maintenance on classic minis

MiniVespa · Post by **MiniVespa** » Sat Jul 19, 2008 8:18 pm

Well, I just got my classic mini, and I'm curious as to standard maintenance that you folks that own one recommend. Things that normal cars see like oil changes, filters, etc. Do you typical do your own oil changes? Do you take it somewhere, and if so, where? What kind of oil is best? Would just like to keep it in running the way it is.

Counterfit_Mini · Post by **Counterfit_Mini** » Sat Jul 19, 2008 8:27 pm

Do your oil change every 3,000 miles. I use 20W50 oil in my Mini. If you need a alignment on your Mini or something serious like that, KC Autosport in Merriam is the only place in KC that will do it. Dave (MiniDave on the site) helps me out alot with maintenance with Mini. I recommend getting a repair manual like the Haynes Manual or the Bentley manual for the Mini. It helps me alot. And remember the Mini's are old and something IS going to break just make sure you take care of the Mini.

MiniVespa · Post by **MiniVespa** » Sat Jul 19, 2008 10:10 pm

Counterfit_Mini wrote:Do your oil change every 3,000 miles. I use 20W50 oil in my Mini. If you need a alignment on your Mini or something serious like that, KC Autosport in Merriam is the only place in KC that will do it. Dave (MiniDave on the site) helps me out alot with maintenance with Mini. I recommend getting a repair manual like the Haynes Manual or the Bentley manual for the Mini. It helps me alot. And remember the Mini's are old and something IS going to break just make sure you take care of the Mini.

Thanks. Im familiar with the Hayne's manuals, as I've got one for all my Vespas. My maintenance records for the car show an alignment done about a year and half ago, so lets hope I'm not doing that anytime soon. Can you get a standard US Haynes manual on Amazon, or do I need to look on the UK version and have it shipped stateside?

Post by **MiniManiac** » Sun Jul 20, 2008 12:00 am

This is what you want. I also order all of my stuff from GB car parts.

http://www.gbcarparts.com/proddetail.as ... nualHaynes

Counterfit_Mini · Post by **Counterfit_Mini** » Sun Jul 20, 2008 9:50 pm

I also order all my stuff from GB Car Parts. I love that store. They've got quick shipping and let you know if things go out of stock and it's cheaper than Mini Mania. If you can't find something you could always get it shipped from england....(I'm getting a part from there now. I'm hoping it doesn't take too long)

kraydl · Post by **kraydl** » Mon Jul 21, 2008 10:50 am

I need to know more about the classic Mini's.
Weren't these just made in the 60's?

Is there a site where I can read about it's history or show me pics of the model years?
What to expect to pay or how to estimate the worth of a model for sale?

MiniVespa · Post by **MiniVespa** » Mon Jul 21, 2008 11:06 am

kraydl wrote:I need to know more about the classic Mini's.
Weren't these just made in the 60's?

Is there a site where I can read about it's history or show me pics of the model years?
What to expect to pay or how to estimate the worth of a model for sale?

This nice fellow name Michael in California runs http://miniguy.com/ . It has alot of classics for sale, some more "interesting" than others and the whole story behind them, when they started making them, the various models etc. I had been looking for awhile, and some of the minis on that site are terribly expensive. They started making them in 1959, and made them all over the world in various factories until the new mini's came out. Take a look at ebayUK and you will see mid-late 90's minis that look nearly identical to ones from the 60s and 70s.

Worth of the car? Thats in the eye of the beholder. When I decided I wanted one and found a local mini I went to the bank and applied for a loan. Loan was approved and they ask for more information on the car. I give them the VIN number, they run it in NADA's system to verify its worth, yada yada, normal car loan B.S. "What kind of car is this again?" the loan officer asks me. A UK VIN (or chassis number as its called in the UK) doesnt register in our US system as even existing, therefore without a legitimate appraisal, theres no way to verify its actual worth, and the bank certainly wont help you there. Want a classic mini that is in great shape? Start saving!

Counterfit_Mini · Post by **Counterfit_Mini** » Mon Jul 21, 2008 12:48 pm

kraydl wrote:I need to know more about the classic Mini's.
Weren't these just made in the 60's?

