853 replies to this topic

[timmy850]

We had a run a couple of weeks ago which was fun, and had a reasonable turnout.

[Vinay-RS]

I love the fact that there are so many mk1s in that photo :) They are a lot less common on our local runs. 

[timmy850]

I love the fact that there are so many mk1s in that photo :) They are a lot less common on our local runs.

We had the Mk1 in production from 61 to 69, the Mk2 (which looks essentially the same) from 69 to 71, and then the clubman front came out in 71 to 78. Mokes were made 66 to 81..

We normally get mostly Mk1's, and a handful of the rest on the runs

[timmy850]

I took the mini for the yearly registration check this morning and it passed with no problems. I'll be getting the registration swapped to "Historic" number plates, which is much cheaper, but still lets me use it 60 days a year. 

 

I've also picked up a set of adjustable lower arms and tie bars for the front, so once the cones settle in I'll get them fitted and get a proper alignment done 

[simpsonsclassics]

Just had a read through this what a great car. You must be very happy with it :)

[timmy850]

Just had a read through this what a great car. You must be very happy with it :)

Thanks!

Here are the (new) suspension arms. Apparently they had been fitted to a car but not used. I'll need to grab a couple of new bushes before I can fit them.

After the car passed the annual inspection I swapped the registration over to "Historic". This means I can drive the car 60 days a year in addition to our club's events. The best part is it costs $95 instead of ~$860 for the year! This price covers the annual registration cost (about $260) and the CTP (Compulsory Third Party Insurance $600). They issued a new licence plate, which is much smaller than the old one, and looks a bit funny with the long flap on the boot. 

As it gets hot here the engine sometimes feels like it is down on power when it is over 30 degrees outside. I thought a cold air intake might keep the temperatures under control, and I found some ducting large enough to suit. I'm going to make a couple of brackets to get it in and out easily depending on the weather. 

[timmy850]

I picked up a km 850 speedo for my birthday this year. These were fitted to Morris badged cars exported to Europe. 

Not only does the speedo work correctly and show km instead of miles, but the odometer works properly too! That's a first for me since having the car.

 

The new smaller number plates at the rear looked a bit funny with the wide flap on the boot. I ordered some blank UK size plates from eBay and they were exactly the right size to surround the new plate. 

They look pretty good now, and just need to be bolted together. Australian cars changed to a shorter, taller number plate size on the boot to match local sizes a year or two after my car. 

 

I had a go on the weekend at putting on the new front end adjustable bits. I bought a new set of standard rubber bushes to replace the ones that came on the arms (they were previously installed on a car but not driven on).

With the old tie bar removed, it was obvious how bent it was. 

The old tie bar and lower arm bushes were also pretty dead.

It was pretty straightforward to swap them over. The most recent mini magazine I bought had a step by step guide too, which was handy!

After it was all back together I did a quick lap around to settle the suspension and make sure nothing was wrong. One side had approx -0.6 degrees camber and the other side was -1.6 (measured with an iphone app    ), so I did a little adjusting to get them to around -1.0. The toe on the wheels then looked a bit out, and I measured about 30mm of toe out! The tie rod ends were the normal length ones, so I ran out of thread to get it in the ballpark. I've ordered some long ones, so once I can get them on I will get a proper alignment done.

[Mini Manannán]

That's a classy looking speedo there Timmy, I likes it.

[Jared Mk3]

Lovely speedometer 

[James_eaton_thewholething]

I love this little car.
I remember the first time I had to change tie rods, the bolt that held it on had weld it's self into the lower arm so had to replace that as well

[GT Jimmy]

I love your mini mate, looks great.

 

Look what I found in sunny Manchester, never been on an engine, an Aussie timing cover

 

[timmy850]

That's a classy looking speedo there Timmy, I likes it.

Thanks. It makes a big difference having new glass and chrome, and having a new needle that is clear and not yellowed. 

 

Lovely speedometer 

Cheers!

 

I love this little car.
I remember the first time I had to change tie rods, the bolt that held it on had weld it's self into the lower arm so had to replace that as well

Luckily mine were all fine. The only problem I had doing the swap was breaking the ball joint separator when starting on the right side which was a real pain...

 

I love your mini mate, looks great.

 

Look what I found in sunny Manchester, never been on an engine, an Aussie timing cover

 

Cool, it's one that was pressed in the factory here. They stamped numerous locally made parts with that logo, including rocker covers (which Jared should know..)

[Jared Mk3]

Cool, it's one that was pressed in the factory here. They stamped numerous locally made parts with that logo, including rocker covers (which Jared should know..)

 

I do indeed 

[timmy850]

The boot had quite a few holes in it from various different plates over the years..

One more set of holes (hopefully the last!) and some bolts and it's looking good

They are actually metallic black, so they can appear black/silver/white depending on the light

I thought a matching set for the front would be good, as it helps to hide the bracket



I've also picked up a bargain 12G940 head, just for a rainy day...

[Vinay-RS]

That is one of the GT (GTS here) heads with the larger valves right? 

 

I do like the new number plates. The larger plate that fills the numberplate holder is a nice touch :)