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Found a matic! - thoughts on the condition and repairs pls!
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Author:  LittleHoju [ Sun Nov 27, 2016 7:28 pm ]
Post subject:  Found a matic! - thoughts on the condition and repairs pls!
I've been hunting for a matic and think I've found one.
Only problem is it's too too far away to inspect and I don't know what I'm up for to get it tidy.

I've attached some pics. It's been sitting for over a year. Only does reverse which is apparently the forward clutch plates. Some rust but not in floors, looks to be superficial but apparently some in one seam. Specks of it all over if the pics are reliable. Also the metal behind the grille looks a bit iffy.

Windscreen seal is cracking, rubber around bottom of window exterior channel gone too.

Can't see if external hinges are ok or starting to rust?

Questions are I suppose
- how likely is it that it's the clutch plates and not a bigger disaster
- what do you do with surface rust bits or rust in seams or behind grille?
- does it look like I'd have to go a full rub down all over and respray and if so what's the cost

Concern is that while it's a good price, could end up tossing heaps of money at it and be better off just getting one like the $10,990 matic in vic that's on car sales

Oh and any idea what the little holes under the rear lights would be?! (Just visible on first pic, there's one hole under each))

Thanks for any thoughts. The seller is a decent sounding bloke but I don't want to buy into a disaster body panel wise (or anything t else if possible!)
Author:  drmini in aust [ Mon Nov 28, 2016 6:47 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Found a matic! - thoughts on the condition and repairs p
I've done 2 matics in the past which had retreat only and no forward drive. Both were just the forward clutch.
Greig Malaure at Mini Classic does these auto boxes up, that's where I bought the clutch plates.
Original plates were glorified paper facing, new ones are kevlar I believe.

Good luck with it. Change oil and filter often (2000 miles max)- dirty oil is what stuffs the clutches up. And use normal 20W/50 or 10W/40 mineral oils, synthetic or friction modified oil will not work properly.
Author:  9YaTaH [ Mon Nov 28, 2016 6:53 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Found a matic! - thoughts on the condition and repairs p
The Matic looks like a good project in good condition from the pictures...go for it :!: :D
Author:  LittleHoju [ Mon Nov 28, 2016 7:19 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Found a matic! - thoughts on the condition and repairs p
Thanks for the advice! The guy definitely seems to know his minis so I trust his word and advice but there's always things we forget, and always something to do.

Funnily enough I was about to give Greig a call this morning to see if I could get it shipped straight to him.

Bodywork is something I'm daunted by. Seals and rubbers looks affordable and like they can be done at home (right?!).

Maybe once the time comes I'll get some views on who best to do the bodywork.
Author:  LittleHoju [ Mon Nov 28, 2016 8:28 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Found a matic! - thoughts on the condition and repairs p
Bugger


Greig reckons stay away, looking at a couple of grand as in his experience the forward clutch plates are rarely all that needs doing, likely have to do them all plus the bands. Last time he just did the forwards it lasted 50km then needed a full rebuild. $2-4K :(
Author:  drmini in aust [ Mon Nov 28, 2016 9:24 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Found a matic! - thoughts on the condition and repairs p
I would test drive one before you buy a matic. The 998 autos are pretty slow. And parts for these early boxes are getting scarce they say.

After 6 months of fixing and driving mine, I pulled the motor and stuck a 1310 manual in it. But car was a bitsa, lots missing, I'd bought it for a bottle of Chivas Regal. That was 25? years ago. :)
Author:  LittleHoju [ Mon Nov 28, 2016 9:43 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Found a matic! - thoughts on the condition and repairs p
Slow is ok!
I had a matic a while ago and enjoyed it enough.
Not that it was trouble free but it did go forwards
Author:  simonw [ Mon Nov 28, 2016 2:25 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Found a matic! - thoughts on the condition and repairs p
Auto boxes are not extremely complicated as far as boxes go. Replace the bands yourself ? I have PDF manuals if your interested.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Author:  LittleHoju [ Mon Nov 28, 2016 3:17 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Found a matic! - thoughts on the condition and repairs p
simonw wrote:
Auto boxes are not extremely complicated as far as boxes go. Replace the bands yourself ? I have PDF manuals if your interested.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk



Thanks! I'll send you a PM.
Way beyond me now (I was impressed with my clutch slave cylinder repair) but the plan is to take baby steps and be able to do more stuff on minis as time goes on
Author:  9YaTaH [ Mon Nov 28, 2016 8:37 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Found a matic! - thoughts on the condition and repairs p
LittleHoju wrote:
Bugger


Greig reckons stay away, looking at a couple of grand as in his experience the forward clutch plates are rarely all that needs doing, likely have to do them all plus the bands. Last time he just did the forwards it lasted 50km then needed a full rebuild. $2-4K :(


Bugger?? You probably will own this little gem for 20 years? So, worst case, 4K, equals $200 per year :? Best case, 2K (Greig will look after you! :-) equals $100 bucks per year...Ummmm, its a no brainer :lol:
Author:  LittleHoju [ Mon Nov 28, 2016 8:41 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Found a matic! - thoughts on the condition and repairs p
9YaTaH wrote:
LittleHoju wrote:
Bugger


Greig reckons stay away, looking at a couple of grand as in his experience the forward clutch plates are rarely all that needs doing, likely have to do them all plus the bands. Last time he just did the forwards it lasted 50km then needed a full rebuild. $2-4K :(


Bugger?? You probably will own this little gem for 20 years? So, worst case, 4K, equals $200 per year :? Best case, 2K (Greig will look after you! :-) equals $100 bucks per year...Ummmm, its a no brainer :lol:




Sounds even better if we stretch it out over 40 years! I need to think like this more often ;)
Author:  9YaTaH [ Tue Nov 29, 2016 6:32 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Found a matic! - thoughts on the condition and repairs p
LittleHoju wrote:

Sounds even better if we stretch it out over 40 years! I need to think like this more often ;)


You do :!: :idea:
Author:  LittleHoju [ Tue Nov 29, 2016 6:47 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Found a matic! - thoughts on the condition and repairs p
Decided I'd have a go if I could get it shipped but no one'll do it for under $2200 if at all
Fair enough it's going the width of the country but didn't think not going forwards would double the cost. It still goes!

New plan - become the first person to reverse a mini all the way from WA to Syd.
Author:  drmini in aust [ Tue Nov 29, 2016 7:04 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Found a matic! - thoughts on the condition and repairs p
Back loading freight from Perth to Sydney used to be cheap! Like, 50% of freight cost TO Perth! :(
Author:  simon k [ Tue Nov 29, 2016 9:35 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Found a matic! - thoughts on the condition and repairs p
realistically, you're best off expecting the worst with it - if you say, the car is $x, and a complete engine & gearbox rebuild is $y, then the car is $x+$y - am I comfortable with that.

VIP automotive solutions can send someone to inspect it - I don't know about the other inspectors, but when I do them I take 150-200 photos, and go over the car way better than I ever do for cars I buy for myself...
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