Is there a site where I can read about it's history or show me pics of the model years?
What to expect to pay or how to estimate the worth of a model for sale?

The Mini's were made in this body style (excpet for a couple changes...) from August 26, 1959 till October 4, 2000. The big changes you can see in the body styles from 1959 and the newer classics are that the older ones have external door hinges and the rear windscreen is the same width as the boot (the newer ones like mine have a wider rear windscreen). Also, the boot has a hinged number plate holder that when you have the boot lid down you can fold the number plate down and you can still see the plate with the boot lid down (the changed it in the later models because they figured out that the exhaust can come back through the car).
To find more out about a Mini you can buy books or just look up stuff on the internet. That's where I found out most of my knowledge of the Mini. If you'd like to learn more about the history I could tell you more.

For a good classic Mini expect to pay from $8,000 up to over $20,000 with the good ones between the $10,000 and $12,000 range. If you want a Mini pickup or wagon they'll cost a bit more. If you do want to get one I'd reccomend getting one with a 998cc or 1275cc engine in them. The 850cc is tiny and doesn't get you around very fast. I've taken my 998cc engined Mini around town and down the highway no problem. Just remember though, even if you think you're getting a really nice Mini something will break on it because they are an old car (and British).

If you've got anymore questions I can help you answer them or I think someone else here on the site can help to (Seth, Dave, John...)

Post by **MiniManiac** » Mon Jul 21, 2008 1:27 pm

Counterfit_Mini wrote:
kraydl wrote:I need to know more about the classic Mini's.
Weren't these just made in the 60's?

Is there a site where I can read about it's history or show me pics of the model years?
What to expect to pay or how to estimate the worth of a model for sale?
The Mini's were made in this body style (excpet for a couple changes...) from August 26, 1959 till October 4, 2000. The big changes you can see in the body styles from 1959 and the newer classics are that the older ones have external door hinges and the rear windscreen is the same width as the boot (the newer ones like mine have a wider rear windscreen). Also, the boot has a hinged number plate holder that when you have the boot lid down you can fold the number plate down and you can still see the plate with the boot lid down (the changed it in the later models because they figured out that the exhaust can come back through the car).
To find more out about a Mini you can buy books or just look up stuff on the internet. That's where I found out most of my knowledge of the Mini. If you'd like to learn more about the history I could tell you more.

For a good classic Mini expect to pay from $8,000 up to over $20,000 with the good ones between the $10,000 and $12,000 range. If you want a Mini pickup or wagon they'll cost a bit more. If you do want to get one I'd reccomend getting one with a 998cc or 1275cc engine in them. The 850cc is tiny and doesn't get you around very fast. I've taken my 998cc engined Mini around town and down the highway no problem. Just remember though, even if you think you're getting a really nice Mini something will break on it because they are an old car (and British).

If you've got anymore questions I can help you answer them or I think someone else here on the site can help to (Seth, Dave, John...)

Very good indeed. However, do you know why the Mini was created? What global event led to this??? You get 10 extra credit points if you know. You are not allowed to cheat by using the internet

MiniVespa · Post by **MiniVespa** » Mon Jul 21, 2008 1:33 pm

MiniManiac wrote:Very good indeed. However, do you know why the Mini was created? What global event led to this??? You get 10 extra credit points if you know. You are not allowed to cheat by using the internet

Wasnt there some sort of gas crisis in Europe? I'm nearly done with my BA in History, so I hope I'm finally going to get back some of that money I've paid out. If I am dead wrong, well, then I'm going back for a refund in the morning.

MiniVespa · Post by **MiniVespa** » Mon Jul 21, 2008 2:57 pm

Counterfit_Mini wrote:If you need a alignment on your Mini or something serious like that, KC Autosport in Merriam is the only place in KC that will do it.

Where is KC Autosports in Merriam and who would I want to talk to if I brought in my classic mini? I did just drive it several hundred miles in the heat, so I know its up to par, but with an "investment" like my car, I wouldn't mind taking it in, having it looked over and getting a competent mechanics blessing. Good idea?

