30 replies to this topic

[timmy850]

My Mk1 has the factory starter button on the floor, so you need the key in the switch panel turned onto ON then hit the start. 

 

There is a video on installing one here:

[monkey]

http://www.ebay.co.u...tm/262182699125

Iv always thought this would be fun, would have to loose steering lock though

I thought about RFID entry a while back but its far too easy to crack unless you have a complex changing encryption. Not so much of an issue yet as its still not a very commonly used technology and you wouldn't expect it to be used in a classic, but as it is getting more popular it will also get more likely to be broken into. 

Let's be honest though, how easy is it to Hotwire a mini? Very! So it's only the last of steering lock that makes it less secure, so couple it with a good alarm and I don't see an issue really

[Alex_B]

 

 

http://www.ebay.co.u...tm/262182699125

Iv always thought this would be fun, would have to loose steering lock though

I thought about RFID entry a while back but its far too easy to crack unless you have a complex changing encryption. Not so much of an issue yet as its still not a very commonly used technology and you wouldn't expect it to be used in a classic, but as it is getting more popular it will also get more likely to be broken into. 

Let's be honest though, how easy is it to Hotwire a mini? Very! So it's only the last of steering lock that makes it less secure, so couple it with a good alarm and I don't see an issue really

 

That is a very good point, and anyone capable of hacking an rfid system could also probably get an engine started. 

[CityEPete]

To be honest I think the steering lock is less of an issue than the ignition being left on when it is done using 3 standard flip switches, the proper ones have a red flip up cover which is then used to stop the car by knocking it down which is just as cool as pressing the starter button to start it IMO?!

[Cooperman]

A switch for the main ignition feed circuit is not a good idea. Not because of the theft issue as it is very easy to steal any car, but because it is too easy to leave the ignition on after parking.

With the Mk1 & Mk2 with the key in the centre it is hard to reach the key when strapped in with full harness belts, plus a button start switch is more reliable that the key type. I am pleased with mine as the button is on the right side of my self-made driver's instrument panel near the auxiliary light switches and within reach of my right hand. In a case of a stalled engine on a test I can be selecting 1st gear with my left hand whilst hitting the easy-to-reach starter button with my right hand and all without having to try to lean forward and with the belts still very tight. 

I don't think it really worthwhile fitting a push button start switch in a normal road Mini.

[CityEPete]

That is what the kill switch does that im referring to, by pressing the red cap to kill the engine you automatically switch the ignition back off, you then have to lift it up next time to start the car so only stalling the car would cause a problem if you happened to stall where you wanted to stop. Of course a regular ignition barrel solves all of these problems and gives a steering lock hence why almost every car has one, Bini ironically not one of them and does have a push start.

[johnR]

When I changed my switches to mark 1 style I just moved the starter feed from the third position on the ignition switch to the new starter button (on the left of the aux. switch panel)

[CityEPete]

^I think thats the best bet for a road car just to have the fun of the button. Does the key kill the starter button or can it still turn the engine like an old fashioned button starter, I've had people pull my morris minor one with the car in gear!

[Cooperman]

When you keep the key for ignition it will, of course, still turn into the 'start' position but nothing will happen. You could put the button in between the front seats on a small discrete bracket. Now that would confuse any potential thief.

With the Mk.1 & Mk2 cars it was possible to start one and drive off in around 15 seconds. All you needed was a short length of 1" diameter pipe and a 3d bit (that's a 3 old-pence coin). You used the pipe to slide over the door handle and pushing down snapped the small pawl in the handle mechanism. Then the 3d bit was put across the under bonnet fuse box where it just pushed in. That put the ign. on and you just jumped in and pushed the starter button which was between the seats. There was no bonnet lock. So if you lost your key it really was no problem  .

[CityEPete]

Turning over when in gear when 'mates' or 'curious children' press the button isnt great imo.

[Cooperman]

The signal power to the button comes from the ignition 'on' circuit, so the button only engaged the starter motor when the ignition is 'on'.

[CityEPete]

Thats good then, my morris minor one is just a mechanical link between the battery and the starter motor wire!

[slowy]

Thanks for all the idea's l think Cooperman has the best solution l will try this way for now.

[Cooperman]

Here is the dashboards of my 'S'. The push button starter is just to the right of the upper instrument, the voltmeter, on the driver's panel. I can easily reach it when strapped tightly in and it's quick to re-start if I stall it. It could have gone between the seats, but I need both hands if I stall it and the left hand would be selecting 1st gear. Anyway, the electrics master cut-off switch is between the seats as it must be easily reached by either crew member and that is an ideal place.

Edited by Cooperman, 02 January 2016 - 11:26 PM.

[86mayfair]

The signal power to the button comes from the ignition 'on' circuit, so the button only engaged the starter motor when the ignition is 'on'.

Some of the single seaters I work on you can use the starter button without the ignition on. Good for making sure you have oil pressure if it's been a while since it was last started