Just bought a projectish mk1 mini from Ontario Canada and I needed some help.

It has a 1275 in it and will not start. I am thinking of bringing it for a tune up and have them assess the condition of the engine however I'm not sure where to bring it. I live in Charlotte nc and need a good mechanic to bring it to.

In addition I was wondering what the foot button next to the clutch is?

 

well for beginners no 60 had a 1275 ... that size engine was introduced later so your first task is to figure out what exactly you bought.

Time to get a Haynes out and start to trace the wiring diagrams and search for some of the build date stamps as well as engine numbers.

If I read my references right the first factory 1275 was the 64 S which still could be either an Austin or a Morris

 

Oh yeah hahaha I forgot to say it's a 60 mini with an engine swap. It seems now the electrical stuff is all discombobulated which is completely stumping me. I really probably need someone with a mind for cars cause mine has reached it's level of knowledge.

 

Searching online for service shops is at your finger tips:

http://www.minimania.com/Service.cfm

 

The foot button -- if its a big rubber thing -- was a crude windshield washer. If its a small round silver button, it may be an attempt "Americanizing" the high beam switch. I've seen both in old Minis.

The 1275 in the Mini was little different from the Sprite/Midget Motor externally (oil pump location is the only major thing I could thnk of). Accordingly, any mechanic who has experience with those cars also has the skills to work on the Mini. Some won't because it was a large pain to get to the "back" of the motor because of space issues.

If I were trying to get an old Mini to start, I'd begin by looking at everything electrical. If it has dual carbs, don't touch them till you know that the electrics are right. Be sure to look at the fuel pump to see if it is actually pumping anything.

The Mini motor was pretty non-complex and largely bullet-proof. Mine needed a valve job about every 40 to 50K miles. It was very easy to work on.