26 replies to this topic

[luismx123]

Hey guys
So I recently got myself a 1980 mini. All original and in great shape.

Apart from a list of interior and exterior changes I'd like to make, aswell as motor and suspension upgrades(stage 1, hi lows etc), I am not sure where and with what to start when it comes to basic reliability, everyday usage, safety etc.

It's a mini1000, and I'm planning to, one day, make it run on unleaded (for ease of use).

Ive heard about electronic issues when it's raining? What about brakes? Is there stuff to do to the engine or suspension for basic quality of life improvements? I'm scared that the motor will just randomly cut out on me for some weird reason.

Any QoL improvements for ANY aspect of mini life, daily usage, repair, whatever you've learned that could've saved you hassles later on etc would be really good.
Thanks

[CityEPete]

I'd just enjoy it as it is, maybe put an electronic ignition kit in and get a good steering wheel lock. :-D

[dotmatrix]

As above and also one og These.

http://minispares.co...rs/BHM1675.aspx

Also waxoil and cavity wax

[unburntfuelinthemorning]

Learn how to carry out the service schedule and do it on time and properly.

 

Use quality parts.

 

Don't use metric tools on imperial fixings.

 

Keep a basic tool kit in the vehicle.

 

Keep the rain off the distributor and you'll be fine.

 

Adjust the brakes regularly.

 

Buy a grease gun and use it regularly on the greasing points.

 

Get one of the old style Haynes manuals from ebay.

 

Drive it lots.

[luismx123]

I'd just enjoy it as it is, maybe put an electronic ignition kit in and get a good steering wheel lock. :-D

Can you guide me as to what is needed? I have no clue and reading about electric ignitions just confuses me. 45D Chinese Ching Chong...I have no clue :/

Is there an ignition for dummies?

Edited by luismx123, 21 June 2018 - 07:48 AM.

[luismx123]

Learn how to carry out the service schedule and do it on time and properly.

Use quality parts.

Don't use metric tools on imperial fixings.

Keep a basic tool kit in the vehicle.

Keep the rain off the distributor and you'll be fine.

Adjust the brakes regularly.

Buy a grease gun and use it regularly on the greasing points.

Get one of the old style Haynes manuals from ebay.

Drive it lots.

I've thought about the toolkit thing. So far my list comprises of a roll of duct tape, some wd40, sparkplugs and a socket wrench and bits.... Engine oil? Lead for gas? Hammer?

Anything else you can think of?

[Ethel]

It's unlikely a 40 year old car will ever be as reliable, but you don't need to fear it will let you down every time you drive it either. If it does, the chances of fixing it yourself are much higher, especially if you gain a little knowledge beforehand.

There's some great "basic principles" info online. I'd recommend University Motors YouTube channel - MG's, but much also applies to Mini engines, ignition and a particularly good intro to SU carbs.



A 1980 Min should be on 10" rims and drums, you could convert to 7.5 discs for a few hundred quid. Drums can stop you about as well, but discs don't need adjusting, resist fade and are less likely to lock up if you hit them hard.

[unburntfuelinthemorning]

1/4", 5/16", 3/8", 7/16", 1/2", 9/16", 10mm, 13mm combination spanners

 

3/8" drive socket set to keep in car, 1/2" drive set for home

 

Something to fit the wheel nuts (11/16")

 

A decent jack

 

Assorted screwdrivers

 

For electronic ignition:

 

http://www.minispare...|Back to search

 

Or just learn to maintain the original ignition system.  It's not really that difficult, is satisfying to do and is reliable if you use good quality parts.  The parts are cheap and you can keep a few spares for it in the car just in case like we always used to.

[paulrockliffe]

Personally I've found the trickiest bit about learning how to fix the engine is finding time to learn before it breaks down and you're forced to sort it!  I can do everything on a Mini absolutely fine, except the things I've never needed to do before.

 

Realistically the only thing that's particularly likely to cause you to breakdown in a well maintained Mini is the ignition circuit.  As mentioned you can help with that by adding an electronic module to the distributor so you're not worrying about points.  Then carry a spare coil and leads.  The next stage for reliability would be to sack off the ignition entirely and fit a Megajolt setup that completely removes the distributor.  Does it remove the coil as well, I can't remember.  This is relatively straightforward in theory, but does involve fitting a trigger-wheel to the side of the engine which is tricky with the engine in.

[CityEPete]

I'd just enjoy it as it is, maybe put an electronic ignition kit in and get a good steering wheel lock. :-D

Can you guide me as to what is needed? I have no clue and reading about electric ignitions just confuses me. 45D Chinese Ching Chong...I have no clue :/

Is there an ignition for dummies?

