Hi guys,

I just picked up a Mini that needs some work but it runs and drives fine.

This will be my first salvage restoration even though not a professional mechanic I am a seasoned enough; been working on cars for about 17 years and mostly Jeeps and Rovers doing mechanical work like transfer case rebuild and ring and pinion swap with locking differential installations.

Currently running a Jeep community website for about 6 years and still running.

Anyways, hopefully I will be documenting the restoration process so I can get some help along the way and help someone who may do the same.

DDMini

 

Welcome! I come from the Jeep world as well, it seems there is a lot of crossover between Jeeps and MINIs

 

Good to hear from another Jeep driver. I have a TJ with 4.5" lift with other things. Which Jeep do/did you drive?

 

If you've done Rovers, a Mini will be a cake-walk. Rover motto: "if it ain't leaking, it's empty".

 

LOL. Someone knows a thing or two about Rovers.

Glad to hear Mini is not that difficult to work on.

Currently have 01 Disco II as a daily driver. I changed out all the seals on the engine, it stopped leaked for 6 months and it started leaking again. LOL

I do have an issue with the MINI's shifter feeling sticky despite it shifts into the gears fine. From what I gather it is the cable issue.

Just want to get this thing finished fast.

 

You're a gluton for punishment driving Disco as DD.Had a couple Discos and LR4s and don't miss a minute of them. Dealers have "holier than thou attitude", parts are expensive as H*LL and when they go "south" - you're credit rating better be good. I've always worked on my own vehicles for years and don't give up on many - but last disco - $3500 in cooling system - everything from head gaskets, radiator, therm,fan clutch,water pump, heater core then still having fluctuating temps = cylinder liners. Sorry nice rig but not that nice. Land Rover translates to Quirkiest vehicle ever made - try bleeding your cooling system... it's easier to turn water into wine.

Once you get Mini up to snuff you'll ditch the Rover. First time you fill it up will be your 1st awakening. Then with handling & throttle response - that Rover will lQQk good in your rearview.

Happy motoring w/your new ride and welcome to Mini-world!

 

I hear you. $90 per fill up is getting ridiculous fast and I am getting about 340 miles out of 21 gal if I am lucky on highway.

I had to change the radiator, water pump, oil pump, thermostat, all the hoses, power steering pump, front engine cover and oil pan seal,.. on the rover..... The parts are about 4 times more expensive than Jeep's counter part and they are not even that good quality.

I am so ready to drive the mini!!

 

I started with a 95 YJ with 4.5" lift and 35's then went on to a 06 LJ but kept that at 2.25" with 33's I traded the LJ in for my Countryman.

 

Your wallet is so going to love you with the mini...

 

Welcome. Good luck with the build.

 

Especially being a "facelift" R50, considered to be the most trouble free of the breed, by many.

Welcome - looking forward to seeing it put in good order.

 

With your Mini you'll be going that same 340(and further) on 12gals or less. (You won't be financing you fuel stations owners' kids college fund)

 

Thanks for the warm welcome all!

Quick question, which color is my Mini?

 

Welcome and best of luck with this restoration.
I also have have two Jeep CHerokees, and a CJ7.

 

Underhood, there is a black decal on the outside of the passenger shock tower, near the washer bottle fill. Color will be printed there.

 

Looks like you have a small scratch on the front end...

 

That'll buff out.

Someone had to say it.

 

Didn't notice the scratch. Where?

It is missing front and rear end. Hood needs to go.

 

Astro Black.

Thanks for the information!