Am I wrong to want a classic Mini?
6th Gear
Joined: Jul 2002
Posts: 2,228
Likes: 28
From: Bishop, Ca
(but I chimed in earlier, so I'll be quiet now
)Nik
Thread Starter
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6th Gear
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 5,692
Likes: 2
Tube frames haven't been seen in F1 for a couple of decades, they're all composite/carbon fibre now. However, they're used extensively in a lot of other forms of racing, including my go-kart. 
If you're really concerned about safety in Mini your best bet would be to install a full roll cage.
If you're really concerned about safety in Mini your best bet would be to install a full roll cage.
My concern with the VTECs was more the size of the motor. True, even the sheet metal Minis are going to crumple in an impact, but at least there IS some "crumple" room - it looks like the VTEC is literally filling up every available inch of space fore of the firewall, and all that mass will go SOMEWHERE in a crash (read as: into the cabin).
So yeah... as a race car or an AutoX-er, sure... I'd give my left nut for one. But as a daily driver on pubic roads? Brrrrrr... No thanks. I'll stick to dreaming about "boring" old classics with standard engines.
4th Gear
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 462
Likes: 0
From: Penryn, CA
If you buy a car (1959 to 1974) that is already titled in the US, then it is easy to title in CA. No smog required.
One slight addition / change of word: not a problem for any car "registered" already in the USA (not all states have title laws). Once the 1959-1974 car is imported and then registered in the USA, then the VIN # is in the national database --> no problems with CA registration...so people who have done so have told me although my day of reckoning with the glorious CA DMV is coming soon.
3rd Gear
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 285
Likes: 42
From: Silicon Valley
Hey ArchiMark,
Yes, many race cars have total tube frame construction with a skin (body)wrapped around them in the form/shape specific to their type of racing. I am waaayyy too much a layman to deduce from that whether a tube frame front end is safer than OEM or not. My point, generically, is that the car is so small it probably doesn't matter when you're out on public streets dogding the big boy SUVs. I think I saw roll cages offered by the same mfgr who makes the tube frame front end for the Vtech conversion. A roll cage makes sense for person who's going to drive Vtech mini--presuming they're likely to drive it in a "spirited" fashion-- and if I had a classic mini that yanks 0-60 in five seconds, (and had huge brakes & compatible shocks) I wouldn't be too concerned about conserving fuel.
Yes, many race cars have total tube frame construction with a skin (body)wrapped around them in the form/shape specific to their type of racing. I am waaayyy too much a layman to deduce from that whether a tube frame front end is safer than OEM or not. My point, generically, is that the car is so small it probably doesn't matter when you're out on public streets dogding the big boy SUVs. I think I saw roll cages offered by the same mfgr who makes the tube frame front end for the Vtech conversion. A roll cage makes sense for person who's going to drive Vtech mini--presuming they're likely to drive it in a "spirited" fashion-- and if I had a classic mini that yanks 0-60 in five seconds, (and had huge brakes & compatible shocks) I wouldn't be too concerned about conserving fuel.
2nd Gear
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 82
Likes: 0
From: Sweetwater, Tn
You can always swerve out of the way. The Mini can handle it. I don't hesitate to drive mine but it is not a daily driver. When money gets tight I like to drive it because its way cheaper on gas than my diesel truck. Much more fun too. The windshield wipers suck so I usually avoid driving in heavy rains.
3rd Gear
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 285
Likes: 42
From: Silicon Valley
Man, are we being picayune or what, VA-CarNut????..........
All I really meant was that some racecars used tube type frames, so if it worked for them......
All I really meant was that some racecars used tube type frames, so if it worked for them......
3rd Gear
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 285
Likes: 42
From: Silicon Valley
Ummm...VA-CarNut....look at the end of my post and you'll see the 'wink' there....that means I do have a sense of humor and I was just JOKING you....
3rd Gear
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 285
Likes: 42
From: Silicon Valley
You can always swerve out of the way. The Mini can handle it. I don't hesitate to drive mine but it is not a daily driver. When money gets tight I like to drive it because its way cheaper on gas than my diesel truck. Much more fun too. The windshield wipers suck so I usually avoid driving in heavy rains.
3rd Gear
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 285
Likes: 42
From: Silicon Valley
Hey, Nik, thanks for your input!....
FWIW, I just came back from checking out a Cooper S.....
Holey Moley!!!
Those things screeaammmm and corners pretty good too!!!
Bit noisy though, compared to my Integra.....
