9 replies to this topic

[PurpleEquinox96]

Hi, I'm new to the forum. Have always loved minis, and so far have owned a Mayfair and an Equinox. I've always relied on others to help me with repairs etc but I'd like to start building knowledge and skills to do some of the work myself.
Is it ok to post here and ask questions as a complete newbie?

[stuart bowes]

how else would you learn ?

 

it's usually worth trying a few searches first, pro tip use google and start 'site:www.theminiforum.co.uk' then what you need to know

 

start with that to get some basic knowledge and find out if it's already been answered, if you still have questions ask away.  you'll probably get told to 'just read your haynes' every now and then but don't let that put you off

Edited by stuart bowes, 15 March 2024 - 10:34 AM.

[austin g]

Hi, I,ve found Youtube is very helpful for all sorts of mechanical advice from the very basic stuff to the more advanced .

[humph]

Welcome to TMF.  I bought my first Mini in 2009 (fresh MOT today) and a second in 2011 with virtually no knowledge.  Just over a year ago I finished a 10 year full rebuild of the second one, where I'd had a hand in pretty much every element of the build, even when I'd had to pay others to do works I was allowed to assist.  It's safe to say that none of that would have been possible without this forum, as Haynes manuals and other books can't answer questions when things aren't quite as they should be, (and they very rarely are on a car that's been through numerous owners). So as has been said, search function, and ask questions. With some reading you'll learn who's advice you can trust. Good luck.

 

Youtube is also a good source, but be careful of poor advice and missing steps in videos.  Facebook is good for the social bits, but search function is lacking.

Edited by humph, 15 March 2024 - 11:36 AM.

[Ethel]

We could attempt a Youtube recommendations topic, but expect that'd cause the odd argument 

 

I've referenced "University Motors" quite a few times. Actually an American MG channel, but great in depth explanations on stuff like carbs & ignition.

[stuart bowes]

I usually end up watching 2 or 3 and taking the info on board from all of them, sometimes they contradict and you just chose which one sounds the most convincing, or ask the question here I suppose

 

the project sprout guy is pretty good and explains things well I find

[sonikk4]

There is a wealth of information on TMF although our search function is not the best. Sometimes using Google will direct you to a specific post you may need.

However as you go to a specific section, just by scrolling through you may find the info you need or just ask the question in the correct section and you will get an answer.

[slidehammer]

Welcome aboard, ask away everyone on here was a Newbie at some point and it is only by people sharing their knowledge / experience that we all learn. 

You probably find that a lot of things you want to ask have been asked before, but good luck with your thirst for knowledge.

[bpirie1000]

Start by looking at brakes.

Then suspension.
Then drive train.
Then fuel
Then oil.

That way you can do routine maintenance and if anything crops up you can handle it.. but certainly ask away on here....

Haynes or YouTube are a good shout...

[MiniMadRacer]

I guess the other issue is, what type of tools do you have or do you have access too