Classic Mini - Restoration

[Pitbull]

Ok, keep in mind I'm not doing to to resell....

My worry with the old motor is that it may not be very reliable...and is kinda slow....Looking for something with 80-100kw.

I don't know much about engines and mechanical's though........

a Champ motor and gearbox will never give you 100kw

 

[F1 Fan]

a Champ motor and gearbox will never give you 100kw

Lol, really? I've heard that it can...I don't much know much about these things though..

 

[silver6933]

think it will be worth it.

Do not ask anyone, if it is worth it. That is a decision only you can make.

Everyones money priorities are different. Some people think it is just fine to drop 50K on a watch. Me, not so. But yearly, I will happily spend a ridiculous amount of money on a 12 year old car. I will never recoup the money spent on this car. But the satisfaction is worth it.

So if you want it that bad. It is called being a petrol head.

One other thing, join a mini forum. You need to hang out with other people with the same obsession. They will understand the need.

http://www.theminiforum.co.uk/forums/

BTW I never owned one, but my best friend had one and it was loads of fine. It was his only car and he did it up slowly. Looked awesome in the end.

Here is one for sale at R15 000

http://brakpan.olx.co.za/mini-for-restoration-iid-721867253
http://pretoria.olx.co.za/clubman-mini-1275-iid-721472629
http://nelspruit.olx.co.za/mini-clubman-for-sale-or-swop-iid-720776909

Modded one
http://durban.olx.co.za/classic-mini-fitted-with-toyota-engine-iid-721226118

 

[spiderz]

This sounds like it's build on a mini subframe running the mini engine:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mini_Marcos

 

[Pitbull]

Lol, really? I've heard that it can...I don't much know much about these things though..

If you sup'd up the engine sure. But a normal Champ 1400 motor will never give you 100kw. Probably more in the region of 40 - 50 kw maybe.

 

[krycor]

I had a 850cc motor in mine when I was at varsity and with little 10' wheels it was plenty fast while still being extremely light on petrol. If you want something very light, go this route.. If you want something to pull but not looking at petrol consumption then the 1275 is for you.

Uhm.. Petrol injector, free flow & branches + changing to disk brakes is what u have to do.. Brakes in particular as the drum originals aren't great.

 

[Colin62]

Hi All,

Just wondering if anyone on this forum has ever restored a mini. Thinking of doing one just for fun. Been looking around and thinking of using a 1400 champ engine...thoughts?

You're talking about a rebuild, not a restore. Restoring a Mini means putting a Mini engine into it.

 

[F1 Fan]

Anyone know of Mini Specialists in CPT? Have one contact in Montague, just want to get another one in case I need a second opinion

 

[warriorking48]

Mini engine

Hi I might be a johnny come lately but I'm a totally mini guy and that 1275 engine can be bored out to 1440cc and fitted withTriumph Chicane pistons or to 1380 with Mazda pistons and will give you quite some punch I'm told. But keep your front wheel drive Go look at the overseas Miniworld magazines and you will see what is possible!

 

[warriorking48]

You should check out the Cape Town Mini Owners club on Facebook and they will help you.

 

[JerryMungo]

Hi All,

Just wondering if anyone on this forum has ever restored a mini. Thinking of doing one just for fun. Been looking around and thinking of using a 1400 champ engine...thoughts?

I have a couple of bits in the garage I think. It was difficult - we ended up importing side mirrors from the UK because they're dirt cheap that side. I may have CV joints I think. Some stuff you can get locally.
Doesn't FanieBraai drive one?

 

[HAL 9000]

Some hard to source BMC / BL / MG Rover Mini parts that you can't find locally may be available from these guys - Rimmer Brothers - in the UK - they essentially took over all the spares inventory from the MG Rover group, which included Triumph, Rover, MG, Jaguar, Land Rover & Range Rover parts - basically all of the various makes & models manufactured by MG Rover until mid-2005 when they went under.

https://rimmerbros.com/SubCategory--Rover-Mini-Car-Parts--m-12436

https://rimmerbros.com/SubCategory--Rover-Mini-Car-Parts--m-12436--page-2

I have sourced various CityRover (Tata Indica) spares from them before - they courier the parts through DHL and it takes about 8-10 days for delivery - local import duties were around R 400 per order - which was still cheaper than sourcing the parts I required from the local TATA agents.