Hello, all!

Just a couple queries... I'm considering purchasing a 1961 Mini from my friend's parents as a project car. It has been sitting for several years and currently does not run. It's got the 998cc engine. I haven't gone to look at it in person just yet, so I'm not familiar with its physical/cosmetic condition. I'm wondering, has anyone got any ballpark ideas on the cost of an engine/carb rebuild (obviously I'll be doing the work myself); also, how does that compare to the cost of swapping in the 1275cc engine?

Any recommended sites/vendors for purchasing parts for such a project?

Thanks in advance, and I look forward to joining this community!

 

The cost to rebuild a 998 is about the same as the cost to rebuild a 1275. Figure parts and machine work about $1,000-$1,500 It all depends on what needs replaced. If you first must buy a 1275....another $750-$1000 added on.

Or, you can buy one already rebuilt from Minimania.com, 7ent.com or heritagegarage.com.

 

Went and checked it out today, it's already got a 1275cc engine that had a full engine/tranny rebuild done about 15k miles ago. Body is good, including the floor pan. Got an issue with the clutch cylinders, when you push the clutch down, it sticks; also the speedometer moves but is not accurate, and the fuel gage does not work. The engine and seats were swapped from an Austin American, and it's got an aftermarket dashboard.

Looks pretty good to me; any thoughts?

 

Got any pictures of it?

 

If the body is in good shape, the rest can be fixed. Way easier to do engine/tranny/mechanical repairs than replacing body panels!

A few just for starters:
http://www.somerfordmini.co.uk/
http://www.gbcarparts.com/
http://www.7ent.com/
http://www.minimania.com/
http://www.minisport.com/
http://www.minispares.com/
http://www.minispares-online.co.uk/
http://www.minimail.co.uk/
http://www.moss-europe.co.uk/
http://heritagegarage.com/

Don't be afraid to use the British vendors, with the exchange rate lately, it's possible to get parts cheaper from the source than from a US reseller. (Where do you think they get their parts? And you end up paying for their shipping as well as yours)

 

I use Mini Spares alot to get parts for my Mini because they end up being cheaper...

 

www.djminis.com
www.bmc.on.ca

 

I didn't think to take any pictures, but the body is in awesome condition. No rust anywhere, just a couple small dents (one on the driver's door looks to be where it was repeatedly slammed shut by someone's hip - I noticed the dent when I was using just that technique to close it myself!) Engine bay looks clean (actually kinda reminds me of my MGB, except sideways). It's white, it's a MKI; stock wheels/suspension

I'm not too worried about anything on it; so at this point, I'm basically just waiting to get my finances in order for the purchase and subsequent repairs/maintenance. The car isn't going anywhere, so I'm in no hurry; I'll probably make the purchase in late July or early August.

I really appreciate the links! Those will definitely come in handy. Another question; is it possible to fit a MKII/later grille onto a MKI? It looks to me like it should fit, it's just a little bigger. Can I attach the top trim piece to the existing bonnet or would I have to purchase a later model bonnet (I ask because I saw a later model bonnet with the trim piece on minimania.com). I prefer the more aggressive later model grille

Thanks again!