11 replies to this topic

[DaveMini]

Ok I cannot drive and i am quite a way away from driving, august ):

I getting a mini for certain for my first car, before I approach anything car related I have to admit I wouldn't know where to start engine, performance related but other areas I should be fine, electronics etc.

Is it hard to maintain a mini if something goes wrong, how hard is it to acquire parts?

Also a modification that I have decided I must have is Italian Job spotlights, how hard are these to fit, is there anything that needs to go together e.g type of grill and finally are the straps on the bonnet for show or holding the lights on?

Thanks alot!

Dave

[Southy]

In all honestly parts for minis are one of the easiest, if not THE easiest to get a hold of compared to other cars, the prices for these parts aswell compared to modern day ones are fairly cheap. Ive been told many times now if you look after a mini properly and service it reuglar and grease it then it will look after you, it shouldnt really give you any major headaches.

For the italian job spot lights i think you would have to fabricate your own bar as i dont think they are available to buy unless someone knows where you can.As for wiring in, its pretty much the same for wiring in your normal 4 spots im sure there is a 'how to' or a previous post on here somewhere telling you how.

Regarding the bonnet straps they are pretty much there for show only, and dont really do much, i have known and seen a couple of minis which are velcrowed on but ive seen some which actually do work and are riveted to the bonnet and slam panel it all depends on what you want from them.

[DaveMini]

So for spotlights I have got to get a bar made specifically for said car.

Edited by DaveMini, 27 April 2008 - 01:02 AM.

[biggav]

get the car on the road and insured before making any modification, then ask your insurance company how much each mod will cost you in terms of increased premium.

Italian Job Brackets are available...BUT... i think spotlights and Foglights should be fitted in pairs which means you can't fit the 3 way spot set up... i may be wrong though.

[Git]

get the car on the road and insured before making any modification, then ask your insurance company how much each mod will cost you in terms of increased premium.

Italian Job Brackets are available...BUT... i think spotlights and Foglights should be fitted in pairs which means you can't fit the 3 way spot set up... i may be wrong though.

You can buy lamps individually from companies like 'holden.co.uk'...... flippin 'eck, I've plugged this company sooo many times, I should get commission !!!

[ZED]

If this is your first car, I would suggest you get it, you drive it, you enjoy it, then start adding things as you need them. You can probably find a mini with thoses spots on already, my nephew has an italian job mini, the first thing he did was get the floor sorted, then the rust on the body work!

Good hunting

Zed

[cowboy]

an early welcome to the mini family, even though you dont have your mini yet.

lets start here:-
I getting a mini for certain for my first car, before I approach anything car related I have to admit I wouldn't know where to start engine, performance related but other areas I should be fine, electronics etc.

first point its only the later SPI(single point injection) or MPI (multi point injection) that would have any type of electronics. electrics on the other hand is what you will have loads to deal with. as for the engine, there are a few things which you will need to know about,

Is it hard to maintain a mini if something goes wrong, how hard is it to acquire parts?

this bit mini's are the easiest to maintain and probablly the easiest to get spares for

Also a modification that I have decided I must have is Italian Job spotlights, how hard are these to fit, is there anything that needs to go together e.g type of grill and finally are the straps on the bonnet for show or holding the lights on?

modifications are beyond belief you can do anthing your imagination will allow. being young as said before check with your insurance company before you do anything

final point is than you can not have italian job style lights on a road legal mini,

Thanks alot!

[Git]

final point is than you can not have italian job style lights on a road legal mini,

Where d'you get that from?

[DaveMini]

final point is than you can not have italian job style lights on a road legal mini,

Well thats a right kick in the teeth, how come, whats the law preventing them?

[Git]

final point is than you can not have italian job style lights on a road legal mini,

Well thats a right kick in the teeth, how come, whats the law preventing them?

There is none... I think.
If anything it's the fact that you're not alowed to drive around with them on when it's not necessary, like those tw4ts in the Max Power Brigade bombing around with their fog/driving lamps on in broad daylight.!!!!!

[minili]

I think spot/fog lights have to fitted in pairs (as biggav said above) which is why the 3-light Italian Job setup is illegal.

This would also explain why you could have trouble buying a bar for them.

[Git]

I think spot/fog lights have to fitted in pairs (as biggav said above) which is why the 3-light Italian Job setup is illegal.

This would also explain why you could have trouble buying a bar for them.

Not sure.. I mean I think the reason you can't buy a bar for them is just because it's a bit of a niche market. I'm sure I've seen stupid 4x4s with an odd number of lights on the roof...
... wasn't there a yanky motor (or was it a uk jobbie) that had three headlights?