Hi fellow Mini owners!

I just bought my first classic Mini - after 20 years of wanting one!!

It's a 1968 Mini that I just imported a few days ago from the U.K.
Here are some pics:
http://s937.photobucket.com/albums/a...Mini%20Cooper/

I'm not very much in contact with the original owner, so have a few questions for you guys if you can help me out:

* Do I need to add some additive to the gas when filling it up?

* What do the lights on the dashboard indicate (green one turns on sometimes even when I don't have the turn signal on)


Thanks!
-Yan

 

This is a great looking mini! I have yet to own - so I have no advice. I just felt the need to compliment you on your find.

 

welcome to classic world

the first thing you need to do is to figure out what you bought versus what you thought you bought. They may not be the same thing.

1. If this car has an original 60's engine then it is not made to run on unleaded gas and you should add lead else you will eventually trash the valves and head. However it is likely that if the engine has ever been rebuilt then the head was modified or changed out to the proper one for unleaded fuel (stronger valve seats is what is needed as I recolect). I don't know of an easy visual for this so you best look for a local Mini expert who could help. In the mean time, assuming the motor does not have a catalitic converter added (it won't if is an unmodified 60's car) I don't believe you can hurt anything by using a lead additive while you research. Also note that these beasts all need the highest octane you can find short of racing fuel, at all times, if tuned to get the best out of the engine.

2. Those gauges don't appear to be original equipment SMITH'S dials....on the other hand the lights on the speedo DO match the pattern I see both on mine and in the oldest owner's manual I have which is for a 1969. On a 69 the green light at the top is supposed to be for the turn signals; will flash and 'click' when a signal is operating and will quick flash if a bulb is burned out - or on some models, {checking various owner's manuals} the light may continuous burn if a bulb failed. If you are seeing it come on "at times" I'd start looking for a short in the turn signal wiring.... Welcome to the world of LUCAS

3. Now that's what the book says... And it also says the blue light is your high beam indicator, and the red is your ignition system failure warning and depending on the model the right amber is a low oil pressure warning or simply unused while the left amber is always unused....according to the books. However I find on mine the green indicates headlights are on and the two ambers are tied to left and right turn signals as appropriate and the red/blue function as the book says. That's how I got it. Point being, you may need to traces wires given we already suspect the dials themselves were changed so what was done to the wires at the same time? I KNOW my wiring harness has been modified and probably replaced entirely so I just mention as an example of what to expect as you begin to learn your car.

4. If you don't have one yet you need to get your hands on the proper HAYNES {or other workshop manual} .... their wiring diagrams are decent in my experience....
http://www.minimania.com/LargePic.cf...KSHOP%20MANUAL
or amazon I'm sure .. .

5. We know you have some mods here: I think I see a MK1 grill, seats with headrests and non-SMITHs gauges for starters..... probably much more. You want to start figuring out WHAT else, especially on the engine and suspension b4 you start trying to replace anything.... This is not bad; just part of the fun. I began my journey much like you back 6 years ago so feel free to PM if you want some one on one help. Or ask here, and I suggest you take a look at MiniMania.com and their boards as well....

 

@Capt_bj - thanks so much for all your insights and in depth descriptions! i think the best thing for me as you say would take it to a mini mechanic/specialist to find out what i have / need. thanks again!!

@SebZMonsteR - thanks for the compliment and hope you get the one of your dreams soon!!

-yan

 

Nice looking Mini

A picture of the engine bay might help.

A few questions for you:

1. Why aren't you in touch with the seller?
2. You didn't ask what kind of fuel it runs on before you bought it?
3. Was the Car MOT certified in GB?
4. Do you have a garage to work in with a well stocked collection of tools and some experience working on cars?

If the answer to the last question is no, the enjoyment of your ownership experience might be strained, shall we say.

 

I hope so too. I can't wait! Good luck with yours <3 the color btw

 

thats not a 1968 mk2 mini .....................

its got a mk3 shell......

the rear lights have a reverse light .....

the clocks should be black......

and and there should be external hinged doors with slidding glass.....


mk11 light cluster

black speedo