I have a 1974 Leyland (yet to find out specifics) and I dont know what order I should make changes...

It is registered till July and after fixing a small oil leak, should pass for another year.

There is a bit of superficial rust ant some small dents (nothing that cant be easially fixed). I will fix this up first...

After that I dont know whether to fix up the cosmetic side (interior, paint job) or start on the mechanics.

What has worked best for everyone else?

I vould start on the mechanics first, because you can enjoy driving it and still work on it.

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Do you vant to see my snake?

if you are going to do a respray, you could always start a POLL to ask what colour people think you should respray it.....

when i got my mini, there was always the worry that the battery may not charge well enough, or the electrics would fail on me. the looks didnt worry me - everybody turns their heads for minis

so there was the 3week period where he was sittin at home having his mechanics fixed up. after that, when i had all the time in the world, i started with the body. i find that if youve got even the most distant mechanic friend, they are almost always willing to help you with your mini as they love the mini itself and wont be doing it all for the money

1. does your engine start nicely (neglect early cold morning starts)
2. is your battery getting enough charge even at low speeds (the red battery should turn off when its charging
3. if youre unsure about the reliability of your car, dont take it too far. run it around and around until a little problem arises

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Inconspicuously Conspicuous
Appreciation without Depreciation
forever chasing clearer skies...

It starts up perfectly and the battery is charging fine...

My only mechanical concern is the gearbox. 2nd and 3rd are rough, synchros worn. I dont know how long it will last but it doesnt sound like its going to go just yet (i'd say round 6 months in it).

Any suggestions on whether to recondition the existing one or look at another?

I think the only cosemtic thing I'll do in the near future is de-rusting (not alot anyway).

Are you looking for more power out of the engine, or to keep it relitivly stock? A 998 with the right cam, right carbie, and a head job should be able to get nice power. Your car is a 998?

Definatly get to that gear box, get a total reco. Nothing worse than driving a car with a dodgy box.

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Well my long term plan is to change engines completely. It is a 998 ( i pretty sure).
Still not sure of engines though, I want the rest of the car up to scratch first. however i wouldnt oppose to making some adjustments to the current engine in the short term. apparently it has been fixed up a touch around twelve months ago.

gearbox's are quite expensive to rebuild , but after saying that you should really do it before it goes KA-PUTE !

It will be even more expensive then! (for obvious reasons!) i would'nt go a s/hand g/box unless you know it's good!? whats the point in pulling your engine out, removing the box, replacing it to find its no good and you have to do it all over?! personal opinion of course!

any way enjoy your mini & your time on ausmini, you will learn a fair bit from these people!

happy mini'ing

Rohan

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1964 MORRIS 850 - POST ZOMBIE APOCALYPSE CAFE RACER INSPIRED.

https://spotify.link/D0P4KtIP2yb

1098 +0.40
266 Kent Cam
GR Flat top pistons
HS6
1.3:1 Roller tip rockers
Stupid high CR

Roughly what price am I looking at to recondition my gearbox?

Are there any recommendations of where to take it for recon...

i was told upwards of $1000 , that is in melbs thou! and it was about 12months ago! things might be different up there!

Hopefully you will find some1 willing & ABLE to do the job properly for cheaper! you should know this right from the word go!


MINI PARTS ARENT CHEAP!


not trying to scare you, but you should know truth about these lil' gems!

Rohan

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1964 MORRIS 850 - POST ZOMBIE APOCALYPSE CAFE RACER INSPIRED.

https://spotify.link/D0P4KtIP2yb

1098 +0.40
266 Kent Cam
GR Flat top pistons
HS6
1.3:1 Roller tip rockers
Stupid high CR

Yeah I figured as much...
I have to weigh it all up though as if I am going to get a different engine is there much point in doing much on what I have in there now???

depends on when you plan to upgrade your engine, and how bad your g/box is! your choice in the long run!


Rohan

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1964 MORRIS 850 - POST ZOMBIE APOCALYPSE CAFE RACER INSPIRED.

https://spotify.link/D0P4KtIP2yb

1098 +0.40
266 Kent Cam
GR Flat top pistons
HS6
1.3:1 Roller tip rockers
Stupid high CR

Hoping to do the engine conversion in about a year...
It is 2nd and 3rd that are noisy and 3rd to 2nd crunches pretty easially (I am still perfecting my double-shuffle technique).

I know its my decision I just dont trust myself!

in adelaide i was quoted $1200 for a 1275 engine conversion (with them doing all the labour), gearboxes are a lot to fix, where as a new engine/box doesn't seem to be anywhere near as much. And on the plus side u've got a 1275, that goes WAY harder than a 998

BUT, this is only what i've been quoted i didn't actually purchase it.

Thats amazing, not even worth the trouble of removing everything if its going to be similar in price to do the conversion straight up...

Thanks for that info