Hi guys,

I've recently purchased a 74' Leyland Mini with hydrolastic suspension. The car is sitting on the bump stops at the moment and there is no pressure in the displacers whatsoever, and i think the previous owner has been running it like this for quiet a while. Hopefully there isn't any damage

Anyway, I was thinking about converting to a dry setup ( this one from Minisport: http://www.minisport.com.au/prod748.htm ) but after doing some research and reading a lot of positive reviews on the wet systems ride and handling i'm going to stick with it. I rolled the car out of the garage the other day and it started leaking hydro fluid from a join about halfway down the car, so i tightened it up and that seemed to stop it.

My question is, can anybody recommend a place in Melbourne that deals with hydro susp.? And does anyone think There will be terminal damage to the subframes? i'm yet to have a good inspection of them, but it did pass roadworthy less than two weeks ago.

Sorry about the rambling! Thanks guys.


Edit: sorry guys I think I've posted this in the wrong section

I have a business card from a guy that does on-site hydrolastic servicing, I think in Melbourne.

Jay Styles - 0431 404 607

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ex-NSW Police 1970 MK II Cooper S
VMCI #43

Welcome to ausmini!

Depending on where you are, most of the mini mechanics can do it. I get mine done by Toby Tyler at Mini Spares and Repairs in Seaford but I am sure Link can do it at Mitcham and Lindsay Seibler at Coldstream. Sounds like you will need to set up a relationship between your mini and a mini mechanic anyway and they are all really great helpful people. I wouldn't think you should have any trouble getting it up and running without any expensive damage. Im not a mechanic but have had low hydro causing the wheels to rub before and it was just a matter of getting it pumped up. Good luck.

PS: I think the one Winnabey has listed is on here and is great too.

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Flute - 68 MK I Cooper S
Member: VMCI #2474
Member: International Mini Model Collectors Club

Welcome to the ausmini forum. I looked into a few options a while back, had some great feedback from all. See link below.

http://www.ausmini.com/forums/viewtopic.php?t=69367

Hope this may help your decision

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1968 Morris Mini Deluxe - members gallery
1970 Morris Cooper S - members gallery
Mini's I grew up with
Slot car couch

Thanks for the warm welcome guys.

68Rusty, thanks for the link, I've already read that thread which is part of what convinced me to stick with the hydro system. It was a very interesting read.

Flute, I sure hope the damage is limited, and thanks for all those contacts. Ive checked out Link Automotive's website and I'll give them a call tomorrow and see what they can do, as out of the lot they are closest to me.

Cheers for the help guys, much appreciated.

Well, went down to link on Wednesday and had the car looked over and the sus. pumped up. rides like a marshmallow now! (well, compared to what it was )

This is how she sits now. Much better stance.

These displacers are all 40+ years old now, damping of the system can be improved by fitting a pair of standard shocks to the front.
The holes for the shock brackets are there already, just go rob some brackets off an unsuspecting Clubby. Details how to fit are in the `how-to' forum.
As for the rear, mine handles lots better with a rear hydro competition bumpstop kit. (I dislike using these on the front as the car sits too high).

The combination of these 2 mods gets rid of the hydro's sometimes diagonal lurch into corners, and most of the fore and aft rocking under power and braking. IMO it outhandles dry cars on the goat tracks we call roads.

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DrMini- 1970 wasaMatic 1360, Mk1S crank, 86.6HP (ATW) =~125 @ crank, 45 Dellorto (38 chokes), RE282 sprint cam, 1.5 rockers, 11.0:1 C/R.

Hi All

I'm bringing this post back to life to save creating a new one. Does anyone know if Jay is still doing on-site hydrolastic servicing or if there are any others in Melbourne who do this.

If not, I'll have to transport the beast on a trailer to have it done by Link, Lindsay or other as its in the last stages of being put back together and not registered.

Thanks

Andrew

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1968 Mini-Matic ex998 Now 1098

With standard size wheels on (which don't rub) you can drive at up to 80kmh? according to the instruction manual.
I drove mine about 15km for a pump up after I rebuilt it years ago. I've since made a pump from an old clutch M/C, an upturned Fiat pedal box and 2x old front brake hoses.
Cost = zip.

[edit] here's a pic-

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DrMini- 1970 wasaMatic 1360, Mk1S crank, 86.6HP (ATW) =~125 @ crank, 45 Dellorto (38 chokes), RE282 sprint cam, 1.5 rockers, 11.0:1 C/R.

Thanks Doc

Sounds like a plan.

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1968 Mini-Matic ex998 Now 1098

I think I've seen his ads recently - just ring the number above and see what he says

If all you want is to get the system pumped up, I can help you with it - I've got a home made pump which works well (although it can't evacuate the system, but there's ways and means around that ).

Send me a PM if you like, I'm in Southbank during the day and Yarraville in the evening.

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Simon

The adventures of an owner builder in the Tallarook Ranges

Just to add to this subject , what do you guys use for fluid ? Do you use the hydrolastic fluid that you can buy from most mini shops ,or mix your own ?
I'm asking this more for others that might be wondering as to what to use .

I mixed up a 70 / 30 mix of Castrol Anti Freeze - Anti Boil Coolant Concentrate ( 70 % )
Distilled Water . ( 30 %)

The Anti freeze indicates its 95 % Glycol . I was only topping up my suspension .

Karcraft still sells what I think is the original UK hydro fluid. It smells like there's some alcohol in it. They have it in 4L and 20L cans.

I now use a 50/50 mix of etlylene glycol and demineralised water (this is the same mix Penrite sells or sold).
Very common mix used in USA Minis.

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DrMini- 1970 wasaMatic 1360, Mk1S crank, 86.6HP (ATW) =~125 @ crank, 45 Dellorto (38 chokes), RE282 sprint cam, 1.5 rockers, 11.0:1 C/R.

That's what I've got in my car (and my pump). Works fine.

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Simon

The adventures of an owner builder in the Tallarook Ranges