OVERDRIVE
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 7,037
Likes: 283
From: Melbourne, FL
A bit noisy
A bit noisy!
My 1275 with a HIF-6 and K&N cone feeds to an LCB then a PlayMini twin DTM
It sounds like a Harley when I stomp it
(or ... if ya gonna join classic world you need to start learnin' the lingo )
please define the following terms
HIF-6
LCB
DTM
1275 is a freebe and I'll guess you can place K&N OK
My 1275 with a HIF-6 and K&N cone feeds to an LCB then a PlayMini twin DTM
It sounds like a Harley when I stomp it
(or ... if ya gonna join classic world you need to start learnin' the lingo
)please define the following terms
HIF-6
LCB
DTM
1275 is a freebe and I'll guess you can place K&N OK
3rd Gear
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 285
Likes: 42
From: Silicon Valley
A bit noisy!
My 1275 with a HIF-6 and K&N cone feeds to an LCB then a PlayMini twin DTM
It sounds like a Harley when I stomp it
(or ... if ya gonna join classic world you need to start learnin' the lingo )
please define the following terms
HIF-6
LCB
DTM
1275 is a freebe and I'll guess you can place K&N OK
My 1275 with a HIF-6 and K&N cone feeds to an LCB then a PlayMini twin DTM
It sounds like a Harley when I stomp it
(or ... if ya gonna join classic world you need to start learnin' the lingo
)please define the following terms
HIF-6
LCB
DTM
1275 is a freebe and I'll guess you can place K&N OK
Well....1 out of 5....
Coordinator :: Sin City MINI Club & AMVIV
Joined: Aug 2002
Posts: 4,587
Likes: 1
From: Las Vegas
1st off, I bought my classic in Ohio (from Sarcux) and drove it almost back to Nevada. It was a non-mechanical (rust) problem that stopped me from driving it 2100 miles in 3 days. Bloody Ohio BMV and their "salt the roads" policy!
ImagoX, there are certainly people in Ohio who can help you with classic Minis.
I had to get parts to get the car back on the road. I got a few from England (MiniSports and MiniSpares both have good prices) and some from closer to home (7 Enterprises are fantastic, GreatBritishParts is excellent, MiniMania has a huge range of parts, as does Moss). Shop around as different places seem to be better at different things.
My classic is registered as a 78, and in Nevada, even classic cars have to pass smog when they are 1st registered. So I took it to a great local mechanic (with no prior Mini experience) with an exhaust sniffer. I left them my SU carb book. By tweaking the timing and mixture, they got the CO and N levels great but couldn't get the hydrocarbons into line. It turns out that my Mini's head has adjustable valves and the exhaust valves weren't closing. Yes, petrol was going straight though the cylinder without being burned. Once we closed the valves, the hydrocarbon ratio went to 67ppm with an allowed 500ppm. So even if the car needs to be smogged, that doesn't make it impossible, it just might need a bit of tweaking.
However, California regs are probably different that NV regs, where a 1978 car has to meet 1978 emissions requirements, not today's.
I'd encourage anyone to get a classic, even if only to learn more about cars. I've driven the classic to work every day this week.
ImagoX, there are certainly people in Ohio who can help you with classic Minis.
I had to get parts to get the car back on the road. I got a few from England (MiniSports and MiniSpares both have good prices) and some from closer to home (7 Enterprises are fantastic, GreatBritishParts is excellent, MiniMania has a huge range of parts, as does Moss). Shop around as different places seem to be better at different things.
My classic is registered as a 78, and in Nevada, even classic cars have to pass smog when they are 1st registered. So I took it to a great local mechanic (with no prior Mini experience) with an exhaust sniffer. I left them my SU carb book. By tweaking the timing and mixture, they got the CO and N levels great but couldn't get the hydrocarbons into line. It turns out that my Mini's head has adjustable valves and the exhaust valves weren't closing. Yes, petrol was going straight though the cylinder without being burned. Once we closed the valves, the hydrocarbon ratio went to 67ppm with an allowed 500ppm. So even if the car needs to be smogged, that doesn't make it impossible, it just might need a bit of tweaking.
However, California regs are probably different that NV regs, where a 1978 car has to meet 1978 emissions requirements, not today's.
I'd encourage anyone to get a classic, even if only to learn more about cars. I've driven the classic to work every day this week.
6th Gear
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 1,114
Likes: 0
From: Kansas City
Right on!
Keep everyone posted with your search/adventure. I may be right behind you on the search. My favorite is still the pickup.
