Hi everyone, I currently own a '74 Austin Mini 1000, with a 1275 engine from an MG Metro. I was wondering if anyone knows of a good british car mechanic in the area? I was driving it last night and something started going thumpa-thumpa in the engine/transmission. it only does it when the car is moving, so probably not the engine. it started out not too bad, seemed like something in suspension was rubbing or something, but then on the way home it got worse. its a sort of rhythmic thumpa-thumpa as if something was vibrating/rubbing, but like it is only for part of the rotation of engine/trans.

perhaps a bearing somewhere?

so, I am looking for a mechanic in the chicago area that would have slightly more knowledge bout minis and british cars than the shmoes at your average auto shop.

 

HRC (Historic Race Cars) in Crystal Lake does full Mini rebuilds and restorations. One of the guys races formula cars, the other has raced MINIs and done several good restorations. He knows the mechanicals very well.
http://www.historicracecar.com/
Ask for Rich, but if he is not there Eves will take care of you.

Period Performance in Hampshire does lots of MINI work. Several of the succesful Minis raced locally were prepared by that shop.

I am sure there are several others.

Good Luck.

 

thanks for the info.

turns out that the lugs on a front wheel came a little loose and it was just the wheel "flopping" around. its all snugged up and Lucille rides again!