There's a section in the technical questions part of the forum.

[luismx123]

It's unlikely a 40 year old car will ever be as reliable, but you don't need to fear it will let you down every time you drive it either. If it does, the chances of fixing it yourself are much higher, especially if you gain a little knowledge beforehand.

There's some great "basic principles" info online. I'd recommend University Motors YouTube channel - MG's, but much also applies to Mini engines, ignition and a particularly good intro to SU carbs.



A 1980 Min should be on 10" rims and drums, you could convert to 7.5 discs for a few hundred quid. Drums can stop you about as well, but discs don't need adjusting, resist fade and are less likely to lock up if you hit them hard.

ight, I'll give them a few views :)

Yea it's on 10s ATM, but I want to swap to some 12s later and some 12s with winter tires for the colder months. I thought discbrakes would be closer in the future than later, but I want to get a feel for the whole thing first and start doing basic cosmetics to get a hang of everything :)

[cal844]

Best thing to do is to fit disc brakes, an electronic distributor (and suitable coil) then you want to check the suspension for play, then grease the grease points and try again... A quick tightness check too as your a new owner.

Carry an imperial socket and spanner set, spare plugs and leads and an AA card.

Ive also fitted a more modern stereo head unit with a USB so you can charge phones etc. In my estate I also have a power socket and twin USB for the dash cam.

[nicklouse]

 

It's unlikely a 40 year old car will ever be as reliable, but you don't need to fear it will let you down every time you drive it either. If it does, the chances of fixing it yourself are much higher, especially if you gain a little knowledge beforehand.

There's some great "basic principles" info online. I'd recommend University Motors YouTube channel - MG's, but much also applies to Mini engines, ignition and a particularly good intro to SU carbs.



A 1980 Min should be on 10" rims and drums, you could convert to 7.5 discs for a few hundred quid. Drums can stop you about as well, but discs don't need adjusting, resist fade and are less likely to lock up if you hit them hard.

ight, I'll give them a few views :)

Yea it's on 10s ATM, but I want to swap to some 12s later and some 12s with winter tires for the colder months. I thought discbrakes would be closer in the future than later, but I want to get a feel for the whole thing first and start doing basic cosmetics to get a hang of everything :)

 

I am guessing the 12" wheel is due to winter tyre and chain options.. I would still stick with the 10s for the summer wheels.

Edited by nicklouse, 21 June 2018 - 12:30 PM.

[luismx123]

Personally I've found the trickiest bit about learning how to fix the engine is finding time to learn before it breaks down and you're forced to sort it! I can do everything on a Mini absolutely fine, except the things I've never needed to do before.

Realistically the only thing that's particularly likely to cause you to breakdown in a well maintained Mini is the ignition circuit. As mentioned you can help with that by adding an electronic module to the distributor so you're not worrying about points. Then carry a spare coil and leads. The next stage for reliability would be to sack off the ignition entirely and fit a Megajolt setup that completely removes the distributor. Does it remove the coil as well, I can't remember. This is relatively straightforward in theory, but does involve fitting a trigger-wheel to the side of the engine which is tricky with the engine in.

That is exactly what I'm scared of. I'm hectically reading up and down forums, every single post possible to learn as much as possible as soon as possible for the case of a engine crash or issues somewhere on the highway :/

I'll take a look into the megajolt system. Price isn't an issue, just experience I guess. And to be honest, I have no clue where the next Rolling road or nearest mini specialist is, so screwing up could be a longer-term poophole for me.

I'll try to "rain proof" the dizzy and coils with rubber gloves and zipties etc and get a splash guard for the front and see how that holds up.
Reading for hours, still can't find a basic "this is the dizzy, this is the Xxxxx,and to do this you do xxxxx" etc type writeup. Most are like "yea swap the dizzy for a Xxxxx and connect the negative ground to the space rocket and then the pinwheel will create sparks that will turn cotton candy into a can of wd40 for" jeez my brain is Fried....

[luismx123]

Best thing to do is to fit disc brakes, an electronic distributor (and suitable coil) then you want to check the suspension for play, then grease the grease points and try again... A quick tightness check too as your a new owner.

Carry an imperial socket and spanner set, spare plugs and leads and an AA card.

Ive also fitted a more modern stereo head unit with a USB so you can charge phones etc. In my estate I also have a power socket and twin USB for the dash cam.

Cheers m8. Haven't thought of the stereo part yet. Gonna slap some silent coat on the panels soon as the inner roof is ripped up and it's fairly loud ATM :///