i thought this might be a good place to start a list of classic mini tips and tricks... this stuff may be obvious to some of us, but its this kind of list that will help new owners retain what little sanity they have left!

i'll start...

today my throttle cable broke (for the second time). instead of pushing the car home or having it towed, i used the choke to give the engine gas to drive home to safety... use those blinkers!

ok, your turn... go!

 

You know the little catch lever thingy that hangs down from the hood when it is up? Every classic owner I know has a scar on his forehead from the damn thing! I used to keep a foam bicycle handlebar grip in my toolbox. When the hood went up, the grip went over the catch! That is only after getting the scar, though.

A huge point about replacing throttle cables - KEEP THE HOUSING WELL AWAY FROM THE EXHAUST MANIFOLD! I had a friend die in an accident caused by the throttle cable housing liner melting and causing the cable to stick. I buy that heat shield tubing protector and then zip tie the cable housing away from the exhaust.

 

you have blinkers? boy are you lucky!
doug

 

Loose the points -

Use aftermarket 2-4psi. fuel pump

If the starter bendix wedges with the flywheel (put in 3rd & shove car to pop loose) front bushing worn out. Replace starter with modified japaneese starter. the OEM ones don't last long.

Grease or solder electrical connections especially bullet connectors on older models (never use those blue pinch connectors for splicing in an additional wire )

 

Here's one I used recently on the way to Birmingham AL in 90+ degree weather.

If an important gauge suddenly stops working, i.e. water temperature, the first attempt at repair should always be a couple of sharp taps with the finger on the gauge. It worked and made me VERY happy to be able to monitor water temps in such hot weather. :smile: