4 replies to this topic

[Krobus]

Hello!

 

I recently picked up a 1961 Morris Minor Mini with a 998cc engine. This is my first Mini and first carbureted vehicle, i am going to spend some time going down the Mini forum rabbit hole to try to learn as much as i can.

 

I have mainly been driving around my neighborhood to get groceries, to the auto parts store, or just driving around to get use to the car and enjoy the attention this car is getting. These classic mini's are pretty rare in the states and even more so in california since anything after 1973 can not be registered so most dont even bother with importing anything newer then 1973.

 

So far i replaced all of the lights with LED equivalents except for the head lights and the ignition light (read that it will affect the alternator/dynamo/generator?) and planning on spending some time this weekend to change the oil, bleed the brakes, and clutch.

 

Will post pictures once i figure out how to!

[DeadSquare]

Welcome.

 

Have you managed to acquire a Workshop Manual ?

 

For those of us who have been playing with Minis for 60 years, there is not much to understand, but a guide book is much better than trial and error.

[Krobus]

I plan on picking up some of the david vizard books but it looks like those are more for tuning, where as for now i want something more for repairing and keeping the car road worthy. The Haynes manual i see on Amazon is for 1969-2001 and im not sure if there is a more specific manual for the pre 1969 cars.

 

Ill definitely get a few of them even if they are not for 1961 models it will still be good for reference. Luckily there are tons of videos on youtube that ive been watching non stop.

 

Hopefully i can do some of the basic maintenance over the next few weeks, enjoy for the summer, then pull the rear subframe, rebuild, and restore during the winter. 

 

Long term plan is to put a more reliable Honda d-series motor  (I hope that's not blasphemous on the forum) so i can drive at similar speeds as others on these California high ways 

[MatthewsDad]

Haynes Manual 213 covers production years from 1959 to 75.

I'd also try and get hold of the Haynes Mini Restoration Manual ref. 440

[MrBrown]

Long term plan is to put a more reliable Honda d-series motor (I hope that's not blasphemous on the forum) so i can drive at similar speeds as others on these California high ways

I was trying to avoid doing a Honda D swap based off of wanting to keep it original however, the more problems I have with gearboxes, the more I lean into doing the swap. Trying to find gearbox parts and the fact they are getting more scarce just gets you frustrated and gets costly. Honda’s don’t require these unicorn Deva bushings that only a few experts here have on hand that will save your crank from disaster! That was just a sample of something I’ve run into on this journey.

I don’t wish to sway you in either direction because people on this forum with experience would tell you the A series can be great and I believe it to be true. That said, I only know what I’ve been through and this car has come close to causing family issues based off of finding parts alone… hence I may Honda swap for parts availability/cost here in the States. Either way you go, these cars are super cool and glad you made the decision to get one. You have a 61 so keep that in mind before cutting it up.

Reach out if you need help with anything. You’re on a great forum.

Edited by MrBrown, 07 July 2024 - 06:31 PM.