Hi all, I just got my first mini!!!
so far im happy with it although i was having some coolant issue on the way back home after purchasing the car. The bypass coolant hose between the head and pump got a hair pin crack and coolant was spilling all over. pulled right over at the gas station and fixed it temporarily.
another sad thing is that i cracked the driver side front flare
the flares on this mini are fiberglass and they are not fitted very well anyways. i'm thinking to get this
http://www.minimania.com/web/Item/AR.../InvDetail.cfm

according to minimania that i will need to cut the arches, is that really neccessary since i already have 13" rims on the car? so can i just put the new flares on without any issue?

here are some pics, what do you think?

 

congrats on nice looking classic

 

I know I'm straying into the Classic section, but...

How much did you pay, what year is it? And are you a natural gear head, or is this something you're evidently going to become?? I've always loved the classic Minis, I just haven't convinced my other half that I really DO NEED it!

Nice car; Happy Motoring!

 

ngweibing, thanks!

x uh oh x, i paid around 6k for this mini. it is a 1972 imported from england. it is already regitered in CA however.

 

very nice and congrates

 

Try driving with a frown on your face - you can't do it! Nice car - have fun!

 

The bypass hoses are something you should have some extras of just in case. They're not too expensive. Mine came loose on my Mini and caused the car to overheat. It didn't need to be replaced but I have extras just in case. BTW, Nice Mini I like it alot.

 

does anyone know what kind of flare do I have on my car? one of the flares is broken and i will need to get a replacement for it.

thanks.

 

They look like Wood & Picket arches, available at MiniMania.

 

NO NEED TO cut...there is a slight rubbing during hard cornering on one side with stock height. Lowering the car increases rubbing.

 

go with the sport pak look

 

really???
now im thinking to just stick with the wood and pickett flare since the sportpack rims will flush with the wood and pickett flare vs having the sportpack flare, the rims will not flush with the flare so it doesnt look as nice unless i add spacers? and the most important thing is that i might go with 10" rims in the future so that the wood and pickett will work with 10" rims as well.

what do you think?

 

Looks damn nice!

congrats on the purchase.... Now its my turn

 

omfg thats my dream classic MINI and for only 6k???!?
im so jealousss. light blue with white. ; ) so fn hott!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

If you do not experience any problems now, likely adding flares wlll not change it. The bigger rims tend to rub at the front edge of the wheel opening at the bottom. This depends on ride height as elprofe mentioned, but also what rim offset you have. In many instances cutting is necessary or your tires foul the fender on a hard turn. This will bend the fender.

 

sweet deal.. .and how hard is it to find parts IF u need it?

 

Parts are easy - MiniMania and GBCarparts have everything you need. DIAGNOSING the issue can be a challenge, as can INSTALLING the parts, unless you know your way around cars. If you're worried though keep this in mind: I'm pretty feeble when it comes to mechanical stuff, and I've been doing pretty well so far (with help from more knowledgeable Mini owners). Luckily, this is a GREAT forum for help and the people here are all very friendly and giving of their time.