BXProject

[docchevron132]

possibly slightly random on here, but I'm looking for a pre '72 Mini, preferably exremely cheap, condition unimportant really, as long as it's mostly complete, anyone know of any kicking about looking for a new home?

[smiffy]

Cheap Austin mini, and Pre '72 are not really compatible in the same car! I'd think you will likely be looking at over £500 for such a vehicle.

Just looked on Ebay, 320914698671 and there is a '68 mk1 850, but a trailer from Cumbria will be expensive on top of the final price!

[smiffy]

If you get rid of the pre '72 bit, then prices are a fair bit cheaper, you should be able to get a mini 1000 for between £250 - £500

[Father Ted]

Weigh up the cost of free road tax (£125/year) against the additional "scene tax" of the pre 72 thing - I mean why not go the whole hog and get a 1959 mk 1 example where you can get MOT exemption?

Pre 72 adds ££££££££'s to the price.

But why? Having had several I can attest that they may be a barrel of laughs to hoon around in, but they are small, not a great place to be in an accident, noisy, not at all comfortable if you are over 5'8" tall or over a size 16 dress size and rust for fun. I mean really rust for fun. You might think 132 has rust issues but any pre 72 mini bought for £500 or less will need to be collected in one of these:


I'll have a look round and ask my mate at work Martin who has a couple (including an ERA and a 1380cc John Cooper "every option ticked box" special) and see what he says.

Oh, and dont dismiss the Morris marque, they seem to be cheaper (not much mind you) than the Austin ones.

[mickey taker]

im 6ft 4 inches tall and of "large frame " and never had a problem with any of my minis , mainly due to clever little brackets that pushed the seat further back, mind you no one could sit behind me.

Minis are great fun once twin carbs and a lcb are fitted plus a few rose joints .
Rust shouldent be an issue with Chris's welding skills,

[mat_the_cat]

a trailer from Cumbria will be expensive on top of the final price!

If they can wait for collection until mid July....

[Father Ted]

The most fun I ever had with my trousers on.
1340cc "Downton" engined Sprite. I sold the engine for more than I paid for the car when it eventually succumbed to my abuse.

[Philhod]

I had a 850 van I started welding at 3 years old.
I bought a wrecked saloon and a front damaged estate. The saloon wreck had a 1340 Osselli lump in it which I transfered to the contryman. This was where I welded the 2 1/2's together to make one. Disc braked the front and tubed inside the sills. Good motor that was, after I sorted the grumpy Minnow-fish carb

[docchevron132]

I'm not adverse to a Morris example, or post '72 really, although I dont really want an 80's example really.
Not arsed about the welding, it's 10' long and complete panels are available off the shelf.

Not fussed about engine either since I'll wham a TC 1275 in it with the Brown 5 speed overdrive box!

[Father Ted]

80's, but how about one of these?
More useful than a saloon!
http://www.carandclassic.co.uk/car/C303032" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

[mickey taker]

Im sure I remember that mini around Maida vale when I did tv licencing 15 years ago, kinda backed up by the picture with canal barges in the background ( the grand union )because little Venice just North of Maida Vale is where the regents canal and grand union canal meet.

[mat_the_cat]

One of the photos taken here, that's only a few miles from Maida Vale. I quite like it, but don't think much to his welding.

[mickey taker]

Mat and Mick ace detectives

I reckon its gone around the clock as well

[Philhod]

but don't think much to his welding.

Miraculously some of the weld on the rear sill has been done from inside....so where's the floor section then. Unless he welded that up after the patch.

Seriously Doc if youi weld a piece of thick wall 1" tube between the subframe mounting plates (front and rear of the sills) with the outer sill off. It really helps the handling releaving the sill of it's structural role and making the 2 subframes one, in effect.
If memory serves doesn't that 5 speeder allow 12" wheels?

[docchevron132]

I quite like clubman estates, brings back childhood memories, but I think it has to be the classic saloon shape really..

Phil, already planned to weld some fuck off bar along the inner sill between the frames, and replace any panel that needs it, since you can buy them all new! Fucl buggering about welding plates in.

I plan to use MG Metro hubs with discs on the front whihc does indeed mean I can use the bigger minilite wheels and some proper rubber! You can get beefed up hi-lo's now which makes the rather vicious lift off over steer a good deal more tame too! Servo kits are available too, but aside from mounting it in the boot I've no idea where it actually lives!

[mat_the_cat]

You had a childhood?

[Vanny]

Must have been the second childhood when he hit 80

[docchevron132]

I was young once yes. Albeit middle aged young, but none the less...
I made a few quid back in the day welding mini's up

[Philhod]

Me too. And Triumph 2000 rear ends

[docchevron132]

see, it's things like this that take me back to when I was learning, and it was fun.. Never did much with 2000's, but I welded up some stress cracks in the front chassis legs on a Herald once, and they kept cracking, by chance I read an article about E type Jag's that cracked the chassis legs and they had to be brazed to stop then cracking again, so I had a go at brazing on the Herald, worked a treat.
I used to love fucking about with cars back then, lived for it..