Counterfit_Mini · Post by **Counterfit_Mini** » Tue Jul 22, 2008 12:45 am

MiniManiac wrote:
Very good indeed. However, do you know why the Mini was created? What global event led to this??? You get 10 extra credit points if you know. You are not allowed to cheat by using the internet

The Mini was created as a fuel efficiant car that was small but could hold alot of people and things. The reason why the car has small tires and the wheels pushed out to the corners of the car is to maximize the passenger space inside the car. That is also the reason why the engine is mounted transversly to save roof and to keep the size of the car down. The battery of the car was placed in the boot though because there was no room in the engine bay for it.
I don't know what global event it led to though.

-5 points.

MiniVespa wrote:
Where is KC Autosports in Merriam and who would I want to talk to if I brought in my classic mini? I did just drive it several hundred miles in the heat, so I know its up to par, but with an "investment" like my car, I wouldn't mind taking it in, having it looked over and getting a competent mechanics blessing. Good idea?

You could take it to them or get with someone in the club like myself or Dave and we can look over it for you but if you just drove it a couple hundred miles it doesn't sound like there is nothing to wrong with the car right now to take it into a shop to get it looked at. I don't know where KC autosport is at so I'll have to look it up for you but I'll let you know because I have to take my Mini over there to get an alignment done because my wheels are pointing in all different directions.

monza · Post by **monza** » Tue Jul 22, 2008 8:03 am

MiniVespa wrote: Hi! I'm Ryan.

1989 Rover Mini 1000 (30th Anniversary Model)
2002 Genuine Stella
1963 Vespa Allstate

Watch out, Ryan is going to buy up all the vintage Minis in town

MiniVespa · Post by **MiniVespa** » Tue Jul 22, 2008 10:25 am

monza wrote:
MiniVespa wrote: Hi! I'm Ryan.

1989 Rover Mini 1000 (30th Anniversary Model)
2002 Genuine Stella
1963 Vespa Allstate
Watch out, Ryan is going to buy up all the vintage Minis in town

HAHA! A MadToTo is here! Good to see you around Monza. Unfortunately my Mini was much more expensive than any vintage Vespa. Not to mention I can only cram so much crap into my garage.

Wait a second... Dont you have TWO minis and a few bikes?

monza · Post by **monza** » Tue Jul 22, 2008 1:02 pm

MiniVespa wrote: Wait a second... Dont you have TWO minis and a few bikes?

yeah, I actually have three Minis and a MINI. I try to limit how much I list because I have so much stuff and my signature would be rediculous:

73 Innocenti Mini Cooper 1300
66 Morris Minor Mini 1000
62 Austin Mini 850
75 Vespa Primavera
79 Vespa P200E
03 Piaggio BV200
03 Malaguti
06 Bajaj Chetak
05 Triumph Thruxton 900
01 Saab 9-5 Aero
06 Saturn Vue
79 Monza 327

oh yeah, 03 MCS

Although two of the Minis (73 & 66) will be up for sale soon, along with the Malaguti, Monza, and Saab. Just too dang much hanging around!

Post by **MiniManiac** » Tue Jul 22, 2008 1:03 pm

MiniVespa wrote: Wasnt there some sort of gas crisis in Europe? I'm nearly done with my BA in History, so I hope I'm finally going to get back some of that money I've paid out. If I am dead wrong, well, then I'm going back for a refund in the morning.

There was a gas crisis, but the question is what caused it. There is a place called the Suez Canal that was once controlled by the Brits. Well, the government kicked out the Brits, so they decided along with the French to invade. The invasion went well, but the public outrcy was terrible.

Due to Middle Eastern ties, most oil exports to Britain were cut-off (doesn't this sound familiar?). This resulted in exuberant gas prices. There was a slew of tiny cars produced but the Mini was the best one.

There you go!

Counterfit_Mini · Post by **Counterfit_Mini** » Tue Jul 22, 2008 2:01 pm

monza wrote:
MiniVespa wrote: Wait a second... Dont you have TWO minis and a few bikes?
yeah, I actually have three Minis and a MINI. I try to limit how much I list because I have so much stuff and my signature would be rediculous:

73 Innocenti Mini Cooper 1300
66 Morris Minor Mini 1000
62 Austin Mini 850
75 Vespa Primavera
79 Vespa P200E
03 Piaggio BV200
03 Malaguti
06 Bajaj Chetak
05 Triumph Thruxton 900
01 Saab 9-5 Aero
06 Saturn Vue
79 Monza 327

oh yeah, 03 MCS

Although two of the Minis (73 & 66) will be up for sale soon, along with the Malaguti, Monza, and Saab. Just too dang much hanging around!

