684 replies to this topic

[toplessmini]

Good to see your still going, I hope you isolation was just a precaution. 

[JXC Mini GT]

Whilst the Mini has been with Ben, I took my front seats to local upholsterer for repair, he relaminated the cloth and replaced the vynyl edges/piping and fitted new sponges/diaphragms, I am very happy with the results and am looking forward to getting them fitted some time very soon.

 

 

[slidehammer]

Those seats look superb, just like new.

[Ben_O]

They look marvellous John!

[Ben_O]

It's been a while without an update for this car.

 

The last I wrote, we just had a few finishing touches and an MOT.

Unfortunately, there was a bit of a disaster which I'll tell you about now.

 

As you may remember, I fitted a new 1293 short engine and a reconditioned gearbox which all went fine however there was a slight oil leak from the new box which I had planned to fix prior to the car leaving.

 

I was so snowed under with work that I had some help in, a classic vw restoration expert called Owen. I asked him to sort out the leak which was coming from the diff side cover. He quickly found that there was a loose bolt at the bottom and nipped it up to see if it would be that simple.

it didn't stop it completely so I asked him to remove the cover and replace the gasket.

obviously before pulling the pot joint, he had to drain the oil and this is where he found that the magnet on the sump plug was completely overwhelmed with swarf!

As the oil was draining, it was visably shimmering and after having a grope around in the drain pan, the oil felt very gritty.

 

I got straight onto the phone with Minispares as they supplied the short engine and gearbox and they responded very well by arranging for the engine builder to call me.

 

A quick flash later and I had Bill Richards of Bill Richards racing (im sure he needs no introductions) on the phone keen to find a resolution.

he explained that out of the hundreds of engines he had built, only one had come back and he suspected the gearbox to be the issue.

 

Bill, who's engine building business was based in Ashford, Kent is currently in the process of relocating his whole shop over here to the isle of wight and  happily offered to come by and collect the complete engine and take it away for inspection.

 

A day later and he had the engine apart and the cause was revealed.

He was correct and one of the gearbox bearings has broken up contaminating everything with filings and swarf.

pretty bad considering the car has travelled about half a mile total on this new engine.

He told me that together with the support of Minispares who would supply Parts, he would rebuild the whole lot including the gearbox, bench test it, tune it and have the whole lot back to me asap.

not only did he do this, he replaced the needle in the carb for a better match and installed new cast iron valve guides in the head.

 

I really couldn't have asked for better service. My thanks go out to Minispares for there fast resolution and I want to particularly thank Bill Richards for all of his efforts in sorting this out.

He is a lovely guy who has kept in touch throughout all of this, offered advice and has just generally been amazing.

I'm so pleased that we now have him on our doorstep and I will definitely be working with him going forward.

He is keen for anyone who requires his services to know he is now here and if anyone would like to contact him regarding any engine work they require, I'll be only too happy to pass his details on.

 

The engine is now back with me and i have refitted it.

needless to say it started up on half a turn of the key and runs very nicely indeed.

 

 

 

I'm just waiting for a choke cable trunion to arrive as the original has been misplaced and then it will be booked in for an mot.

 

I'll update again once it's ready to go home.

 

Cheers

Ben

[JXC Mini GT]

Thanks Ben

 

I can only re-iterate what Ben has already said, Minispares Bill Richards and Mill Road Garage have acted exactly as I would have wished in resolving the problem, and the bonus for me is that Bill Richards has tuned the engine.

 

Many thanks to them all, I am booked to pick it up on the 3rd August and have a short break on the island. ( I can't wait)

[Revd]

Mark of a good business - willingness to put right stuff that has been less than 100% without a fuss

[JXC Mini GT]

Mark of a good business - willingness to put right stuff that has been less than 100% without a fuss

I would agree all good businesses, Minispares/Bill Richards and Mill Road Garage.

[cooperd70]

Thanks Ben

I can only re-iterate what Ben has already said, Minispares Bill Richards and Mill Road Garage have acted exactly as I would have wished in resolving the problem, and the bonus for me is that Bill Richards has tuned the engine.

Many thanks to them all, I am booked to pick it up on the 3rd August and have a short break on the island. ( I can't wait)

I'm jealous ?? bet you can't wait!!

[JXC Mini GT]

I'm jealous bet you can't wait!!

 

I am really looking forward to driving it again , so much so that I have persuaded my wife, son and daughter  that we can all fit into our other car so that I can pick up the Mini, the car will also be carrying a mobility scooter and wheelchair with luggage for 4 on our break.

[cooperd70]

I'm jealous bet you can't wait!!

I am really looking forward to driving it again , so much so that I have persuaded my wife, son and daughter that we can all fit into our other car so that I can pick up the Mini, the car will also be carrying a mobility scooter and wheelchair with luggage for 4 on our break.

Woah!! The challenge has been set! ?

[Ben_O]

<p>John, are you coming over in the 3rd and then staying after that for your break?</p>
<p>if so, will you be using the mini during that time?</p>

[JXC Mini GT]

<p>John, are you coming over in the 3rd and then staying after that for your break?</p>
<p>if so, will you be using the mini during that time?</p>

Ben

I will be travelling over on Monday the 3rd and travelling back on Friday the 7th, and the intention is to use it during the week .

John

[Ben_O]

 

<p>John, are you coming over in the 3rd and then staying after that for your break?</p>
<p>if so, will you be using the mini during that time?</p>

Ben

I will be travelling over on Monday the 3rd and travelling back on Friday the 7th, and the intention is to use it during the week .

John

 

In that case, would you be interested in me leaving the running in oil in it when you collect and then you swing by later in the week so I can change it?

if that's convenient for you?

[JXC Mini GT]

That sounds like a good idea.

thanks Ben

Edited by JXC Mini GT, 22 July 2020 - 06:11 PM.