Does anyone know if the pickup has the same basic suspension as the coupes? Are the pickups longer... such as clubman size?
Keep everyone posted with your search/adventure. I may be right behind you on the search. My favorite is still the pickup.
Does anyone know if the pickup has the same basic suspension as the coupes? Are the pickups longer... such as clubman size?
Coordinator :: Sin City MINI Club & AMVIV
Joined: Aug 2002
Posts: 4,587
Likes: 1
From: Las Vegas
I believe the pickups were built on the van wheelbase which is slightly longer and has more overhang than the sedans. They definitely have different petrol tanks and tail lights to the sedans.
3rd Gear
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 274
Likes: 0
From: SoCal
Mark
A guy in our club is selling this great Cooper S - I believe this is the one that was owned by John Coopers nephew who lives in Vista. i almost bought his other one. This one is the real deal.
http://www.minimania.com/web/id/6901...ale_Detail.cfm
A guy in our club is selling this great Cooper S - I believe this is the one that was owned by John Coopers nephew who lives in Vista. i almost bought his other one. This one is the real deal.
http://www.minimania.com/web/id/6901...ale_Detail.cfm
Last edited by sideache; Apr 27, 2007 at 03:49 PM.
3rd Gear
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 285
Likes: 42
From: Silicon Valley
Mark
A guy in our club is selling this great Cooper S - I believe this is the one that was owned by John Coopers nephew who lives in Vista. i almost bought his other one. This one is the real deal.
http://www.minimania.com/web/id/6901...ale_Detail.cfm
A guy in our club is selling this great Cooper S - I believe this is the one that was owned by John Coopers nephew who lives in Vista. i almost bought his other one. This one is the real deal.
http://www.minimania.com/web/id/6901...ale_Detail.cfm
In fact, I saw this ad already and emailed seller a few days ago, he was very good about answering my questions....
Not sure about RHD though....
6th Gear
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 1,114
Likes: 0
From: Kansas City
Hey Sideache,
Granted, this is a silly and probably impossible question to answer, but humor me anyway... How hard is it to find a new home for a classic Mini if (God forbid) after a few years one decides to pass it along? I'm refering to the "average" driver version... not a rare serial number, special editon show car, but your basic $7k Mini that's had numerous owners, numerous mods, etc. I've glanced at cars on minimania's listing so I have a basic concept of the price range-- but it would be interesting to know how many folks across the US are actually in the market for one of these. I would guess that there's a niche market of wannabe owners who aren't concerned about the myriad intricasies of pedigreed, authentic collectors versions with oem components, etc. I (naively) was surprised to see that the classic mini has been under ownership/guidence, partnership, or whatever, with Morris, Riley, Austin, Rover, British Leyland (anyone else?) throughout the years. Nor did I know there were Italian and New Zealand models, which for some folks is a bonus... and a premium. Gosh, call me a newbie (or idiot), but I have never seen or even thought about a Moke until last week. Is that the same vehicular contraption that was featured on that hideous '70s series Fantasy Island? Remember Tattoo driving up and stating "De Plane, De Plane?
I took the advice earlier in this thread and ordered two books from Amazon.com that should help educate me on the "bloodline" and umpteen nuances of this crazy little machine.
So... I presume there's a good market for the thoroughbreds, but what about the mini mutts that are part Rover, part Austin?
I'm hoping ImagoX actually gets one of these and tells us about his experience so I can "own one" vicariously while doing the research.
Granted, this is a silly and probably impossible question to answer, but humor me anyway... How hard is it to find a new home for a classic Mini if (God forbid) after a few years one decides to pass it along? I'm refering to the "average" driver version... not a rare serial number, special editon show car, but your basic $7k Mini that's had numerous owners, numerous mods, etc. I've glanced at cars on minimania's listing so I have a basic concept of the price range-- but it would be interesting to know how many folks across the US are actually in the market for one of these. I would guess that there's a niche market of wannabe owners who aren't concerned about the myriad intricasies of pedigreed, authentic collectors versions with oem components, etc. I (naively) was surprised to see that the classic mini has been under ownership/guidence, partnership, or whatever, with Morris, Riley, Austin, Rover, British Leyland (anyone else?) throughout the years. Nor did I know there were Italian and New Zealand models, which for some folks is a bonus... and a premium. Gosh, call me a newbie (or idiot), but I have never seen or even thought about a Moke until last week. Is that the same vehicular contraption that was featured on that hideous '70s series Fantasy Island? Remember Tattoo driving up and stating "De Plane, De Plane?
