5 replies to this topic

[tommyboymini]

Hello All,

 

My name is Tom. I live in the eastern part of USA. I currently do not own a mini. About 10 years ago I was in Boston and there was a "mini" mini car show. The car show (also the original movie The Italian Job) only increased my infatuation with classic minis. My wife agreed to get me one for my 50th birthday... I just turned 49. I recently saw what I thought would be a nice restoration project on FB marketplace, until I posted the pictures I received from the seller on reddit. It would have been a money pit unfortunately. So one of the users guided me to this forum so that I could learn more about what to look for when buying one. 

 

I don't think I have a favorite model yet (Austin, Morris, Mini-Cooper). Although, I don't care for the styling of the Clubman (no offense). There are so many to choose from. When the time comes, it will be what is available in my price range. Hopefully sometime this year, I will be able to post a picture of my new (to me) mini.

[stuart bowes]

welcome :)  you may find, depending on your budget, that 'money pit' minis are pretty much the only option, fair to say that's probably true of most classic cars

 

what the mini has as an advantage though over other classic cars is very easily obtainable parts, including every panel you will need, at quite reasonable cost, and because it's a very simple design and all the big seams are on the outside it's really easy to cut off and replace stuff

 

gets a little more complicated with the main floor pan section where rust is common especially at the front but that's replaceable in sections if you're not overly concerned with 'perfection' and 'originality' and you just want a nice solid car.  having to remove the whole thing obviously requires a bit of planning and a lot of bracing to stop it wobbling about

 

if you look at the pics on the first page of my build (link below) and the start of other peoples as well (https://www.theminif...0-mini-saloons/) there are a number of pretty common rust spots to familiarise yourself with

 

I'm not overly concerned about the full list of different specs and all the differences with the models myself but if you are then people on here WILL be able to answer those questions it's honestly pretty impressive what people can tell you down to the last part number and years of manufacture

 

also I say this to all car people I meet or talk to online, look up project Binky on youtube for quality mini related entertainment 

 

good luck with it, hope to see a new diary getting added soon

Edited by stuart bowes, 19 January 2024 - 10:02 PM.

[DeadSquare]

In about 1967, the BMC accountants decided that as paint was expensive, less paint would be applied.

 

As they pointed out to management, this would be good for sales as the cars would be more likely to rust which meant that the owners would need to buy another new car.

 

They were correct, the cars rusted and the owners bought a new car ......................... made in Japan.

 

 

At 49, if you lived in UK, I'd encourage you to start by buying a new bodyshell and painting it very carefully.  Don't do what I have done;  at 81, I have a dozen Minis that are riddled with tin-worm.

[bpirie1000]

Welcome. You never ever get two minis the same.. all different. Anything mini shaped is welcome and certainly brings a smile to the drivers and passergbys faces..

Keep,it mini shaped.. regardless of badge brand...

[tommyboymini]

I purchased a Mini yesterday and am waiting for it to be shipped from the mid west. 1998 Mini Paul Smith Edition. Unfortunately it is automatic, but it was one of my wife's mandatory options (also has AC). Rust free and in great shape with minor paint blemishes. The transmission occasionally slips going up steep hills or stomping on it from a stop. But I got a great price on the mini with more than enough left over in my budget to rebuild the transmission and buy some upgrades. I am so excited like a little kid on Christmas morning.

 

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 1998 Mini Rover Rear.jpg   100.08K   0 downloads

[MrBrown]

Hey Tom. Nice mini!

I too have an auto but converted it after running into transmission issues. Hard to find knowledgeable people in the States regarding autos.

Anyways, I’m in VA also. Would love to meet up or chat one day. Send me a message. Cheers!