So I've tried doing my research on this by: reading the Haynes manual; searching for topics on here; and Googling online. But now I need some questions answered by people with actual experience, please.

For starters I have a '78 Mini 1000, MKIII (I believe).

1. Air filters. I sort of pulled my air filter out. Paper type, circular in shape. The one in there is mostly likely from the UK, as the car came over in June of this year. Does anyone know a US brand and number that will fit. I'm asking b/c I really don't want to have to talk to the boneheads at AutoZone.

2. Starters. I want to change the Starter, solenoid, and coil at some point in the near future. I think I have an inertia type starter, but I'm not sure. The one in the car looks like the one diagramed in the Haynes manual.
Does anyone have any suggestions on a good replacement starter? And how easy/difficult is it to change?

3. Battery Cable. Before I go making an *** out of myself, and electricuting myself, can anyone tell me the gauge of cable/wire that runs from the battery to the starter solenoid? Yet another thing i would like to change soon.

4. Steel rims. Anyone ever paint them before? I kind of want to, but I'm wondering if I'm going to throw off the balance of the tires.

I think that's it for now.

~Cassy

 

Take the filter in to Autozone (etc) and ask them to match it

from memory the starter is dead easy to change - couple of bolts plus the electrical connection - from memory - again pull it and take it in to a parts shop to see if they can match it ?

Cannot help you on the cable.

Painting the rims will not add any appreciable weight - but I would get them stripped and painted - without the tires and weights, get the tire remounted and re-balanced and you are all set.

 

i would just get a K&N filter for your car and never need to worry about it again. Check out www.mrmini.com for some replacement parts

 

I'm not a fan of the K&N filters, b/c they still need to be cleaned, and if it's not done the right way, the filter is not as effective.

Besides the Mini, I have two trucks and I wouldn't use a K&N on them either.

 

Contact Doug Scribner at MiniCityLtd.com Its in Rochester NY not far from you. He can provide you with whatever you need.

Some parts such as starters (you're stuck with Lucas), generators (you can convert to an Alternator and use an upgraded one from a Saturn), ignition parts, solenoids etc are interchangeable with MG Midget/AH Sprite. Sometimes asking for an MG part will get you what you need at Autozone.

Actually, a Ford solenoid will work. That's what's on mine. Coils are universal just match up ohms.

 

i put the delco alt from a GM on mine

 

Well the reason I asked was to see if someone had done this already, and maybe they'd be willing to share what American part would fit.
I did go to Autozone and Advance Auto Parts. Neither place could find a match.

 

not intending to be a smart *** ....

I really never think of going to the local autoparts store for parts for my '79 ... they don't know what a Mini is and if the car ain't in their computer - forget it.

Do you have an adversion to using places like MiniMania.com?

yes if you know the filter or plugs you need odds are you can get them at a well stocked local store....IF you know what you need. If you are learning, I find it helpful to call a Mini knowledgeable store (even if it costs a dollar or two extra)

"MiniMania ... send an air filter for:

then send a starter for:"

it works....

 

I don't have an aversion to using any of the online places. But if I can find it locally, and therefor don't have to pay for shipping, I'd rather do that.

If in the end I have to go online to find parts, thats fine by me. I mean I went online and found the Mini.

 

Cassy:

I sandblasted and painted my steel wheels. Ordered a new set of Kumhos from The Tire Rack ($131.00 for the set). Took them to my local tire store and they mounted and balanced them for $7.00 a tire - half price - provided I left the car there for the day parked in front of the store. It drew a lot of traffic for them.

I ordered a filter from www.gbcarparts.com. Good prices, nice people quick shipping.

Enjoy the ride!

 

Madoc, how did your sandblast and paint job work for your wheels? I want to do something similar to mine (now they're silver paint over white paint and not a real good job). I can sandblast them, but I was wondering about getting them powder coated instead of sprayed.

 

Powder coating is the way to go. If you can find someone to do it reasonably you won't regret it. I had no more than gotten my wheels on the car when the sheetmetal shop next door to our office installed a large powdercoating oven. My luck.

 

Madoc, thanks. I'll start researching where to take them. Maybe I'll take them to Mobile - I understand there's a place there.