I took the advice earlier in this thread and ordered two books from Amazon.com that should help educate me on the "bloodline" and umpteen nuances of this crazy little machine.
So... I presume there's a good market for the thoroughbreds, but what about the mini mutts that are part Rover, part Austin?
I'm hoping ImagoX actually gets one of these and tells us about his experience so I can "own one" vicariously while doing the research.
3rd Gear
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 274
Likes: 0
From: SoCal
I have a RHD and it's a blast. Here's is another SoCal Cooper S that is well cared for. Heritage Garage did a lot of the work on this one. Graham builds a lot of the racers - really good folks at Heritage.
http://www.minimania.com/web/id/7138...ale_Detail.cfm
Link to Heritage.
http://www.heritagegarage.com/
http://www.minimania.com/web/id/7138...ale_Detail.cfm
Link to Heritage.
http://www.heritagegarage.com/
3rd Gear
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 274
Likes: 0
From: SoCal
Hey Sideache,
Granted, this is a silly and probably impossible question to answer, but humor me anyway... How hard is it to find a new home for a classic Mini if (God forbid) after a few years one decides to pass it along? I'm refering to the "average" driver version... not a rare serial number, special editon show car, but your basic $7k Mini that's had numerous owners, numerous mods, etc. I've glanced at cars on minimania's listing so I have a basic concept of the price range-- but it would be interesting to know how many folks across the US are actually in the market for one of these. I would guess that there's a niche market of wannabe owners who aren't concerned about the myriad intricasies of pedigreed, authentic collectors versions with oem components, etc. I (naively) was surprised to see that the classic mini has been under ownership/guidence, partnership, or whatever, with Morris, Riley, Austin, Rover, British Leyland (anyone else?) throughout the years. Nor did I know there were Italian and New Zealand models, which for some folks is a bonus... and a premium. Gosh, call me a newbie (or idiot), but I have never seen or even thought about a Moke until last week. Is that the same vehicular contraption that was featured on that hideous '70s series Fantasy Island? Remember Tattoo driving up and stating "De Plane, De Plane?
I took the advice earlier in this thread and ordered two books from Amazon.com that should help educate me on the "bloodline" and umpteen nuances of this crazy little machine.
So... I presume there's a good market for the thoroughbreds, but what about the mini mutts that are part Rover, part Austin?
I'm hoping ImagoX actually gets one of these and tells us about his experience so I can "own one" vicariously while doing the research.
Granted, this is a silly and probably impossible question to answer, but humor me anyway... How hard is it to find a new home for a classic Mini if (God forbid) after a few years one decides to pass it along? I'm refering to the "average" driver version... not a rare serial number, special editon show car, but your basic $7k Mini that's had numerous owners, numerous mods, etc. I've glanced at cars on minimania's listing so I have a basic concept of the price range-- but it would be interesting to know how many folks across the US are actually in the market for one of these. I would guess that there's a niche market of wannabe owners who aren't concerned about the myriad intricasies of pedigreed, authentic collectors versions with oem components, etc. I (naively) was surprised to see that the classic mini has been under ownership/guidence, partnership, or whatever, with Morris, Riley, Austin, Rover, British Leyland (anyone else?) throughout the years. Nor did I know there were Italian and New Zealand models, which for some folks is a bonus... and a premium. Gosh, call me a newbie (or idiot), but I have never seen or even thought about a Moke until last week. Is that the same vehicular contraption that was featured on that hideous '70s series Fantasy Island? Remember Tattoo driving up and stating "De Plane, De Plane?
I took the advice earlier in this thread and ordered two books from Amazon.com that should help educate me on the "bloodline" and umpteen nuances of this crazy little machine.
So... I presume there's a good market for the thoroughbreds, but what about the mini mutts that are part Rover, part Austin?
I'm hoping ImagoX actually gets one of these and tells us about his experience so I can "own one" vicariously while doing the research.
If you want a Mini for shear enjoyment, any will do. A car in the price range of 5 - 7k is reasonable if the subframes and body are sound. Remember, it's a classic, so you will drop some money into it. We get a lot of folks in SoCal that bring them in from Australia and New Zealand - 3 guys recently - almost all the cars went between 4 and 5 - they were already titled. At that price, dropping another 2 can get you going - that is if the structure is sound. Parts are easy to find.Here's a Mark 1 Mini in SoCal
http://orangecounty.craigslist.org/car/308470136.html