroke66]

you'll be fine james.

 

There's acres worth of experience on this forum alone.

 

One of the reasons the mini is still about is because of the ease of working on them, of course some jobs are more difficult than others but in the main its all do-able.

 

best of luck with whatever you end up with.

[poohbah]

Welcome Jimbo (from a forum newbie).

 

I've learnt a lot from this forum and learnt where my boundaries are, and learnt when to push them to their limits.  Have fun most of all, and do what you can.  Don't be afraid to ask for help and keep those minis alive!