Cool list! How much are you going to sell the 73 for?

monza · Post by **monza** » Tue Jul 22, 2008 2:13 pm

Counterfit_Mini wrote:
Cool list! How much are you going to sell the 73 for?

not 100% sure yet. I guarrantee this will be the first place I post it though (always prefer to sell to enthusiasts and locals over others)...need to clean it up good and take some pix

dimini · Post by **dimini** » Sun Aug 03, 2008 9:41 am

Hey Seth-

Wasn't the Suez Canal situation also responsible for the whole "bubble car" genre such as BMW Isettas, Messerschmidts, etc.? I think I recall reading where Sir Issigonis (sp?) hated those damned bubble cars.

Someday, I want to visit the microcar museum in Georgia. See www.microcarmuseum.com.

Monza-

You should have an open house for all your toys. I'd love to come by and gawk at each.

Post by **ragtopday Johnna** » Sun Aug 03, 2008 9:54 am

dimini wrote:
Someday, I want to visit the microcar museum in Georgia. See www.microcarmuseum.com.

Some of the Sunshine MINIs visited this museum on the way to the Dragon this Spring and gave it a HUGE recommendation. I'd love to visit this place!

I'm not sure what the connection is, but some folks call it the Dubble Bubble bubble car museum.

Post by **MiniManiac** » Sun Aug 03, 2008 10:01 am

dimini wrote:Hey Seth-

Wasn't the Suez Canal situation also responsible for the whole "bubble car" genre such as BMW Isettas, Messerschmidts, etc.? I think I recall reading where Sir Issigonis (sp?) hated those damned bubble cars.

Someday, I want to visit the microcar museum in Georgia. See www.microcarmuseum.com.

Monza-

You should have an open house for all your toys. I'd love to come by and gawk at each.

Yes. The micro car craze was due to the Suez oil crisis.

MiniVespa · Post by **MiniVespa** » Sun Aug 03, 2008 10:46 am

monza wrote:73 Innocenti Mini Cooper 1300
66 Morris Minor Mini 1000
Although two of the Minis (73 & 66)

Yeah, I am curious what you are wanting for these too. I sent you a PM over at the MadToTo forum, and you responded saying you had a few things to do to them before hand. Do you have a price before the work and after the work in mind? Pictures?

Counterfit_Mini · Post by **Counterfit_Mini** » Sun Aug 17, 2008 2:11 am

BB lives!! My dad got the new hose to work right

he broke my dash though pulling it out to get to the gauge

my boyfriend is going to make me a new one.

MiniVespa · Post by **MiniVespa** » Sun Aug 17, 2008 9:50 am

Counterfit_Mini wrote:BB lives!! My dad got the new hose to work right he broke my dash though pulling it out to get to the gauge my boyfriend is going to make me a new one.

sweettttt. its about time. what kind of dash is it? the type with the single speedo in the middle? theres a full dash like that on ebay right now. granted, they want $250 or something for it, but its brand new. or you could just make one.

here is also a DIY guide to a dashboard. not sure if yours has vents in it like mine, but it might be a good place to start.

http://www.miniprojects.co.uk/mini_DIY_ ... hboard.htm

so when are we gonna see BB in action?

Counterfit_Mini · Post by **Counterfit_Mini** » Sun Aug 17, 2008 9:47 pm

I might be able to take her out for a drive soon. Not all the way up to Gladstone yet. Next saturday there is a car show in Belton that she is going to be at.

You can come down if you want, it would be great to have two classic Mini's at the show. She steals the show.

My Mini has the center speedometer cluster dash.

I drove BB around tonight and the engine burned off some oil that was on the engine which kinda freaked me out because i thought something else was broke. But she's ok. I'm having trouble shutting the hood though.