Hey all, im new to minis.

i have been looking at getting a mini for a while, and have found this:
http://cgi.ebay.com.au/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=160106630733

i have found a CV joint kit, and am familiar with changing gaskets. and am assuming the dash just needs some re-wiring.

I was wondering if you could tell me a bit about this particular model of mini. any pros or cons, major problems with this model.

any information asap would be helpful, it just maybe what i need for me to deciede to buy this car.

cheers, lachlan.
(ps im not sure if this is in the right section)

this is the wrong section,
it looks pretty good, but those mechanical issues will need lots of $$

i recommend getting a rover mini

what mechanical issues specifically? the instrument panel?

(oh and can mods move this to the right section for me pls.)

because you say you are new to minis,
dont buy a mini with any mechanical or rust problems.

try here for a low km late model jap import mini
http://www.brickworx.com.au/

to actually answer your question.

There is a pile of information on here on Minis. A clubman mechanically is no better or worse than any of the carbied minis and are very similar.

Dont be fooled by the shine - take a magnet with you and check out the body for rust.

Check the seams and and the rain channels, floors and the rear under the boot.

A bad mini is a whole world of pain - so if seems too good to be true - it is.

thats the type of info i was looking for, thanks. so generally rust is what to look out for, the mechanical aspect doesnt worry me anyway.
so there is no give away - to a mini owner like yourself, as to why its not rw or regod?

Im a Moke man, but I have hung around here long enough for some of the info to rub off.

Yep I would be asking why no rw or reg, The add states it has some bubbling rust in the tail - so the tail may be more rusty than it appears.

In my experience the 78s with rust were the worst ones. Not all 78s rust but the ones that did did it very well.
Because that car has the shiny paint job I would guess that it was bogged up and resprayed to sell it. (may have been 12 months ago) But they may have painted it because the metallics that they used in 78 were crap.

The LS is a good model let down by rust and crap metallic paint.

The lights on the dash not working could be the flexible printed circuit not flexing anymore (broken)

The oil seal on the gear linkage leaking is a standard factory fitment. Matt The Mini Man makes a better seal.

If he is honest enough to tell you the bad points of the car and where to look at the rust - even if it is the common spots - then a good chat and an inspection before biddding should clear up any questions.
Mine '74 also rusted around the holes under the front under riders so check there too.

Sounds like it mechanically sound. And just IMHO put body quality over mechanicals.

Getting another motor isn't that expensive, and can be put in at home quite easily. Providing you have the tools.

But rust can be a big deal!

I searched for a while for my body and got what I wanted, mechanicals crap (didn't want an 850 anyways) abut body was 98% rust free jsut bits here and there.

Totally up to you on what you do.

_________________
1964 Morris 850, 1330 Supercharged - 81.8hp atws.
1975 Leyland Mini S 1100S powered - Nice and reliable.
1977 Leyland Mini LS - Project LS-T

rust is a huge deal, if the car has new paint that already has rust comming through it I would not touch it. I would take a mini with shitty paint and minimal rust over a shiney bubbly one any day. The add was kinda vauge too, if it had disc brakes etc etc IMO it would be worth it.

_________________

those gasket leaks sound like engine out and apart jobs.

Engine and mechanicals = easy enough with the right tools.

Rust in a mini = PITA and lots of hassle.

Be careful - there's always another mini out there that you will have infinitely more fun with.

Hooroo

_________________
Rod
http://smg.photobucket.com/albums/v607/Rodney/

With the correct tools taking a motor out is not hard at all.

CVs are easy to replace, etc. Seals not bad, some seals can be got too from the outside some seals can't. Alot are easier with the motor out but again that's not a big job at all.

But rust......eeek watch out!

_________________
1964 Morris 850, 1330 Supercharged - 81.8hp atws.
1975 Leyland Mini S 1100S powered - Nice and reliable.
1977 Leyland Mini LS - Project LS-T

wow some great info there.

the auction ended with no bids (hmmm.....), but it has been relisted.

i think i will keep looking till i find my mini.

at the moment i have a 1977 Ford Cortina TE (6cyl 250 x-flow, alloy head, 350cfm 2bbl holley carby) the car is great an all but its just too powerful, for just a daily driver.

i am a fan of the old minis - they are small but quick little things.

(and no i did not watch the Italian Job and want one straight away.... )

thanks for all the comments.
(PM me if anyone knows of a good mini selling in the brisbane/sunshine coast (qld) area.)