17 replies to this topic

[Garryg]

Morning All,

 

I am looking at a 1975 Mini. It has been fitted with an aftermarket 1275 with Auto Trans. I think I have negotiated a good price, but as yet I've not confirmed the deal. 

 

Whats holding me back at the moment is the AUto... I know it's trivial, but I've got in my head that a classic needs to be manual It looks the dogs Bol#Ocks and will be a head turner.

 

I'd appreciate your thoughts!

 

Cheers

[nicklouse]

Not that hard to convert to manual.

[sledgehammer]

He would need to change both engine & box 

 

& need spacers on the engine mounts

 

also clutch pedal & master cyl , gear link & lever etc 

[nicklouse]

Still a lot easier than doing bodywork and paint.

Box of cause. Engine, well block and a few bits but tie it in with a rebuild....

But it all comes down to personal ability. For me swapping from auto to manual is not an issue. Body work is.

[New game mini]

Autos are ace IMO and seem to be quite rare now. Mines a 998 auto and is great fun on the lanes...just floor it and go or alternatively use the gear selector if u really want to give it the beans. Mine always seems to attract more attention when people realise it's an auto. I've found the only potential day to day downsides are...They love 4th gear and want to get there asap (but using the selector on more spirited drives sorts that). More frequent oil changes. Hills are even more of an enemy (usually because it's trying to go up them in 4th!) Lastly, it's difficult to find someone who can/will repair a mini auto box when they fail though there are a few on here and the auto mini register.
Apart from its quirks, I would never get it converted to a manual and don't regret buying an auto in the slightest even though I was hesitant at first.
Plus it was cheaper than an equivalent manual

Edited by New game mini, 26 April 2016 - 11:22 PM.

[mab01uk]

In the not too distant future they will be a very rare and sought after surviving Mini variant because so many are converted to manuals and the auto unit scrapped. The Mk1 & 2 are practically extinct already.

 

Automatic Mini Register:

http://autominiregister.proboards.com/

 

Prototype Mini Automatic 1962:

http://www.theminifo...automatic-1962/

[blackbelt1990]

I don't own an auto mini but I really enjoy driving them. 998 ounces can be a bit gutless compared to a 1275 one but it would never put me off!

[scrumpix]

My aunt has a 1988 auto loves it.

[Garryg]

..

Edited by Garryg, 27 April 2016 - 10:48 PM.

[AlexMozza]

A good 1275 spi auto is pretty damn good. Along as you treat them well they will go for a long time.

There are still companies that will repair and rebuild them too.

[Deano1966]

what companys r gud at rebuilding spi auto boxes near sheffield any 1 no

[Albannach]

The most important thing to remember about running an AP Automatic, is OIL changes. They need fresh oil at least every 2000 miles.
Ignore it at your peril!!!

Now I've retired, I buy an odd one in Japan, with the intentions of swapping for a 1275 Manual lump. It's worth the hassle just to get a totally Rust Free Mini rolling shell.

However, now and again you get a pleasant surprise. I bought a solid 1993 Navy Blue Automatic last winter and just kept my fingers crossed it would be nice. WOW!! A genuine 17,500 miles, and totally minted. Runs perfect as well. One of the cleanest Minis I've ever owned. It's too good to alter, so I'm going to sell it as is. Taking it for its MoT tomorrow, and then apply to DVLA for age related plate.
If anyone wants a genuine unmolested, unmarked wee Mini, then get it touch. Price will not be as stupid as those advertised for sale in the Mini comics. Jim

[minisprint]

As Above Japanese minis tend to be auto ! I've just imported one from japan it drives great done a few hundred of miles over the weekend in it after getting it road legal! Had a few! They are real go kart to drive

[CityEPete]

I'd always take a solid mini over anything else, auto, cooper, 80s, 90s standard, modded etc etc all come after rust free, that said I've owned a few rotten minis, lol.

[Garryg]

I've certainly been lucky with this one. It's NZ new, so no salt to worry about rotting it away . The engine has been rebuilt, but still needs the fine tuning done.