So the mini pickups in Los Angeles waiting for me to pick it up. The debate were having is ship it, or drive it. The negative is its a new engine, has maybe 100 miles on it, so I didnt have the time to test/tune 100% before we shipped it. Its going to Tucson, which is about a 500 mile trip. Shes worried about it breaking down/overheating/etc. in the desert. We never had any problems with it before, but were in a much milder climate in England. Thoughts?

 

I would vote for drive it. thats a nice drive.

 

roadtrip!!!

 

Overheating is not a problem with a 4core radiator. My classic mini did fine in Las Vegas. My car ran fine until ....well look in my gallery.

 

New (to you) Mini?
New motor?
Not an experienced Mini mechanic?
Travelling with family members who are also not Mini mechanics?
Have a full set of tools, extra parts and plenty of time? No?

...I'd tow it.

Besides, sustained highway speed is not the way to break in a new motor. Put it on a car trailer, tow dolly, or inside a Uhaul 6x12 trailer. (don't tell them about the latter). Lash it down. Drive carefully.

 

It will be fine if you drive it plus you will have the chance to break it in!

 

I just shipped my mini from Phoenix to the LA area last week. Let me know if you want the shipper's info. He was very "mini friendly" which is not typical for auto transport companies.

Cheers,
Jeff

 

500 miles isn't much so I'd say break her in! I'd have AAA handy though, just in case. Oh, and bring water (for you) and some 50/50 antifreeze mix (for the car - just in case). You likely won't need either, but I'd never go into the dessert without such supplies even in a MODERN MINI...

Best of luck!!

 

Sustained highway speeds do not permit sufficient lubrication for break-in of a new motor. If you drive it, be sure to vary the speed.

 

tow, trailer, or ship.....you never know after a new motor is installed......play around for short distances first then explore and vary your distances over time.....thats my opinion

 

Listen to Norm - he knows his shi... erm... STUFF.

 

U-haul auto transport, rent it in town for two days.....it'll be less than 100 bucks and tow yourself.

Do not tell them you are towing a classic mini, say honda 92 honda civic.
YOu must go in there witha V8 or they'll not rent to smaller vehicles.
You can use whatever you want to tow it once you rent it.
Keep in mind that it's a heavy trailer and v8 tows it better.

 

I drove my mini from Victoria BC to Calgary AB (1200Kms through the mountains) when I first bought her. Shipping is expensive! The first 12 hours were fun, the last 4 started to wear on me. But I love telling people that story so it was worth it.

 

I wouldn't want to put 500 highway miles on a fresh rebuild. That is not how I would break in the new rings, etc. I think I'd go with Elprofe's advice.

 

shipping is indeed awfully expensive now. if you're weary about driving it, i'd go fetch it w/ a truck

 

tow it, ship it but please do not drive . if anything goes wrong it would be a bad way to start the relationship.. you are going to have plenty of time with the car. so get familiar with it first , break it in then go for a long road trip..
congrats!!

 

Ship it. For break-in period, you shouldn't pass 70 mph and remain under 4000 rpm at least for 1000 miles (MINI/BMW official).

 

Well I have decided to ship it, unfortunately, the mini is going to have to go up for sale. My wife and I are purchasing a house, and while she is for me keeping it, I know its the right decision now. I do hope and expect that hopefully that after a couple of years I'll be able to find another one. Its a great community, I've never seen any group thats always as positive, and willing to bend over backwards for its members, and I thank you all for that. I have had 5 classic minis, and 1 "modern classic" mini, and its a fun vehicle that I know I'm going to be missing in its interim.

 

why not sell while it's still here.

 

Because after the 14th I am going to have to pay storage fees on it at the port if I dont pick it up before then, plus all the spare parts and stuff that I have that goes with it will be in Tucson. Plus if I understand correctly it would need to be registered in another state first to be able to be purchased by someone in California?

 

I believe that's right, simply because California registration laws are so very draconian. Someone in Cali please correct me, though...

Do you have photos and info on the truck? I've always wanted one. Also, if storage is an issue, you might be able to find another enthusiast that will trade you storage space for, say, the ability to take her out for the occasional drive. Just an idea... I know it's tough with a new house in the budget though.

best of luck to you!

 

I can make a list of all the spare and new parts this weekend once I get the movers there. From memory as far as new parts, the engine was rebuilt and installed with a new clutch by one of the mini specialist in the UK (the reciept is still packed with the books), its a 1098 with double valve springs, upgraded cam, I have a ignitor II that needs installed, new front windshield, door cards/headliner/dash from Newton Commerical, new window seals and sliders, door kick plates, lock mechanisms and door handles, hub caps, mirrors (int. and ext.), I put in new carpet, MPi style heater (2 speed), it has the original speedo in it now, but have the 3 clock center housing, along with a full length burlwood dash/gauges/lower padded dash/etc., a complete front to rear harness so that the dash can get installed with no wires to splice, extra lights, extra distributor and starter, a pair of black with white pinstriped cobra classick buckets with headrests and cobra sliders, black tonneau cover, extra set of side windows, couple of mini books, and I cant remember what else. The truck is a dark green with black interior, it has the original seats in it now. The idea was to keep it original looking, but a little more dressed up and comfortable to drive. The original engine was a 850, I decided on the 1098 to keep it original looking under the hood. I do have some pictures from when I picked it up in Feb or March. If you want me to email them, pm me your email address.

 

If you had ramps to drive up in a moving truck could you just do that? A mini is so small and a large 17' Penske truck has a load rating a lot heavier than a mini (at least I would assume)... Possibly a bad idea but I would research it...