12 replies to this topic

[Wilko]

Hi all

Just wanted to introduce myself. I have been browsing as a guest for a couple of days and there is some great information and advice so I thought I would sign up.

I am completely new to mini ownership, along with Mrs. (soon to be) Wilko. I did think about a mini when I was younger and just starting driving, but with the job I was doing with a lot of motorway miles I had to scrap that idea. Mrs. Wilko and I visited the Mega Mini Meet last week, and she needed a car, having just passed her test and pressure from my new job - the mini bug must have had a nibble!

This weekend committed to buying a Mini Cooper MPi Sportpack on a 99T plate. I am well excited, but have to wait until the service work and MOT are done in a couple of weeks, a little rust on the front end but manageable and a good runner. In Anthracite, with white roof and red leather interior.

We are thinking of keeping it as original as possible, which we think is best in terms of the investment for the future, any advice here?

However, on that note, would it be good to add some understated brightwork in the engine bay if we are intending to show the car? What do judges look for?

Finally, any advice with steam cleaning the underside and engine bay - would this be good to discover potential rot-spots we haven't found yet?

Any advice welcome, cheers.

Wilko

[Bosh]

Hi, and welcome to TMF. I'd say keep it standard and original. As for the rest hope the guys can help.

[Scallywag630]

Hi and welcome to TMF.

[mk1leg]

Hi..and welcome Mr & Mrs to be Wilko...and enjoy your mini.........pics please.............

[Wilko]

Photos will be up soon, just waiting for service and MOT before we get the car.

[J_AUSTIN_B]

Congrats to the new purchase! I know that you and your wife will enjoy your mini as we all do!

[Wilko]

Photos as promised, Mr & Mrs Wilko (sorry, just Mrs Wilko (to be)! lol) are (is) the proud owners of George.

 DSC01265.JPG   4.44MB   18 downloads

 DSC01267.JPG   4.21MB   19 downloads

[Wilko]

Oh yes, planned work to do:

Short Term (very soon):
- new rear fog lamp
- get front fogs working - DONE
- new knob for seat adjustment (nearly sliced my hand off on bare metal)
- new set of keys & fob for spares

On this point, still deciding on whether to go for new handles and boot handle - keys don't currently match, but thinking as they are in good condition replace and sell current ones on eBay to recoup cost. The cost of a new fob is frightening, but will get current fob refurbished to save buying two new!

Medium Term (when we can afford it)
- sort out googly eyes (seems to be non matching spots)
- rust on driver door skin, front valence, a pillars and outer wings
- new interior carpets & couple of other bits of interior trim
- box out & carpet boot

Long Term (when George gets to 15 years old)
- full engine overhaul
- hunt out any rust, anywhere & sort - respray

Edited by Wilko, 29 June 2011 - 09:33 PM.

[miniman retford]

We are thinking of keeping it as original as possible, which we think is best in terms of the investment for the future, any advice here?

I said that when i got my latest one four years ago ! That idea didnt last long

Just make it your own & enjoy

[Miniquick]

Welcome.

[jakenglish]

welcome to the fourm

[AVV IT]

Hello & Welcome

The best thing you could do to your mini is invest in some rust treatment & prevention as soon a possible. All minis are prone to rust, late mini's even more so and Mpi's like yours are by far the worst due to thin panels and poor rust proofing at the factory. If you act now, you could significantly slow down the areas already effected by rust and significantly put back the inevitable and expensive panel replacement that will be needed before too long. Corrosion tends to start from the underside and what you can see on the upper painted side of each panel tends to only be the "tip of the iceberg". If you attack the rust from beneath (under the wings, behind the front panel & headlights, under the boot floor and rear valance etc) then you will significantly slow down the spread of the rust that you can see from the outside. You can do all this work yourself even if you are a complete novice as none it will be visible fromt he outside.

Get under the car and attack these areas from beneath/behind, removing as much as corrosion possible then treating with kurust/jenolite rust treatment, followed by a good zinc based primer and anti rust topcoat. Invest in as much waxoyl as you can afford and pump it into the sills and every hidden crevice and box section that there is. Finally spray waxoyl liberally under the wings, beneath the scuttle end closing panels and behind the headlights. Then fit a set of Plastic Wheel Arch Liners underneath the wings, to keep salt and water away from the scuttle wings and front panel and to stop the waxoyl from being washed away.

[Wilko]

AVV IT

Some great advice, thanks. It was waxoiled when we bought it, so will keep that up.

Had to get some new rear boots for George today so had a good look underneath while it was up on the ramp. Looks good underneath and evidence of underbody repairs near the driver side front jacking point. Main rust left is usual front panels.

Got a couple of items on the shopping list now though: exhaust (small hole starting where it's been bashed) and a track rod end. Nearside wouldn't adjust full range to get tracking spot on (which was well out, by the way!)