Mini's for dummies
 

Can anyone suggest a book, site or thread for a newbie to research the vintage Mini's. I would like to find out the basics of each, Cooper, Austin, Morris, etc. The changes as the years went on, engine, body style, etc.

I will be buying a Mini and want to get educated as best as I can so I don't buy something that isn't really what it is advertised to be.

I am in Orange County Ca. and will be going to some morning "shows" or cruise night's to talk to owners and local peep who own Mini's. Nothing against the new MINI'S but I prefer the old ones. This will be a weekend toy and start our as a project at some stage so I can learn what make it tick.

I did this with a sandrail and was really happy when it was finished. A sence of accomplishment and pride when someone else asks did you build it?

Thanks

super autobacs has a couple

I suggest books - that's what I did before and after I got my classic:
For repair: Haynes Service & Repair Manual
For history: Complete Classic Mini (Chris Rees)
For restoration: Haynes Mini Restoration Manual (Lindsay Porter)
For Mods: Haynes Mini Performance Manual (Tim Mundy)
For Tuning: Haynes Tuning The A series Engine (David Vizard)
For nuts-and-bolts help via the web: MiniMania Classic Forum http://www.minimania.com/msgthreads.cfm

That's a good start. I should be off and running with those.

Anyone else???

I have several years collection of classic Mini magazines that I am considering putting up for sale cheap. All of them have technical articles, etc. PM me if you are interested. I'm in Huntington Beach. I may also have some Mini books.

If you haven't done so already, join MOALA. Established in 1964, we are the oldest Mini club in the United States and the second oldest in the world. We have over 200 local members and regular runs, etc. www.moala.org and www.moalachat.com There are dozens of people in the club that will be willing to help you find a good Mini, myself included.

This website has a lot of history and background of the Mini and MINI.
Austin-Rover.co.uk